Shipping container as SCUT/CUT tractor barn

[frugalangler]

Not sure if this is best forum, but...........


Has anyone considered using or is using a Conex type shipping container as a tractor barn for their small tractor? I'm considering it, it's a quick and fairly economical way to expand storage weather tight, seems a 20' cube would be ideal, they have an opening of about 7'6" (or 78" roughly) and most CUTs are less than 60" (maybe 72" with a 60" MMM).

If so, how did our would you set it, I've herd of using RR ties, and also 12" piers in frost locales. Just curious of others experiences.

Thanks

 

[rustyshakelford]

We just sat a 40' high cube down on some cement pavers. Kept a Deere 5055e cab tractor and loader in it. Had to back it in and was a tight fit to get out of the cab but it kept it safe and out of the sun

Brett

 

[shadetree]

Take a look at what Swampfox has to say about his over at WFM... looks like he has put some thought into it.

Love Your Storage Shipping Container(s)?

 

[RjCorazza]

I kept my previous L3410 in a 40' container for 13 or so years. What I did was lay down gravel, then 8 railroad ties with concrete levelers as required. I would lay it down the same if doing it again, but for a 40' box I would pay a little more and get doors on both ends.
I currently keep my zd mowers and snow implements in the container.

 

[Wagtail]

There's a few threads on the subject at the bottom of this page, in the "Similar Threads" section.

There are also companies that make roofs for using between two containers.

 

[EddieWalker]

I did it for awhile before I moved to my land and I needed a secure place to keep my tractor. I had to fold down my ROPS to get it in there, and it's a tight squeeze getting around it, but it worked good.

I'm not a fan of Railroad Ties since they rot out so quickly here. I just put down 4 inches of road base gravel and had the guy delivering it put it on the gravel.

 

[Stimw]

Been there, done that!
It took me about 6 months to get my building put up so I kept my 3510 Branson in my 45' container. I lived 50 miles away and wanted it secure.
Pic is of my moving the container, I had it put down where I wanted the building and had to move it.
It is now 12' away from the building if I ever want to do a roof-over.
When shopping for a container look for a "High Cube" they are taller inside.
My tractor was a little tight but it can go in with the ROP up.
Just know that they get very hot inside and you need some kind of roof venting for long term.
I just went right on the ground but all I have is sand under it.

 

[462]

A friend of mine got two 40' high cubes delivered to NW Florida from a company based in New Orleans for $3500 each. About a 3.5 hour trip one way. Not sure they were one-trippers but they look nearly new.

 

[Cavjock22]

In my opinion, unless you're using the tractor once a week, a shipping container is the only way to store it. it'll keep all of the rodents away from your wiring and eating your plastic parts. I would be scared to death to see what a rat could do with all the new computers and harnesses in tractors. A shipping container will also keep your tractor out of the elements. The paint will never fade in the tractor will look like new if you ever decide to resell it. I recommend adding some vents to the front and the back to keep some air moving through the container.. Jusy, FYI I now back the tractor in so that I can get out of the container much easier..

 

[frugalangler]

..... I would be scared to death to see what a rat could do with all the new computers and harnesses in tractors. .....

I also have issues w/ squirrels - they chew the siding on the house - Hardie concrete board siding - them tree rats will chew on anything, I've also lost wiring on the ZTR when it sat out due to storage issues, trailer wiring and plugs, gas caps (5 so far), oil dip stick caps (2 so far), to name a few!

 

[sandman2234]

I purchased a used container back in the early 80's...the kind they don't make any more (that I know of). Darn thing is 40 foot long, and cost me $275. I borrowed a truck from the company, loaded it up with a couple of forklifts and hauled it home. Now getting it off was a little more of a challenge. Nothing a local wrecker company can't fix dragging it off!
Anyway, it has two cast end pieces where the lift/tie down area is, wood doors covered by aluminum and the rest of the container is made of aluminum.
When I get tired of it, I can always get my money back at the scrap yard with my solid aluminum container!
David from jax

 

[Cavjock22]

Pics of Bota backed in..

 

[Sodo]

I have my tractor in a 20-footer on 1 1/4 minus rock. I wish I put down a vapor barrier under it. Moisture rises through the wood floor and condenses on the cold metal tractor inside.

I'm thinking I can jack it up & slide plastic under the container. and then it needs airflow above the plastic, but I'd rather not raise it any higher off the ground.

 

[Spanner]

Down here we refer to that as 'sweating'. Items in containers 'sweat'. They don't really but it looks as if they are.:sweatdrop:

Ventilation is the key to successful container storage.

Solar powered fans - One each end and draughting In & Out creates a through-flow of air. :thumbsup:

:wrench:

 

[Cavjock22]

I have my tractor in a 20-footer on 1 1/4 minus rock. I wish I put down a vapor barrier under it. Moisture rises through the wood floor and condenses on the cold metal tractor inside.

I'm thinking I can jack it up & slide plastic under the container. and then it needs airflow above the plastic, but I'd rather not raise it any higher off the ground.

Both my 40's sit above the ground on cinder blocks. I have no problems with sweating. But, i'm in a pretty dry climate in south texas... I also have two metal screens I have installed up high on the doors..

No sweating here...

 

[Soldier415]

Been there, done that!
It took me about 6 months to get my building put up so I kept my 3510 Branson in my 45' container. I lived 50 miles away and wanted it secure.
Pic is of my moving the container, I had it put down where I wanted the building and had to move it.
It is now 12' away from the building if I ever want to do a roof-over.
When shopping for a container look for a "High Cube" they are taller inside.
My tractor was a little tight but it can go in with the ROP up.
Just know that they get very hot inside and you need some kind of roof venting for long term.
I just went right on the ground but all I have is sand under it.

What size building is that?

 

[Stimw]

Building is 40' X 60' X 14' and yes they shrink after you get them up!

 

[lilrez]

In my opinion, unless you're using the tractor once a week, a shipping container is the only way to store it. it'll keep all of the rodents away from your wiring and eating your plastic parts. I would be scared to death to see what a rat could do with all the new computers and harnesses in tractors. A shipping container will also keep your tractor out of the elements. The paint will never fade in the tractor will look like new if you ever decide to resell it. I recommend adding some vents to the front and the back to keep some air moving through the container.. Jusy, FYI I now back the tractor in so that I can get out of the container much easier..

What size of tractor is this. I'd like to store my 5030 in a sea container but not sure if I can get in and out of cab