JD 4720 ROPS Toolbox Bracket

[bam747]

This is my solution for attaching a metal JD tool box to my 4720. It should be adaptable to most ROPS structures on other brands of tractors.

The bracket itself is a simple 1" x 2" square tube with the ends closed in. It is attached to the ROPS using square ended U-bolts. I placed some rubber gasket material between the bracket and ROPS so they would not rub metal to metal and create a rust problem.

The toolbox is actually 35 years old and has been in my family for its whole life. I repainted it this year when I made its mounting bracket. I believe JD still sells this same exact tool box today.

One unique thing about the JD tool box is that it is removable. The tool box has its own bracket which is what is actually attached to the 1" x 2" ROPS bracket (see photos). The tool box itself attaches to its bracket using an internal pin.

When the tray is in the tool box and the lid is closed, the tool box cannot come off its bracket no matter how much it is bounced around. However, when you open the tool box, remove the top tray, pull the bracket pin, put the top tray back in, and close the lid, you can take the whole tool box off its bracket and take it with you where ever it is needed. Also, when you have the internal pin in place and put a lock in the tool box hasp, the tool box is securely locked to the tractor. Very nice design!

BTW, as you can also see in the photos, I added a mounting bracket for a grease gun to the tool box ROPS bracket while I was at it. Can't run a tractor without a grease gun!

 

[Rusty]

Nice looking installation! Thanks for sharing. I've been looking for a clean way to mount a larger toolbox to my CUT.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

looks nice......

i hope to get something removable mounted on mine this winter....i've got to have a place to put things!

i bought, what looks to be, the same grease gun and bracket you did...i wanted it right on there too.......another project!

i've been trying to figure out how to make my tool box removable like you did...

 

[Deerlope]

Nice looking piece of workmanship. But I have to ask will you know how to hook up those hoses if they ever get unhooked?

 

[bam747]

Nice looking piece of workmanship. But I have to ask will you know how to hook up those hoses if they ever get unhooked?

It's all done by color.

Each pair of the three valves has a different matching set of colored male/female dust plugs/covers.

The male dust plugs are attached to the female SCV conctors on the tractor. The female dust covers are attached to the male hose ends.

I also marked each "top" hose of the each pair with yellow tape so I know which hose plugs into the top coupler of each pair.

Hopefully the attached detail photos make it clear. Piece of cake!

And just in case you're wondering what all those hoses are controlling, see the last photo. It's a Land Pride RBT35 rear blade with hydraulic angle, tilt, and offset. Sweet!

BTW... The far left SCV/Hose is JD's power beyond circuit. It's waiting for something like a backhoe sometime in the future.

 

[JB4310]

Yea I was gonna say it looks like Remote Depot back there, must do some serious grading! I do like the removable tool box concept, wonder if they still make one like that.

 

[bam747]

Yea I was gonna say it looks like Remote Depot back there, must do some serious grading! I do like the removable tool box concept, wonder if they still make one like that.

This link John Deere Home & Workshop Products: Tractor/truck toolbox has the tool box at a list price of $43. I'm not sure if that includes the removable mounting bracket or if it is an additional part (listed in the description for the tool box).

 

[JB4310]

Thanks, when you said 35 years old I thought no way it would still be available, I wrote both part numbers down and will call the dealer tomorrow, they don't mention the tray hope there is one.
I don't really need a lot of tools around the yard but even for the few necessary tools, gloves, pins, rags bug spray etc. etc. etc. it would be nice to free up the little fender compartment for cell phone or camera.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

same thoughts i had...exactly! i wasn't even going to ask because he had it so long.......

i just need some basic stuff; tools, camera, cells, extra blades for the flail....


thanks for posting that, bam! i'll stop by our local deere dealer on my way to the property this morning.....i took the day off to go out there and work!

Thanks, when you said 35 years old I thought no way it would still be available, I wrote both part numbers down and will call the dealer tomorrow, they don't mention the tray hope there is one.
I don't really need a lot of tools around the yard but even for the few necessary tools, gloves, pins, rags bug spray etc. etc. etc. it would be nice to free up the little fender compartment for cell phone or camera.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

well, i stopped by the local deere dealter today........sure enough, he had one.....

he priced me the box....$41 or so.....i was impressed with the thickness of the steel compared to what you'd buy at the big box stores....

then he priced me the bracket! $50 something

then, like an idiot, i handed him my check card

 

[bam747]

well, i stopped by the local deere dealter today........sure enough, he had one.....

he priced me the box....$41 or so.....i was impressed with the thickness of the steel compared to what you'd buy at the big box stores....

then he priced me the bracket! $50 something

then, like an idiot, i handed him my check card

OUCH on the bracket price!

Unfortunately, I have not seen any other removable tool box or tool box system that works as well as this particular JD tool box and bracket for use on a tractor.

Well, the total package is expensive, but you can take some solace in the fact that I can tell you from lots of personal experience that it just works, and works well. The one I have has been in use for 35 years, bounced around all kinds of fields doing all kinds of tractor work (mowing, haying, tilling, etc.), and it is still going strong. I didn't really even need to repaint it, but I went ahead and did it (with a spray enamel) just to make it look pretty again.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

honestly, i don't mind paying more for something when it is quality and the purpose i have for it requires something heavy duty and built right........

i like to buy things that will outlast me, i like to buy something one time.....and, i'm pretty tight on everything else- i buy used for just everything; atvs, cars, mowers, tools, etc......

now i just need to get it mounted......the new erogonomic tractors don't really have too many places to put things....

OUCH on the bracket price!

Unfortunately, I have not seen any other removable tool box or tool box system that works as well as this particular JD tool box and bracket for use on a tractor.

Well, the total package is expensive, but you can take some solace in the fact that I can tell you from lots of personal experience that it just works, and works well. The one I have has been in use for 35 years, bounced around all kinds of fields doing all kinds of tractor work (mowing, haying, tilling, etc.), and it is still going strong. I didn't really even need to repaint it, but I went ahead and did it (with a spray enamel) just to make it look pretty again.

 

[JB4310]

Yea my dealer said $52 for the box and $56 for the bracket, at first I thought no way would I pay that much, but I may break down and get it, I don't mind paying good money for something that's just what you need/want. I still can't believe over fifty bucks for a bent pc of metal, maybe I could make the bracket if I had some specs.