A Carry-all mounted to Box Blade -

[beowulf]

I have a problem I have not solved. When I am out grooming roads using box blade and FEL (now trying to build bicylce paths criss-crossing the property) I frequently have a need for branch cutters, for fence posts and post pounder, for barb wire and related tools, for saws, etc. in order to clear brush and tree branches for roads thru woods, and to repair fences I find in need of repair. As we have 90 acress I am sometimes far away in the hills and don't really want to come back in. There is no easy way to carry all of these things and I don't want to keep loading and unloading from the FEL as I go from place to place. It seems that it would be possible to build a plywood box with a rack which would mount on the box blade somehow, perhaps by brackets that would slip on the back lip. I did a search but cannot find anything like that. Has anyone tried anything like this ? If no suggestions, I will give it a try. It would seem that something could be built that would not interfere with the use of the box blade. The fence posts (5-10) could, it seems, be on the back of the wooden box in a "U" bracket of some kind, or perhaps in a different --separate way, mounted on top of the box blade.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Since I've been watching and nobody else has jumped in with ideas, let me throw some out to you because while I have a much smaller piece of property, I really hate be down the hillside doing something with the tool I really need up the hill.

Here are some ideas for you.

* I have not done it (YET) but what about a shotgun rack on your ROPS to carry shovels and other long tools?
* Install a LARGE tool box behind the seat of your tractor, I put a box behind one of my seats and it carries 2 types of branch loppers with 16" handles, a small limb saw, various hand cutters, plus some assorted wrenches and other things that I find I need regularly.
* I also keep a handful of heavy duty rubber bungie cords on my ROPS for attaching just about anything that is awkward to carry.
* Use your ROPS frame as attachment points for carrying long tools.
* install a couple of chain buckets on your ROPS frame by making them out of square or rectangular tubing with steel mesh welded to the bottom.

As for your ACTUAL question about a box blade/carry all. I admit I did not look at my box blade, but I would assume it would be easy enough to make something that attaches to the box blade. I would think you could weld up 4 attachement brackets on top of the box blade and then build a box that attached at the 4 bracket points. I would think that you could use simple hitch pins to hold the box in place over the top of the box blade. Then if you needed to remove the box for doing some rough work, the 4 hitch pins would allow for quick removal and re-install.

By the way, I am a desk jocky with not mechanical training. I did buy a small battery operated welder from Sears a few years ago for under $200. It was one of the best purchases I've made. I can't do a lot of major welding jobs, but building little things like this would be a piece of cake with an inexpensive welder, if you don't have a small welder, I would suggest that the cost is easily offset by the convenience of being able to quickly make what you need, and by having what you need your jobs will be more easily accomplished.

 

[LAGEORGE]

I have mounted wood boards on top of my box blade and used it to carry sandbags to a washout out area. But I did that because I was too lazy and it was way to wet to get the box blade off plus I needed the ballast. If you needed to use the box blade for it’s intended purpose you would not be able to see the cutting blade if you had the top covered up with a carryall platform. Also if you did bolt something to the top rear lip it would take a real beating if you dragged the box blade on the ground. You may be able to build a small carryall that only covered the area that was not obstructing the view of the cutting blade or simply remove the carryall when it is not needed. I find your idea very helpful and have often wanted the same thing but my box blade goes on and off to often to be able to count on it for a carryall.

George

 

[CTyler]

I had a piece of 2x2 box tube welded to the back of my BB. It is used as a reciever. I use it to move/pull my car trailer, dump wagon, cultipacker etc... Just switch in whats needed.

Haven't built it yet but want to make a carry unit like you see used for pickups. Just some box tube with expanded metal plugged into the receiver hitch.

 

[CTyler]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Also if you did bolt something to the top rear lip it would take a real beating if you dragged the box blade on the ground )</font>

Would definately have to strap or bungee down what ever you put in there.

 

[LAGEORGE]

That is a good idea!, often I have to move my trailer full of dirt and them want to grade the area after I dump the load. That would save some serious time. Would you happen to have a picture of that setup so I can have them weld one on my box blade.

Thanks
George

 

[CTyler]

I'll post a pic after work tonight.

 

[CTyler]

Here is the pic. The box tube is welded all the way around and to the lip.

 

[CTyler]

It is very strong and doesn't need a gusset. As you can see in this pic I bent the tongue slightly backing up when the cultipacker bound up on a hill and pitched up.

 

[sl3uth]

I guess we're assuming no FEL for this one /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I would like to do something to carry the yard tools as well...but I have been thinking a different route. I have been toying with the idea of mounting a toolbox and gunmount/strap arrangement over the front weights. I don't have a FEL, and this would 1) provide more balast in front, and 2) keep potentially dangerous tools away from my head/body in case of rollover or just plain bouncing around.

Sam