Tool Box for CT 235 - 40MM ammo Can?

powerscol · Oct 16, 2016

After reading a lot of threads and looking at a lot of good jobs, I am wanting to replace the little plastic tool box on my Bobcat CT 235. I'm tired of things not fitting and getting wet and bouncing out and getting lost. I have a tight area behind the seat between the ROPS and back of seat. I also have a low speed warning placard and rear work light to fit around. I can remove my seat back manual holder to get more room, but its handy to have the manual available in the field - I also know exactly where it is.

Now the tough spot. The area a box/can can fit is 21 inches wide, 7 inches deep (toward seat) If I stay within this footprint, height should not be an issue. I have looked at every tool box HD carries and a few will fit, but I want to try and get the max size I can. A 40MM ammo can at 17x6.5x10.5 is perfect, but I have ZERO outlets around me.

Anyone know of a reliable online source. I dont want to spend and get a rusty dented POS. Does anyone know of a good tool box place that might have a better selection of skinny, long, tall units.

MY only other option I can see is to use some angle and span between the ROPS legs and mount the box higher. I would probably put an angle on both sides of the ROPS to give a wider mounting base.Then my choices of boxes opens up. I have one that will work. I am concerned with drilling the ROPS and having it still be strong. If I go this way, how big of bolts should I use. Last I would probably need some sort of tray for the tool box to sit on / mount to. Thoughts for sources on that, and should I use steel or aluminum angle. A C channel would also work if I can find one to cut and fit around the ROPS. I dont have a welder, so that option is out for now.

Thanks for any help with this
Keith

SJay · Oct 16, 2016

I just replaced mine with this one.
Ammo Box

Seems to work fine

powerscol · Oct 16, 2016

Thanks

John_Mc · Oct 16, 2016

I've not had very good luck with the supposed "moisture resistance of these types of boxes (from either Harbor Freight or from Northern Tool). Stuff stored in them is always a bit wet after a rain, even if the lid was latched shut. Have others had problems with this?

jeff9366 · Oct 16, 2016

I like mil spec metal.

eBay: 40mm ammo can | eBay

powerscol · Oct 17, 2016

I ordered this today. Should solve my problem and maximize the space I have.
Quadratec Exclusive 4mm Ammo Storage Can | Quadratec

They also have a huge offering for Jeep folks, including a rear door tray for this.

BrittR · Oct 19, 2016

My simple one from mil .50cal can. I put fender washers on the inside, rattles a little, but not bad. Don't hear it over the motor. Would prob put a full length stiffening 1/4"x2" plate in place of the fender washers would help a lot, but it hasn't messed up yet.

powerscol · Oct 19, 2016

That set up looks great.

Quadratec makes a shelf to fit the rear door of a jeep I thought of getting and cutting to mount to the ROPS or side of my loader arm support as others have done, then I ran across these folks and their box and mounts. ROPS Mounted Tool Box But after checking the length of some of the tools I want to carry, their box was not big enough. Also as it is for a BX I was not sure of the ROPS size.

Once I get my box Ill post pictures of the install.

BrittR · Oct 19, 2016

Here's the junk I carry in mine. Small round tin has plug/inflation kit in it. It's "full", but it all fits. I'm not usually very far from my truck, or I'd have put a larger one on as well.
I plan on adding an expanded metal panel across the ROPS, and will have a rear bar to mount a larger box more firmly at that time.

powerscol · Oct 19, 2016

BrittR said:
View attachment 485296

Here's the junk I carry in mine. Small round tin has plug/inflation kit in it. It's "full", but it all fits. I'm not usually very far from my truck, or I'd have put a larger one on as well.
I plan on adding an expanded metal panel across the ROPS, and will have a rear bar to mount a larger box more firmly at that time.

I carry about the same, but I have a large crescent wrench and monkey wrench for connecting up the baler - large bolt. Also a can of WD 40, a small role of bailing wire, role of duct tape, small grease gun, and one 10' 5/16 chain. I probably carry too much stuff and should leave some on the tool shelf, but with my senior moments, I would get out to the equipment yard and forget to tool up and need to walk back to the shop. Probably do this twice as I always forget to get one item. :confused3::confused2::laughing: