Added tool box to counter weight

ns_in_tex · Dec 5, 2015

We wanted to add a lockable tool box to our tractor and came up with this one which also adds the little extra weight we needed. It weighs about 150 lbs, empty and is lockable to the 55 gal concrete barrel.

pwright · Dec 6, 2015

That should do it. Nice job.

jthorne · Dec 9, 2015

ns_in_tex said:
We wanted to add a lockable tool box to our tractor and came up with this one which also adds the little extra weight we needed. It weighs about 150 lbs, empty and is lockable to the 55 gal concrete barrel.

BRILLIANT!!!! I Like the near Kubota Orange paint job too! A nice size lockable toolbox that the more it weighs the better is a stroke of genius. I'll be making one sometime down the track for when I need to use the loader without the HD 5' Jarrett Slasher on. The towball is a nice touch too. Is the 44 a gal one?
Jon

ns_in_tex · Dec 11, 2015

jthorne said:
BRILLIANT!!!! I Like the near Kubota Orange paint job too! A nice size lockable toolbox that the more it weighs the better is a stroke of genius. I'll be making one sometime down the track for when I need to use the loader without the HD 5' Jarrett Slasher on. The towball is a nice touch too. Is the 44 a gal one?
Jon

We really enjoy using ours if there is little need for another implement on the rear. The reason being, it is so handy. We have installed inside cab mirrors, which enable us to never have to turn to look to the rear, even when in close quarters. It also lets you get in much closer quarters. Almost as if nothing is behind to worry about.

Don't make the mistake we did and had to add the trailer hitch on after we filled the barrel with concrete. So far, so good. It is only installed with masonry anchors. Figured if it ever pulled off, we would strap it all way around the barrel. We did put some bend in the 5/8"x4" steel to make it follow the contour of the barrel. That probably helps some also. After many years, we have about decided it is going to hold. The other day, we broke what we thought was an unbreakable nylon strap, while pulling out a stuck 20' bush hog and tractor, but the hitch held. We also pull a 59 Ford dump truck, with a tow bar, to drag across the farm, when we need get a load of dirt.
The tool box and lid are connected through a receiver on top, where we normally drop in a 2-5/16 goose neck hitch ball.

Not sure what you are asking with "Is the 44 a gal one?"

jenkinsph · Dec 13, 2015

Neal, you may want to wrap a chain around that drum to attach safety chains to. Hate to see the trailer get away from you. Good luck with it, looks heavy enough to work.

ns_in_tex · Dec 13, 2015

jenkinsph said:
Neal, you may want to wrap a chain around that drum to attach safety chains to. Hate to see the trailer get away from you. Good luck with it, looks heavy enough to work.

Good idea.
We fully expected it to come off on the first hard pull, but has held for years now. What we should do is wrap a steel strap around the barrel & weld it to it. We only pull something with it, here on the farm and probably never get over 3 MPH.

jthorne · Dec 14, 2015

ns_in_tex said:
We really enjoy using ours if there is little need for another implement on the rear. The reason being, it is so handy. We have installed inside cab mirrors, which enable us to never have to turn to look to the rear, even when in close quarters. It also lets you get in much closer quarters. Almost as if nothing is behind to worry about.

Don't make the mistake we did and had to add the trailer hitch on after we filled the barrel with concrete. So far, so good. It is only installed with masonry anchors. Figured if it ever pulled off, we would strap it all way around the barrel. We did put some bend in the 5/8"x4" steel to make it follow the contour of the barrel. That probably helps some also. After many years, we have about decided it is going to hold. The other day, we broke what we thought was an unbreakable nylon strap, while pulling out a stuck 20' bush hog and tractor, but the hitch held. We also pull a 59 Ford dump truck, with a tow bar, to drag across the farm, when we need get a load of dirt.
The tool box and lid are connected through a receiver on top, where we normally drop in a 2-5/16 goose neck hitch ball.

Not sure what you are asking with "Is the 44 a gal one?"

Neal, yep I was planning to make it out of some heavy steel I have left over from another job, using 10" x 4" x ⅝" "I" Beam (sometimes called Universal Beam or RSJ) and weld in a T to it on which to attach the tow attachment and at the sides another T to attach the 3 point link. Should be solid enough, then I'll make a strong 5 to 1 concrete mix and pour it into the 44 gallon drum. My reference to gal is that here in Australia we have two types of 44 gallon drum a light gauge black steel drum and a heavier gauge galvanised (gal) steel drum.
Adding a chain would be a wise precaution if you're heading up or down any hills that the trailer might get away on. All the best, Jon

ns_in_tex · Dec 14, 2015

jthorne said:
My reference to gal is that here in Australia we have two types of 44 gallon drum a light gauge black steel drum and a heavier gauge galvanised (gal) steel drum.

Sounds like you have a good plan.
I understand your question about the "44 gal" now. We did not even look & see you are in Australia. I had never heard of a 44 gal drum. Our is a 55 gal drum which is popular here in the States.
This made me recall, when my son returned from a trip to Australia, he said we had to be careful, because some words we use here, you might consider to be talking bad. LOL. I can't remember some examples he gave me.
Back to the drum. Ours was just an old rusty drum, but good enough to hold concrete. We put lots of steel & wire in it, so I think it will stay if the drum rust off.