[mikesj]

Since I bought this tractor, I've been trying to figure out a good way of mounting a small tool box on it- without drilling into the tractor. I wanted something that would be out of the way and reasonably watertight, just to hold a few odds and ends.

Here's what I came up with- I'm going to give it a quick sanding, prime it, and paint it Kubota Gray. I will probably attach the SMV reflector bracket to it.

It's a little wobbly, since the metal of the can is thin and there are only two attachment points. With the lid attached and locked down it's not too bad, but I might add a board on the inside to reinforce it if it's a problem.

This was simple as can be. The last shot is my toe- I was using my feet to loosely hold the can while I drilled- the bit caught and spun the can- doh!

 

[SonnyT]

Good idea! Post up a pic when you get it painted.:fing32:

 

[deereboy55]

I don't know of any tractor guys that paint toes:sidelaugh

 

[Luv2Q]

Very cool! Is that tab on your ROPS something that's factory installed? I don't have one on my B's ROPS, but a couple of U-bolts might work instead. Good idea .. I like ammo cans for tool boxes. Usually, they're pretty water-tight.

 

[APinNY]

I don't know of any tractor guys that paint toes:sidelaugh

:sidelaugh:sidelaugh:sidelaugh

Nice job with the box Mike. :thThumbsU

 

[mikesj]

The tab is from the factory. It's welded onto the ROPS and the SMV reflector bracket is bolted to it. I've read where other guys have used PVC pipe and made cylindrical tool carriers and I was seriously considering doing that. Then I remembered I had this can and after a couple of years scratching my head, I finally put 2 and 2 together. I spent more time hopping around on one foot after banging my toe than it took to mount it.

Another plus is that I now have onboard ammo storage for that belt-fed minigun I've always wanted...

 

[APinNY]

Another plus is that I now have onboard ammo storage for that belt-fed minigun I've always wanted...

I guess the neighbors won't be asking for any tractor favors anymore.

 

[jb62901]

I went with the PVC tube.

 

[Loremaster72]

That sure looks like a good spot for a toolbox. I'm working on something similar for my Dad's B3000. Is there a reason you mounted it with the latch toward the inside and the lid opening outward? I would have thought you would want it facing the opposite direction, as you'll probably be standing to its left when using it.

The use of U-bolts was mentioned above. I would like to caution you if you do use them around the ROPS post, you need to be sure that they don't dig into the outer surface of the tube. A dent in a tube can create a point that will initiate a failure under compression load. Try to get square bottom U-bolts, or use standard bolts and a spreader plate to align the fasteners.

 

[Loremaster72]

Another thought I had, more for general reference than anything else, is that some old ammo boxes in the 50 cal. size had a hinge on the long side instead of the end. These are much harder to find. I'm not sure if they are foreign made or just an older pattern. There are also some poly boxes of similar size to the 50 cal ammo can with the lid hinging on the long side that should work well. If using a plastic box, I'd be sure to add a reinforcing plate inside the box to spread the mounting bolt load over a larger area.

 

[mikesj]

I didn't have a reason for mounting it with the latch facing in. It might have been a better idea to face it the other way, but it's not a problem for my purposes. I mounted the bracket for the SMV triangle on it and mowed for a couple of hours. I didn't even notice that it was on.

Jb: that pvc one turned out well.

 

[Loremaster72]

Here's the photos of the ammo can mounted to the SMV bracket on my Dad's B3000, as I mentioned previously. My dad went ahead and mounted it before I had a chance to rig up a retainer spring. Unless you are going over some really hard bumps, you probably don't need it, as the bracket fits snugly. He turned the bracket around backward, and it holds the box in a little closer to the machine. The one thing he mentioned that he meant to do but accidentally didn't was face the latch toward the outside of the machine, as it would be more convenient. All in all, it worked out pretty well, and holds those few tools and spare pins you inevitably need when hooking up stuff. I'd say it's robust enough that you could probably mount a slightly larger ammo can, but I wouldn't recommend adding a ton of weight in it. That bracket is just not designed to hold a sledge hammer. It's also a lot handier than the box the factory provided under the seat.