Chain Storage and Front Tie-downs

wirenut · Oct 12, 2011

I love my Mahindra 5035, but one thing I don't like about the compact frame size, is the lack of storage space. Also, as one poster noted, a lack of tie-downs for trailering or strong pulling points on the front.
My solution was to make a extra heavy duty open top "box", welded to the frame rails. This gives me a place for several chains, shackles, etc. It also gives me a place for tie-downs and/or trailer ball. Of course, it is "overkill", but wanted to cover all bases, using what I had on hand. Would liked to have added a 2" receiver, but it would not work with the FEL.

Short Game · Oct 12, 2011

I will be looking at my LS tomorrow. I have a chain box on the back, but I still have more chains.

Workstead · Oct 13, 2011

I don't think there is anything "overkill" when it comes to a tractor. Nice job.

What is the bottom made of and how will water drain out?

Clem

wirenut · Oct 13, 2011

Workstead said:
I don't think there is anything "overkill" when it comes to a tractor. Nice job.

What is the bottom made of and how will water drain out?

Clem

The bottom is a piece of 10" channel, sides welded to the frame rails are 1/2" plate. I drilled 4 holes in the bottom corners for drain. As it turned out, it holds a lot more chains than I expected. I had built a similar one on my old MF250 tractor.

Short Game · Oct 13, 2011

wirenut said:
The bottom is a piece of 10" channel, sides welded to the frame rails are 1/2" plate. I drilled 4 holes in the bottom corners for drain. As it turned out, it holds a lot more chains than I expected. I had built a similar one on my old MF250 tractor.

It is certainly a good idea. Look for it on new tractors eventually. I would call it a "selling point."

Workstead · Oct 13, 2011

wirenut said:
The bottom is a piece of 10" channel, sides welded to the frame rails are 1/2" plate. I drilled 4 holes in the bottom corners for drain. As it turned out, it holds a lot more chains than I expected. I had built a similar one on my old MF250 tractor.

I have an MF 1250 so I will look to see if I can replicate what you have done here.

Thanks for sharing.

Clem

Short Game · Oct 13, 2011

Not really enough access on my LS to do it easy. The frame ends too short. Could maybe do it and have a small reach-in on the right side. Since my bucket reaches quite far out front when lowered, I am going to mount an 8,000 lb. Warn winch on the lower front of the brush guard. Maybe I can make a box under that when I do it.