B Series tool box

   / B Series tool box #1  

AJL

Bronze Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2008
Messages
54
Location
South Eastern Ontario
Tractor
2008 L5240HSTCC, 2007 B3030HSDC, 2008 F3680, 2008 GR2100
Well, after years of being educated and entertained by the contributions of others I finally feel like I have something worth posting. First time with pictures, so I hope this works.

I've been looking for a way to add a tool box on my B3030HSDCC. The stock tool box is inconvenient and ill conceived, and there was no real good place to externally mount a "normal" tool box. I figured the space behind the seat in the cab would be the best place for a small box, and I bought a 30 cal. Ammo can for that purpose. However, before I proceeded with that plan a few pieces in my scrap pile inspired another design.

1-Toolboxparts.jpg


I drilled two holes in the 3" channel and then drilled corresponding holes in the loader frame which I tapped to allow me to bolt the base to the loader frame. The channel straddles the round tube and creates a level mounting surface. I was resiting the urge to weld this in place and felt two holes were less likely to cause any structural issues with the loader frame then welding it would. Additionally, it's cleaner if I chose to remove the base at some point. I should mention that my tractor is out of warranty, so no real concern about voiding the warranty.

2-Mountingbase.jpg


After cutting off the smaller of the two plates of the top piece, which was part of never used piece of exercise equipment, I welded it to the 3" channel. After a couple coats of "chevy orange", I mounted it to the loader frame with Stainless bolts.


5-Basepaintedandinstalled.jpg



Rather than test my ability to weld on the thin metal of the Ammo Box I made use of the existing holes and bolted the box in place. This actually made it easier to bolt the base in plase as well.

6-Canboltedinplace.jpg



The Ammo box got a couple coats for black semi-gloss Tremclad, and was re-mounted and re-purposed.

7-Canpaintedandinstalled.jpg

8-Caninuse.jpg


I haven't had an opportunity to live with in the field, but I'm pretty happy with the results. I only need a few hand tools for installing and removing loader mounted tooth bar and forks, and for replacing shearbolts. The can blocks the view on that side, but no more than the loader valve on the other side. It's pretty solid, and out of harms way. The location doesn't interfere with removing/replacing the side panel of the hood, or the task of removing/installing the loader. I didn't keep track of costs, but it can't be more than $25, and it was a fun project.

But, I can't take all the credit, I did have a couple assistants...:laughing:

Assistants.jpg


AJL
 
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   / B Series tool box #2  
Very nice use of space as well fine looking craftsmanship.
Great looking write-up and pix also.
Thanks
 
   / B Series tool box #4  
Nice job :thumbsup:
 
   / B Series tool box #5  
Looks like it was meant to be..nice work. :)
 
   / B Series tool box #6  
I also used a simular ammo box for a tool box but i found room behind the seat I can't believe anyone would build a tractor with out a tool box!!!
 
   / B Series tool box
  • Thread Starter
#7  
Thanks for the compliments. :) These projects are functional and a good reason to get out in the garage and put my brain to work in the winter...plus I'm just learning to weld, so it's good practice.
 
   / B Series tool box #8  
That terrible excuse for a tool box that comes from the factory is just about the only thing I would change on my tractor. I don't get why they would do something so poor on an otherwise very well thought out tractor.
 
   / B Series tool box #9  
Project looks good . I used to have a helper like that .... now she's 16 , it happens before you can beleive it .
 
   / B Series tool box #10  
That terrible excuse for a tool box that comes from the factory is just about the only thing I would change on my tractor. I don't get why they would do something so poor on an otherwise very well thought out tractor.


About the only thing I keep in mine are the extra shear bolts for the snowblower. :(
 

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