790 Tool Box

foggy1111 · Jan 15, 2009

Finally......I got a tool box.

I saw an earlier post where a TBN contributor posted about a similar location for a box but I cant find his name anymore. (thank you!) I made some small changes to make it a bit easier for my limited ability to fab...but this is much like his mount. The angle of the ROPS makes it a bit difficult to size the cross-mount between the uprights, so I used a 1x3 angle fabricated from some 3/16" steel for the crossbar, then stitch welded a 1" flat bar at the bottom to form a c channel (as I could not find any 1x3 tube available. I also had some angle brackets fabbed from 3/16' sheet. The whole deal cost me about $50 including the box....plus considerable time to figure out how not to interfere with the top link hook and to keep the seat from hitting the box (it just fits with a half inch or so to spare). I purchased some leaf spring mounts at TSC for the plate to weld the cross peice to and bought some U bolt straps for the other side (the "jury is out" if these are heavy duty enough). I'm pretty happy with the end result....other than my welding looks a bit crude (I need practice).

foggy1111 · Jan 15, 2009

One more pic....cause I got one. The pic also shows my fire extinguisher.....something I like having available in the woods. I think just having one prevents me from ever having to use it.

wcpeabody · Jan 15, 2009

Nice job on the Tool Box platform. I have been wondering about that for my 770 and also a place to carry a shovel, and possibly a chain or tow strap.

Thanks for sharing.
Bill

foggy1111 · Jan 15, 2009

Thanks....not many other spots for a tool box on this model. Yes, I have been looking for a spot to carry a chain and shovels too. I did see one poster who had a 6" x 15" (?? or so) section of round tubing (with a bottom welded in it - I assume) mounted behind his loader frame post....in order to carry a log chain. Seemed like a good idea and I may make one for mine. Also thought about some 1 1/2" ID square tubes mounted at the inside corners of my box blade for shovels and long handled stuff. I will use my box blade for ballast anyway.....so it seems like a good spot.

kebo · Jan 15, 2009

Very nice job Tom! Can you make me one??

One thing I would have done slightly differently would have been to trim off the bottom of the two angle brackets so they would be flush with the bottom of the main bar. That's just an appearance thing though.

Also, I think you have room on the main bar to weld a "boot" on either side of the tool box for the fire extinguisher so you could move it from the ROPS to the tool box bar. Just an idea I had.

Oh yeah, you gonna paint that red box green too?? I would!

foggy1111 · Jan 15, 2009

kebo said:
Very nice job Tom! Can you make me one?? One thing I would have done slightly differently would have been to trim off the bottom of the two angle brackets so they would be flush with the bottom of the main bar. That's just an appearance thing though.

Also, I think you have room on the main bar to weld a "boot" on either side of the tool box for the fire extinguisher so you could move it from the ROPS to the tool box bar. Just an idea I had.

Oh yeah, you gonna paint that red box green too?? I would!

Yep....was unsure how I was going to fab the cross piece (how deep I could make it)....so the angle brackets got a little deeper as a result. It all blends into the green....lol....but I may do as you suggest and trim 'em off.

On the fire extinguisher......I don't think I will do that as it will limit my visibility at the links for hooking up and such. The tool box isn't too bad....but I don't think I want anymore stuff to block the view. Thanks

OH....and AFTER you seen my welding you want ME to make one for YOU?...LOL I wish I could have bought one of these too. AND....I sorta like the red and green.....all decked out for Christmas 2009.

mcfly682 · Jan 15, 2009

Very nice mod you have there. Thank you for sharing that with us. I do believe this setup is exactly what i was looking for.

Phineas7 · Jan 16, 2009

Looks good, thanks for posting.

I keep staring at mine to figure out the best place for tools. I'd like to carry a bush axe and a chain saw.

Slatecreek · Jan 16, 2009

Good idea on the cross brace to mount the tool box to. It appears that the tool box is placed out of the way and doesn't interfere with your sight of your implement at all. Handy idea, never have enough places on these tractors to put "stuff". Did you have any difficulty finding the clamps for the cross brace? They seem to match well. Good job, nicely documented with the pics.

foggy1111 · Jan 16, 2009

Slatecreek said:
Good idea on the cross brace to mount the tool box to. It appears that the tool box is placed out of the way and doesn't interfere with your sight of your implement at all. Handy idea, never have enough places on these tractors to put "stuff". Did you have any difficulty finding the clamps for the cross brace? They seem to match well. Good job, nicely documented with the pics.

Thanks. The plates to which I welded the cross bracket are leaf spring "sandwich clamps" from TSC. (I cant think of the right term) Anyway, they are nice heavy-duty metal sections that are pre-drilled to match the ROPS. Then I used some U-bolt brackets for the other side and bolts to attach. These brackets are a bit light for this purpose....they bent a little when I torqued down the bolts....so I am not sure they will hold up. It probably would be better to make your own....cheaper too.