Simple approach for adding a tool box

Kubota Tee · Oct 15, 2013

I've been wanting to add a real sized toolbox to my Kubota Grand L 3540 for some time now and have thoroughly enjoyed researching all the unique and creative ideas people have come up with for adding additional tool storage to their tractors. I wanted to leverage existing mount points on the tractor as well as keeping the design relatively simple, yet functional. I haven't seen this particular approach done before, but I can't imagine I'm the first one to come up with this idea. I started with a piece of 2"x3" angle iron and had it cut to fit onto the ROPS where they mount behind the operators station. Since I often travel on the local roads, I needed to incorporate the SMV mount into the design, so I also had a slit cut in so I could mount the bracket behind where the new toolbox will go.

murphy1244 · Oct 15, 2013

Where's the box?

Kubota Tee · Oct 15, 2013

Now that I have everything test fitted, I'm going to paint the new bracket to match the ROPs and hopefully by the time I have the paint job done my new 20" tool box will arrive. I'll post some pics of the finished product in a few days so you can see how it turned out. I'm really looking forward to the additional storage!

Kubota Tee · Oct 15, 2013

murphy1244 said:
Where's the box?

I ended up ordering a Kubota branded tool box from Messicks. It's 20" wide, so I'll have a few inches on either side for a nice comfortable fit. Once it arrives, I'll get it mounted up and post some pics. Anticipation . . . . .

Kubota Tee · Oct 18, 2013

The UPS guy delivered the tool box today and just in time!

Two coats of primer .....

Three coats of ROPS Gray Enamel ......

And 1 Kubota tool box. Guaranteed not to rust!

PRICELESS!!!

murphy1244 · Oct 18, 2013

Lookin Good! Nice job.

Kubota Tee · Oct 18, 2013

murphy1244 said:
Lookin Good! Nice job.

Thanks Murphy! I know I overpaid to get the branded tool box, but I figure it looks letter on the tractor and I won't have to worry about it rusting out on me.

murphy1244 · Oct 18, 2013

Kubota Tee said:
Thanks Murphy! I know I overpaid to get the branded tool box, but I figure it looks letter on the tractor and I won't have to worry about it rusting out on me.

If that's what you want then that's what you want. You only have to please you.

npalen · Oct 18, 2013

That is every which way cool !!!!!!!

Kubota Tee · Oct 18, 2013

npalen said:
That is every which way cool !!!!!!!

I'm honored by your comments! Thank you.

Thomas

CantonHayGuy · Oct 19, 2013

Looks good! "I know I overpaid to get the branded tool box, but I figure it looks letter on the tractor...." I agree, looks better on the tractor than a generic box.

Kubota Tee · Oct 19, 2013

After putting the SMV sign back on I wasn't happy with how it blocked the tool box. After further examination, I discovered additional mounting holes at the bottom of the factory tool box (if you could call it that). I had to make up an extension arm for the factory sign bracket, but it was pretty straight forward. Found a piece of matching width and thickness metal at the local hardware store, drilled some holes ..... 2 coats primer, 3 coats ROPS gray and back in action.

Also added some reflective tape to dress it up a little. Here's the finished product.

gunmonkeyintl · Oct 21, 2013

Very nice. I wanted to mount a tool box in the same spot on my Kioti, but there wasn't enough space between the drivers seat (I run it all the way back), and the seat of my backhoe.

Kubota Tee · Oct 21, 2013

gunmonkeyintl said:
Very nice. I wanted to mount a tool box in the same spot on my Kioti, but there wasn't enough space between the drivers seat (I run it all the way back), and the seat of my backhoe.

I can definitely see how that would restrict your space. Did you find another spot? I considered something off the ROPS and above the right fender, but opted for the rear location.

gunmonkeyintl · Oct 21, 2013

Kubota Tee said:
I can definitely see how that would restrict your space. Did you find another spot? I considered something off the ROPS and above the right fender, but opted for the rear location.

I did. I welded up a basket to each fender and filled them with plastic ammo boxes:

Kubota Tee · Oct 21, 2013

gunmonkeyintl said:
I did. I welded up a basket to each fender and filled them with plastic ammo boxes: <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=342456"/><img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=342457"/>

Very Nice! And thanks for sharing the pictures. I always like to see how the creative minds here at TBN have solved similar problems.

geezer32095 · Nov 15, 2013

U gave me an AH ha moment. Ive been looking 4 a place on my Ford 1510. Running out to chek out the ROPS/Fenders etc I considered the fenders but I do a lot of looking back with my BB & scoop & lean on the fenders.

Kubota Tee · Nov 17, 2013

geezer32095 said:
U gave me an AH ha moment. Ive been looking 4 a place on my Ford 1510. Running out to chek out the ROPS/Fenders etc I considered the fenders but I do a lot of looking back with my BB & scoop & lean on the fenders.

Good to hear this thread helped spark an idea for you. To me, that's the real value of TBN!

When I started this idea, it almost seemed too easy of a solution - I'd like to think that the best solutions are the simple ones. I've been really happy with the added storage space.

Thomas

geezer32095 · Nov 17, 2013

On second look I am going 4 two small tool boxes one on each fender. I only will carry the things I NEED, my place isn't that large that I can't walk to a tool I don't carry. heck I have been carrying a 5gal bucket on my mower with extra electric fence stuff in it.. Some times I forget the mower is back there when I make a turn a bit too close to a corner..