Chain basket for JD 3032E

[picker77]

For some reason I've been on a roll with expanded metal lately. I like to carry around two or three lengths of 5/16" chain for all-purpose use, but lacked a convenient way to carry them. Since there are some unused cast bosses with 3/8"-16 tapped holes on the 305 loader's right side mast, I tacked together this little 4"x8"x8" chain basket to mount there. Extra care was taken to round off all edges and corners, and it doesn't stick out in the way. Easily carries a couple of 6' lengths plus a 14' length of 5/16" chain. The usual disclaimer about my fabrication skills applies.

 

[RoyJackson]

And who said Deere wasn't thinking ahead when they put those threaded holes in there!
Really nice job, picker!

 

[k0ua]

Holy cow, man! will you please get that beautiful shiny tractor out and get some of the paint scraped off of it? You are making the rest of us look bad! And are you just sitting around all day and thinking up neat things to put on it?:laughing: In all seriousness that is a great idea, and you made use of an existing hole. Heck if we leave you alone long enough, you will probably come up with other ideas:thumbsup: Hope you are enjoying your new JD
Best Regards
James K0UA

 

[picker77]

Holy cow, man! will you please get that beautiful shiny tractor out and get some of the paint scraped off of it? You are making the rest of us look bad! And are you just sitting around all day and thinking up neat things to put on it?:laughing: In all seriousness that is a great idea, and you made use of an existing hole. Heck if we leave you alone long enough, you will probably come up with other ideas:thumbsup: Hope you are enjoying your new JD
Best Regards
James K0UA

Naw, I just got it so I'd have something to wax and polish in the shop this winter. Besides, you know how us hams get when we start "improving" stuff... and it's been 103 or more just about every day the past two weeks with no end in sight. I'm getting wimpy in my old age.
73, W5KP

 

[CBW1999]

WOW...all shiny and pretty....is that a museum piece? :laughing:

Nice work! :thumbsup:

 

[picker77]

You ain't seen nothin', yet...

I figure a major step forward toward future procurement of things like a set of Chris' pallet forks, a tooth bar, etc. would be for the wife to learn to drive this thing. But she's a little scared about remembering what all the controls and pedals do, so...

Heh, heh... Eat your heart out, OSHA!!

 

[Johndeere3720]

You ain't seen nothin', yet...

I figure a major step forward toward future procurement of things like a set of Chris' pallet forks, a tooth bar, etc. would be for the wife to learn to drive this thing. But she's a little scared about remembering what all the controls and pedals do, so...

Heh, heh... Eat your heart out, OSHA!!

:laughing: Nice! :thumbsup: Great job on that chain basket, looks awsome! :thumbsup:

 

[kennyd]

:thumbsup:

 

[k0ua]

Very cool!.. I didn't know you were ham also..
73
James K0UA

 

[jdfire]

The usual disclaimer about my fabrication skills applies.

What's the usual disclaimer? "Warning: These objects are even MORE awesome than they appear in the picture!"

Nice job!

 

[picker77]

JDfire, let's just say that certified welding inspectors are not welcome around my shop.

 

[czechsonofagun]

Looks great - inspirational even:thumbsup:

Did you use brake to bend the expanded metal?

 

[picker77]

No, bending a single piece would have made more sense, but unfortunately I don't own a brake. I did it the hard way by carefully cutting and matching up four sides and a bottom piece, and welding them along the inside using tiny 1/16" 6013 rods and low heat. With a little judicious grinding and cleanup it came out looking almost like it was all one piece bent on a brake. After putting 3/4" angle around the top and bottom and adding a couple of pieces of 1-1/2" x 3/16" strap on the back for mounting, the resulting "box" was very stiff and solid. It's amazing how much chain a little 4x4x8" box will hold. I have three lengths of 5/16" chain in it right now and it's only about 2/3 full. It's turned out to be a very handy addition, no need to walk back to the shop for chains anymore, it's always right there when I need it.

 

[k0ua]

Wow! I am even more impressed, I would have never guessed the expanded metal was not all one piece. A lot of people don't think you can weld little thin metal with stick, but you have sure showed them! I have used more 1/16 rod, either 6013 or 7014 (looking for low penetration, high deposition) than all other sizes/types. I usually find myself trying to repair some little thin broken piece of junk. I am in the process of learning gas welding, getting better
James K0UA

 

[czechsonofagun]

Yup, even more impressed sums it just right.