Why Land Plane Attachments Are Essential for Skid Steer Grading

[MikePhua]

The Evolution of Land Plane Attachments
Land plane attachments have quietly become one of the most effective grading tools for skid steers, especially in landscaping, driveway maintenance, and site preparation. Originally developed as a simplified alternative to box blades and grading rakes, land planes use dual cutting edges and a flat frame to shave high spots and redistribute material evenly across a surface. Their design allows operators to achieve a smooth finish without relying on laser systems or complex hydraulics.
Manufacturers like Bobcat, Virnig, and Titan Attachments have refined the land plane over the years, offering models ranging from 72 to 84 inches wide. These attachments are typically built with reinforced steel frames, reversible cutting edges, and optional scarifiers for breaking up compacted soil. While exact sales figures are not publicly disclosed, land planes have become a staple in compact equipment fleets across North America.
How Land Planes Work
A land plane operates by dragging its cutting edges across the ground, slicing off high spots and filling in low areas. Unlike a bucket, which scoops and lifts material, the land plane keeps its blades in constant contact with the surface, allowing for continuous leveling. The dual blades—usually front and rear—create a shearing action that improves consistency.
Key features include:

• Reversible hardened steel blades for extended wear life
  
• Open frame design that allows material to flow through
  
• Optional scarifier teeth for loosening hard-packed surfaces
  
• Bolt-on mounts compatible with standard skid steer quick-attach systems
  

The simplicity of the land plane makes it ideal for operators of all skill levels. It requires minimal adjustment and can be used effectively without GPS or grade control systems.
Applications and Field Performance
Land planes excel in several tasks:

• Grading gravel driveways and parking lots
  
• Preparing soil for sod or seed
  
• Leveling building pads and walkways
  
• Maintaining horse arenas and trails
  

In British Columbia, a contractor used an 84-inch Bobcat land plane to regrade a gravel driveway that had suffered from years of washboarding. The attachment shaved off the high ridges and redistributed material evenly, eliminating the need for additional gravel. He noted that the plane revealed surface imperfections invisible to the eye, allowing for a more precise finish.
Another operator in Florida replaced his grading bucket with a land plane for prepping lawns. Combined with a tilt-tach coupler, he was able to contour slopes and feather edges with ease. He described the land plane as “the best attachment I own,” citing its speed and finish quality.
Comparing Land Planes to Other Grading Tools
While land planes are not as aggressive as box blades or power rakes, they offer unique advantages:

• Faster finish grading with fewer passes
  
• Less aggressive soil disturbance, preserving subgrade
  
• Lower maintenance due to fewer moving parts
  
• Better visibility and control for the operator
  

Box blades are better suited for cutting into hard soil or moving large volumes of material, while power rakes excel at pulverizing clumps and removing debris. Land planes fill the niche between these tools, offering precision and speed for surface refinement.
Design Improvements and Manufacturer Background
Bobcat Company, founded in 1947, was among the first to offer land plane attachments for compact loaders. Their models feature replaceable blades and integrated wear pads. Virnig Manufacturing, established in Minnesota, offers heavy-duty land planes with optional scarifiers and powder-coated finishes. Titan Attachments, known for budget-friendly implements, provides entry-level models for small contractors and property owners.
Recent design improvements include:

• Adjustable blade pitch for fine-tuning cut depth
  
• Integrated leveling indicators for visual feedback
  
• Reinforced side rails to prevent frame flex
  
• Modular scarifier kits for multi-surface versatility
  

These enhancements have made land planes more adaptable to varied soil types and job site conditions.
Tips for Optimal Use
To get the best results from a land plane:

• Operate at moderate speed to allow material flow
  
• Make multiple passes in alternating directions
  
• Use scarifiers on compacted or rocky surfaces
  
• Keep blades sharp and replace when worn
  
• Avoid excessive down pressure to prevent gouging
  

For sloped grading, pairing the land plane with a tilt-tach coupler allows for precise angle control. Operators should also monitor blade wear and frame alignment to maintain consistent performance.
Conclusion
Land plane attachments offer a simple yet powerful solution for grading tasks with skid steers. Their ability to smooth surfaces, redistribute material, and reveal hidden imperfections makes them indispensable for contractors and landscapers alike. As compact equipment continues to evolve, the land plane remains a timeless tool—proving that sometimes, the most effective solutions are also the most straightforward.