The Ultimate Toolbox!

tallyho8 · Nov 19, 2008

I have designed and now I am building the ultimate toolbox for my L4400. It is indestructible, occupies no usable space so it doesn't ever get in the way, can't get knocked off of the tractor by a low branch, fence post, etc., inexpensive, easy to build, doesn't look bad, holds a fair amount of hand tools and small accessories (sorry no shovels and axes), and I predict that many will follow my plans and make one (or two) of their own.

As simple an idea as this is I can not believe that no one has done it before so I have started searching past posts to see if someone already did this and posted about it. I don't want to lay claim to a new idea if someone has already done it. The problem is I entered "toolbox" and hit search and 936 threads about toolboxes came up. I have read quite a few of them so far and nothing is just like mine yet but I want to read a lot more first to make sure before I disclose my idea so I don't get accused of being a copycat. I hope I'm the first one to ever build one like this. (I'd like to be first at something)

No, this toolbox won't fit all tractors but I do know that it will fit a lot of Kubotas especially ones similar to my L4400.

I am going to read more of the threads on toolboxes and take plenty of photos as I go along and I should be posting some in a few days.

BigD23 · Nov 19, 2008

Super! Looking for "the" toolbox.

Don

radioman · Nov 20, 2008

What?! no pics yet ??

we need your ideas pics . You know how we all at TBN love to pokes holes in each other plans.

Egon · Nov 20, 2008

ultimate toolbox

Why not just get an "Ultimate" tractor that never needs tools?

LBrown59 · Nov 20, 2008

radioman said:
What?! no pics yet ??

He's as bad as that lbrown59 feller aren't he

asylum575 · Nov 20, 2008

LBrown59 said:
He's as bad as that lbrown59 feller aren't he

Now that's funny.

Harvest Moon · Nov 20, 2008

tallyho8,
That's exactly how I would describe this toolbox idea by KubotaTerry! http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/87050-toolbox-l3400-la463.html

Can't wait to see what you've come up with. Hopefully it's just a little bigger!

Shmudda · Nov 20, 2008

Egon said:
Why not just get an "Ultimate" tractor that never needs tools?

Egon......he has one....Kubota!

Craig

tallyho8 · Nov 20, 2008

Egon said:
Why not just get an "Ultimate" tractor that never needs tools?

The tools are for the attachments.

Ductape · Nov 21, 2008

Is one half of the box refrigerated to hold beer????

Egon · Nov 21, 2008

[

Is one half of the box refrigerated to hold beer????/QUOTE]

If the Operator is considered an attachment that would be a worthwhile addition.

Toolboxes are nice for holding an almost inexhaustible assortment of goodies required to maintain the operator and machine in the field!

The sleekly styled newer tractors leave little room for this addition.

EddieWalker · Nov 21, 2008

My toolbox is behind my seat, and between my ROPS. It's very handy there for attaching implements.

Eddie

tallyho8 · Nov 21, 2008

Harvest Moon said:
tallyho8,
That's exactly how I would describe this toolbox idea by KubotaTerry! http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/87050-toolbox-l3400-la463.html Can't wait to see what you've come up with. Hopefully it's just a little bigger!

Thank you for ruining my day. I guess I have not made the great discovery after all.

I thought I was the first one to think of using the available space in the fel but I see that KubotaTerry thought of it a couple of years before I did. I didn't have a Kubota back in 2006 when he wrote that thread so I didn't read the Kubota forum back then. I also found someone that designed a toolbox almost like mine so this is not my discovery either.

What is still unique about mine is that I put this toolbox in this place. And even though KubotaTerry's idea is great, what sets mine apart is that you can remove the toolbox and carry all the tools with you wherever you need to go. So I will go ahead and show you what I have in case anyone is interested and has a fel like mine. You can make 2 toolboxes for your tractor, one on each side.

It goes in the hole in the fel as seen in photo 1.

It only takes a piece of 3" pvc pipe and 3 fittings as you see in photo 2.

You cut the pipe to the correct length to fit all the way in the hole without rubbing on the tubing at the rear of the right side hole. The left side is one inch longer than the right side on mine. Then I fit mine in a fraction further than flush so nothing can hit it as seen in photo 3.

The toolbox can be removed to carry with you to the job area. To keep the lid screwed tight so tools don't fall out I use this wrench which I keep in the stock toolbox that came with the Kubota. Photos 4 and 5.

This shows the amount of tools that fit in one toolbox. This is not the typical tools that I carry around. I also lined the inside with a thin piece of foam that I had to prevent rattling. Photo 6.

I have not attached the toolboxes yet. I have thought of a couple of ways to attach them where I can remove one easily to carry it around. Maybe some of you could suggest a better way to attach them where they can be easily removed. If not, I will post how I did it in a few days. Also, you may want to paint it orange.

emmy71 · Nov 21, 2008

Cut the tubes so they will slide in the loader tube far enough to use the plugs like KubotaTerry used to seal it up.

Terry

tallyho8 · Nov 21, 2008

Ductape said:
Is one half of the box refrigerated to hold beer????

It is for 3 months out of the year. Longer in northern climates.

4shorts · Nov 21, 2008

Not a bad idea. I did the same thing about two months ago but I used aluminum and machined it. I eventually made all four caps to hold tools, sling and other same items.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/129099-idea-design-fabrication.html

Harvest Moon · Nov 21, 2008

tallyho8, Sorry if I ruined your day but I think your idea is as innovative as KubotaTerry's and much more versatile.

Imagine, you could have several boxes stocked with specific tools or hardware for different tasks/implements. Then just switch them out at the shed or barn or garage... If you solvent weld, you could whip up a custom thermos or at least a nice little cooler. I'm imagining a nice little tap on the side of the machine... maybe that would be better for the front loader tube. You could easily bring your tools in at night if you need to leave your tractor around those with sticky fingers. I think the possibilities are pretty broad.

If you mount a magnet at the end, I bet it will stay put without making it too complicated.

I like it. I'm going to make one but I might go for the black ABS plastic and a brass plug.

SPYDERLK · Nov 21, 2008

EddieWalker said:
My toolbox is behind my seat, and between my ROPS. It's very handy there for attaching implements.

Eddie

I subscribe to to medical mantra - "Do no harm." I try to add no weight above the CM of the tractor. Im going to put mine on the axle housing inside the rear wheels. Theres plenty of room for this on the 7520.

larry