M9540 Belly Skid Plate/Brush Guard

[DT86]

Well I got mine on today, hooked up the grapple and went to tear out some cedar trees. Pretty pleased so far.

[ovrszd]

I'm interersted b/c I damaged one of my filters just like you did. Let me talk it over with the roommate/boss/wife. I do have a few questions it and about you're other mods (which I like all your mods).
1. Is there a hole in the skid plate for the hydraulic fluid to drain when changing the filters?

2. This past weekend I was thinking how to mount an old, metal milk crate (I have a cooler that fits in perfectly). From your New M9540HD12-1 review I can't tell from the pics, is mounted to fender? Or to the light frame?

3. You have 2 open storeage boxes to the left of your seat. One is bolted near the front axle assist lever. How did you access the nut under the there? There doesn't appear to be enough room to work unless you took the tire off or lower the fuel tank. The other storeage looks to be made out of plastic that is bolted to the fender.

4. I saw someone on here modify the skid plate for the fuel tank for their 9540. Have considered modifing it? I had a stick pop a line off my tank once. I had to lower the tank to gain access to put the line back on.

Again I really like all the mods you have posted. They look factory made, but stronger.

Let me know if interested in a skid plate so I can get metal ordered. For clarity, the skid will be $380, then whatever shipping costs.

DT86 was having some issues installing his but appears he's got it figured out. Always a concern that someone else's tractor might not be hydraulicly configured like mine. I'll work with Derek to make sure he is reimbursed for any modifications he might have had to make to get a good fit.

As for question #1. The skid has a small gap between itself and the transmission case. Any oil that might run down the trans case thus runs out on the floor, not on top of the skid. I changed my damaged filter with the skid on and didn't make any mess on the skid at all.

As for question #2. I fastened my cooler holder directly to the light bracket. Left enough gap between the bottom of the carrier and the top of the fender that I can stick my fingers between them. Of all the mods I've done, that one serves me best in regards to operator comfort. Weather permitting I pack my lunch, 3 or 4 bottles of water and a couple Beers in the bottom, all on ice. Nothing like sitting on the tractor in the evening viewing all the work I've accomplished that day sipping a cold Beer.

Question #3. The small plastic box was made from a Jeep bumper extension. I use it to hold my Cell Phone, eye glasses, stocking cap, whatever applies at the moment. After breaking a Cell Phone packing wood I decided a holder would be cheaper.

The metal box I made from scraps. There's room to reach in under the floor pan from the side to put the nuts on. My rears are set out enough they aren't in the way at all. The rearward end of the box is bolted thru the vertical part of the floor pan. I keep a hammer, hitch pins, large bolts, whatever else doesn't need to be covered and is a bit large for the toolbox. If you couldn't access the nuts, I guess you could use metal screws to hold a bracket. Just make sure they are short enough to not tap into the top of the fuel tank, that would suck.

Question #4. I guess out of laziness I haven't done anything to the fuel tank skid. I've not had any problems there to motivate me. But now you've got me thinking about it. I'll investigate a solution.

[clee4020]

Let me know if interested in a skid plate so I can get metal ordered. For clarity, the skid will be $380, then whatever shipping costs.

DT86 was having some issues installing his but appears he's got it figured out. Always a concern that someone else's tractor might not be hydraulicly configured like mine. I'll work with Derek to make sure he is reimbursed for any modifications he might have had to make to get a good fit.

As for question #1. The skid has a small gap between itself and the transmission case. Any oil that might run down the trans case thus runs out on the floor, not on top of the skid. I changed my damaged filter with the skid on and didn't make any mess on the skid at all.

As for question #2. I fastened my cooler holder directly to the light bracket. Left enough gap between the bottom of the carrier and the top of the fender that I can stick my fingers between them. Of all the mods I've done, that one serves me best in regards to operator comfort. Weather permitting I pack my lunch, 3 or 4 bottles of water and a couple Beers in the bottom, all on ice. Nothing like sitting on the tractor in the evening viewing all the work I've accomplished that day sipping a cold Beer.

Question #3. The small plastic box was made from a Jeep bumper extension. I use it to hold my Cell Phone, eye glasses, stocking cap, whatever applies at the moment. After breaking a Cell Phone packing wood I decided a holder would be cheaper.

The metal box I made from scraps. There's room to reach in under the floor pan from the side to put the nuts on. My rears are set out enough they aren't in the way at all. The rearward end of the box is bolted thru the vertical part of the floor pan. I keep a hammer, hitch pins, large bolts, whatever else doesn't need to be covered and is a bit large for the toolbox. If you couldn't access the nuts, I guess you could use metal screws to hold a bracket. Just make sure they are short enough to not tap into the top of the fuel tank, that would suck.

Question #4. I guess out of laziness I haven't done anything to the fuel tank skid. I've not had any problems there to motivate me. But now you've got me thinking about it. I'll investigate a solution.

Did you bolt the cooler cage to the light bracket? I think mine has a hole in the top of the light bracket. Or did you weld it on? If you get a chance I'd love to see detailed pics of it.