Added a couple upgrades to the DK45SE.

[markandkristi]

I swapped out the toolbox that came on the tractor with a plastic ammo box from harbor freight that I painted orange. Today I bought a metal one that is waiting for the paint to dry that Im going to put in its place. Also added a rear work light that can be adjusted to shine straight back or tilt down towards the pto for any night time work that may be needed. Was going to have its on switch but tied in to be on when the headlights are on that way there will be no forgetting and also when Id need the light the headlights would more than likely be on anyway. Enjoy and Im always looking for more suggestions to add. In the very near future is a loop hose for the rear hydraulic hookups in the event that the lever is hit by mistake.

 

[theneworange]

I might have to steal some of those ideas,looks good.

 

[markandkristi]

The light I got at Tractor Supply for like $15. On the left hand side of the tractor are 2 tapped holes, the inner most hole is what I screwed the bracket to and I have the bracket mounted on about a 45 degree and I ran the 2 wires thru the other tapped hole and I grounded it with a nut on the backside of the mounting screw. Up underneath where the light wires run is a plug thats tucked away, I just put a prong on the hot wire and stuck it in I think the top middle slot in that plug, it was the one that had power when the headlights were on. Anyway no cutting or drilling at all and I ziptied the cables outta the way. Im gonna try to mount the larger real ammo box tomorrow and its painted darker to be a better match. Ill post that up to once its done.

 

[markandkristi]

Today I got the larger ammo box mounted and also connected the rear remotes together so the pump wont dead head incase of accidental lever engagement. I had saw where someone had posted a pic using a hose but I could not find any short hydraulic hoses and didnt wanna pay an arm and a leg to have a short hose made so I used some copper fittings that we already had and just bought some 1/2 hydraulic ends. The one pic only shows two copper fittings but it is two of each shown. There was some test fitting involved before any final soldering was done. Tested and no leaks. Also painted black to look semi factory. The pics are pretty self explanatory. Enjoy.

 

[blurry]

Today I got the larger ammo box mounted and also connected the rear remotes together so the pump wont dead head incase of accidental lever engagement. I had saw where someone had posted a pic using a hose but I could not find any short hydraulic hoses and didnt wanna pay an arm and a leg to have a short hose made so I used some copper fittings that we already had and just bought some 1/2 hydraulic ends. The one pic only shows two copper fittings but it is two of each shown. There was some test fitting involved before any final soldering was done. Tested and no leaks. Also painted black to look semi factory. The pics are pretty self explanatory. Enjoy.

Very nice. I have my remotes run to the front for a grapple and just earlier today looped the hoses for the same concern. Like that ammo box!

what paint are you using to match?

 

[markandkristi]

I got the paint at TSC and its farm equipment paint, says A C Orange I believe, the can is in my dads garage so I wont know for sure til tomorrow but they had Kubota orange and this one. Yeah I dont have a grapple or anything so I doubt the remotes will ever get used. Better to be safe than sorry. I orignally wanted to do the hoses but since I didnt have one on hand and they want a small fortune for a custom job on one so for roughly 20 bucks I got my solution. The only downside was it took me and my dad to put it on since the remotes arent exactly lined up perfect we had to both have open the quick connect and slide in, kinda hard with just two hands. Other than that I believe it will be fine. Now if I was gonna be using those remotes often Id opt for a hose since you can just unhook each independatly. This is more of a permanent or not removed very often fix.

 

[murphy1244]

Here's my box from HD. There's a mount and wires for a rear plow light in the back brace.

 

[markandkristi]

Ive got my hot wire for my work light plugged into one of the "pin slots" of that plug under the brace.

 

[TJP89]

I see you guys are all big believers in the SMV sign

Actually, with the color of the tractor, I don't think visibility is a problem, my SMV sign is upside down to get it out of the way of the rear light.

 

[k0ua]

Not to be mean or anything, but you could probably have bought this hose for about what you paid in copper fittings.. Not that you didn't do a good job.... Bookmark that site, you will need it later.

1/2" X 12" 1/2 NPTM X 1/2 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE

Another thing you can do of course is remove the detent balls in you remote valve. I had that done before delivery, but there are several threads on how to do it, and it does not look too tough. You are going to want that grapple, and you will want to extend your remote lever, like I did.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ion-control-valve-lever.html?highlight=remote