Need Suggestions for 7800 tool/choke chain carrier

nharrold · Aug 2, 2004

On my B2150HST, I installed a plastic milk crate on a wooden platform that I'd assembled between the ROPS verticals, using 2x6" lumber and large u-bolts. I use it to carry up to four 15' choke chains, 30" loppers, snatchblocks, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and Gatorade, plus whatever else I'll need out in the woods.

I need to do the same on my B7800, but there are obstructions in the way: primarily lights, the foldable ROPS, and the hydraulic hoses for the top 'n tilt system.

I've attached a photo of the B7800 area behind the seat where I'd like to put the carrier. And I'd like to ask if anyone can offer any ideas or suggestions on how I might get this done.

ronjhall · Aug 3, 2004

nharrold

Here are a couple of threads that I found by searching for Chain Box.

Click Here

Click Here

I plan on making something similar to one of these for my B2910. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

nharrold · Aug 10, 2004

Thanks for those links, Ron. But I'm looking for something bigger, as I need to carry not only my choke chains, but loppers, hammer, wedges, Gatorade, first aid kit, and sometimes one of the chainsaws. But I got a few ideas from those photos; plan to visit a local fabricator to see what he can come up with for me.

RandyBX · Aug 10, 2004

I use my empty ballast box to carry all the items that I need. Works great, but would only work for you if you do not have the 3 point hitch already in use.

JOELENAHAN · Aug 10, 2004

What type of implement do you carry on your 3ph, I usually have my box blade on therefore, I attached a carrier on it. It is a 50 cal. ammo can that can store about 30 ft of chain. I am sure that you can modify the type of container to hold other types of equipment. It might be easier to modify your most used implements than your tractor.

nharrold · Aug 31, 2004

Sorry for the delay in replying, Joe; I've been busier than a cat burying **** on a hot tin roof. I often use my box scraper on the 3PH, but much more often, I use the drawbar to haul log splitters, carts, and other implements. So I can't put a carry box down there. Since I originally submitted the question, I've worked with a nearby fabricator to have hooks welded on the bucket, and now to fabricate the box I need. It must be sturdy enough to carry 60' of 3/8" chain, hand tools, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, gatorade, etc. So he took the measurements and is going to make it out of heavy-duty steel mesh in an angle-iron frame. That'll provide good drainage in wet weather, and will give me better visibility when I'm backing up to put my drawbar ball under the hitches on my implements. I've also got to find a clamp-on hook that I can clamp to the ROPS to hold my 30" loppers. (I'll have to find another place to put the SMV sign.) If he does a decent job on it, I'll sandblast it and paint it Kubota orange, maybe have it powder-coated, then post a picture of it. But I'm relatively low on his work-order list, so it may be another week or two, yet. Appreciate your posting.

MadDog · Sep 2, 2004

nharold: I moved the SMV sign to the outside of the ROPS post by attaching the mounting bracket to the opposite post.

...it is just as functional and will leave you more room for your tool/chain carrier.

nharrold · Sep 8, 2004

Maddog, do you find yourself walking into that SMV sign when it's mounted on the outside of the ROPS? I suspect I'd manage to walk right into it every time I rounded the machine!

(Still waiting on the fabricator to make the box.)

nharrold · Jan 18, 2005

Well, it's been awhile since I originally requested help, but here's what I finally ended up with (photo attached). I had a fabricator make a box for me, and I installed it on the FOPS. I then had to move the SMV emblem to the back of the seat, using stand-off bolts to keep it as vertical as possible, so as to reflect the greatest amount of light.

This set-up represents a lot of cut-and-fit work and a lot of compromises in size, location, etc., so is not at all perfect. If I had to do it again, I'd do a few things differently. Live and learn. However, it does a satisfactory job of carrying most of the items I need when I'm out in the woods on a job. It does not interfere with putting the FOPS in either the folded or extended position. Note also that the pierced metal allows the operator to see what's happening with the 3PH and drawbar.

While some may be put off by my attaching it to the FOPS, Kubota left me no other options. I need that box. And when I weighed the priorities of attaching it to the FOPS or having no box at all, the FOPS lost out. Based on experience, I expect that I'll get more than enough benefit from having the box where it is, with no weakening of the FOPS structure itself due to the several 5/16" holes drilled in it.

MadDog · Jan 18, 2005

Neet looking box, Norm. It does have the potential of reviving Henro's now classic "I drilled my ROPS" thread. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Any reason why the box couldn't be attached to the ROPS verticals with U-Bolts? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Seriously, I don't really think that the bolts will adversely affect the integrity of the ROPS at all.