Choosing the Right Size of Land Plane Attachment

When it comes to land grading, leveling, and general ground preparation, few tools are as effective and versatile as a land plane attachment. This piece of equipment is essential for contractors, landscapers, and landowners who need to create smooth, even surfaces on uneven terrain. However, selecting the right size land plane for your skid steer or track loader can be a challenge. With various sizes available and several factors to consider, it’s crucial to understand what will work best for your machine, your job requirements, and the materials you’re working with.

In this blog, we’ll explore the uses of a land plane, the factors to consider when choosing the right size, and take a closer look at the KAGE Greater Bar — a land plane attachment that has become a game-changer in the grading world.

What is a Land Plane?

A land plane attachment is used for grading, leveling, and smoothing surfaces. It consists of a frame, blade or set of blades, and a mechanism that allows the attachment to glide over the surface being worked. It can be used to clear debris, smooth gravel, remove ruts, fill in low spots, and maintain roads, driveways, and fields. Land planes are primarily used with skid steers, track loaders, and other types of equipment like tractors.

They are ideal for applications like:

• Driveway and road maintenance: Creating smooth, even surfaces by grading gravel roads or driveways.
• Landscaping: Leveling out uneven ground for lawn installation or other landscaping projects.
• Agriculture: Preparing fields or pastures by grading and leveling soil.
• Construction and site prep: Ensuring a level surface for foundation work, drainage systems, or other construction projects.
• Walking paths and trails: Removing trip hazards and washouts.

How to Choose the Right Size Land Plane Attachment

Choosing the correct size land plane for your skid steer or track loader depends on several factors, including the size and capacity of your machine, the type of work you intend to do, and the surface area you’ll be grading. Let’s dive into each of these factors in detail.

1. Skid Steer or Track Loader Size and Lift Capacity

The first consideration when selecting a land plane attachment is the size of your skid steer or track loader. Land planes come in different widths and lengths, so it’s important to match the attachment size with your machine’s lift capacity and hydraulic power. The width of the land plane should ideally be around the same width or slightly wider than the machine itself, but not so wide that it causes difficulty maneuvering in tight spaces or working on smaller, more confined areas.

• Mini Skid Steers or Track Loaders (1,500-3,000 lbs. operating weight): Mini skid steers and mini track loaders are your friend when working in tight spaces as their widths range from 36 inches to 55 inches. This accommodates and ideal land plane width of around 3.5 to 5 feet wide.
• Compact skid steers or track loaders (3,000–6,000 lbs. operating weight): If you’re working with a smaller skid steer or track loader, a narrower land plane (around 5 to 6 feet wide) may be ideal. These machines typically don’t have the power or lift capacity to handle large, wide attachments.
• Mid-sized skid steers (5,000–8,000 lbs. operating weight): For these machines, a 6 to 7-foot land plane is typically a good fit. These attachments offer a balance between maneuverability and the ability to handle larger grading tasks.
• Large skid steers or track loaders (8,000–12,000 lbs. operating weight): Larger machines can typically handle 8 to 10-foot land planes or even wider, depending on the lift capacity and the machine’s overall power.

2. Job Requirements and Work Surface

Another factor to consider is the nature of the work you plan to do. Will you be grading small areas like a backyard lawn, or larger areas like a driveway or agricultural field?

• Small to medium tasks: If you’re working on smaller projects (e.g., leveling a backyard), a smaller attachment (6 feet or less) will provide more precise control and is easier to maneuver.
• Larger tasks: For larger-scale grading tasks like roads, fields, or large construction sites, you’ll want a wider land plane (7 feet or more). This will allow you to cover more ground faster and achieve better results.
• Terrain type: Keep in mind that the type of material or terrain you’re working on can also influence your choice. For example, if you’re grading soft soil, a smaller and lighter weight land plane may work fine. However, when working with rocky, uneven terrain or thick gravel, more durable attachment may be required to handle the strain.

3. Adjustability and Control

One of the key features of land planes is their ability to adjust the cutting height or grading depth. When selecting the right size, it’s essential to choose a land plane that offers a level of adjustability that fits your work needs. For example, some land planes come with hydraulic adjustment features, allowing you to control the depth of grading or smoothing directly from the cab of your skid steer.

The KAGE GreatER Bar, for example, offers superior control over grading depth and precision, helping operators to fine-tune their work for optimal results.

The KAGE GreatER Bar: A Top Choice for Land Grading

When choosing a land plane attachment, the KAGE GreatER Bar stands out as an excellent choice for both novice and experienced operators. The KAGE GreatER Bar is a durable, adjustable, and versatile land plane attachment designed to offer precise control over grading and leveling. Whether you are dealing with gravel roads, dirt fields, or other types of surfaces, the KAGE GreatER Bar delivers top-notch results.

Features of the KAGE GreatER Bar

• High-Quality Construction: The KAGE Greater Bar is built with high-strength steel that is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy-duty land grading. It offers long-lasting durability even when used in challenging environments.
• Adjustable Ripper Teeth: The attachment is equipped with adjustable ripper teeth that allow operators to control the depth of the scarification easily. This is especially useful when working with different types of materials or terrain.
• Efficiency: The KAGE GreatER Bar is designed to work efficiently and reduce the number of passes required. It features a unique grading mechanism that ensures a smooth, even finish every time.
• Ease of Use: The KAGE GreatER Bar is designed for ease of use and quick adjustments, making it ideal for both professional operators and those new to land grading equipment.

Why Choose the KAGE Greater Bar?

• Versatility: Whether you need to level dirt, gravel, clay, sand or a combination of materials, the KAGE GreatER Bar handles it all with ease.
• Precision: The ability to fine-tune grading depth gives operators a high degree of precision, ensuring a superior finish on every job.
• Built for Efficiency: With features designed to reduce downtime and increase productivity, the KAGE GreatER Bar is a time-saving tool that maximizes your machine’s potential.
• Size Options: KAGE offers the GreatER Bar in a 48-inch width for mini skid steers and mini track loaders, a 72-inch width for compact and mid-size skid steers and track loaders, and an 84-inch with for mid- and large-sized skid steers and track loaders.

Selecting the Right Land Plane for Your Skid Steer or Track Loader

Choosing the right size of land plane attachment is crucial for maximizing efficiency, performance, and safety on the job. Consider your skid steer or track loader’s size and capacity, the type of work you’ll be doing, and the type of terrain you’ll be working on when selecting the right attachment. The KAGE Greater Bar offers a high-quality, durable solution for anyone looking to take their grading and leveling work to the next level.

By investing in the right land plane attachment for your machine, you can ensure smoother, faster, and more precise grading, saving both time and money while improving the overall quality of your work. Whether you’re handling small landscaping tasks or large construction projects, the right land plane will help you get the job done efficiently and professionally.