Idea - mini receiver hitch

dillo99 · Sep 12, 2005

So I got this idea today. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I keep a backhoe and a loader on my K B7500 pretty much all the time so I am constantly trying to figure out ways to carry other stuff (don't want to take off the backhoe/put on a carry-all, etc.). So I am planning to make a few things that I can attach - a chain holder, a chain saw holder, a gas can holder (for chain saw), toolbox, etc. BUT I keep wondering about where to attach this stuff - and I'm not sure I want it all to be permanent. So here is the idea....

I am thinking that I will make all of this stuff with 1" square tubing as the attachment point and then have these mini 1" receivers in a variety of locations. I can have one on each side of the ROPS, and two on each side of the FEL frame (one high and one low) and one on the front grill. That gives me seven places to "plug in" these attachments and carriers. MORE THAN ENOUGH.

Now you might ask why not just use a regular receiver hitch - but I really don't need all that strength nor do I need to take up that much space. These things are 25-50 lb items so I don't need the strength of 2" receiver or even a 1.5". By using a smaller receiver it is easy to tuck these things into tight places. I am even considering that I would add a few mounts to my ATV and thus allow the transfer of these carriers to the ATV. This would be handy for the chain saw carrier for sure.

So what do you think? Anyone ever done something like this?

Attachment ideas:

* Chain saw clamp (holds the bar)
* Shallow "pan" to hold gas can (for chain saw)
* Shovel/Rake rack with a low part (attaches to low receiver on FEL) that receives the ends of the tools and a high part (attaches to the high receiver on the FEL) that clamps in the top of the tool.
* Toolbox
* Chain box
* Cellphone/cup holder

Mike

beenthere · Sep 12, 2005

Sounds pretty clever to me, and appreciate the tip. I will be looking at places to 'stick' these receivers, and hope you won't mind the 'theft' of your great idea. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Right off the bat, is the one with a vise for holding things such as the chainsaw bar for sharpening the chain. In fact, it may just as well be used to transport the chainsaw at the same time.

I can think of one on each side of the iMatch, as I go logging I throw the tongs on it, and it could also be used with your idea to carry gas, chainsaw, chain, etc. with two of your receivers.
I like it!!!

dillo99 · Sep 12, 2005

Great idea on the vice attachment. I could see that being very handy.

Glad to have you borrow the idea of the mini receiver. I have sketched out a few of the attachments and will probably draw them a little nicer and then post the sketches here later in the week.

HomeBrew2 · Sep 13, 2005

I really like your idea too and can think of a few things to use them for. Are you planning on using 16ga x 1-1/4" sq tube for the receivers?
Here's my quick solution to hauling stuff around ... I can even get my 2kw Honda generator on it with room to spare.
Cheers!

DIYGuy · Sep 13, 2005

I have a boom pole/trailer mover that I've attached various things to. I pull out the boom pole and insert my rock mover. I also have a pallet mover that works the same way.

I like the idea of expanding the concept to various other quick mounts.

I'd use 1.25" small receiver hitches as you can find a bunch of standard stuff to build onto. Everything will be predrilled for pins and the like.

beenthere · Sep 13, 2005

Homebrew2
That is a great hood protector too, and has a tremendous capacity for hauling things.
At first I didn't like it, because it covered the hood which looks great (I like green best though /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif ). But on second thought, it's a great idea. Especially for the woods trips where the biggest fear is the reality that something can come down on the hood to do some damage.

Great idea.

Bowhunter · Sep 13, 2005

( So what do you think? Anyone ever done something like this? )

Check out Arctic Cat Atv's MRP system. Similar to your idea and may give you some new ideas.

dillo99 · Sep 13, 2005

Home Brew,

I like the hood storage. I considered something like that - looks like a great way to haul stuff.

Regarding the receivers, I had not figured out what size just yet. Could use 1.25" tubing and 1" square tube or square rods on the attachments. Or could possibly go smaller - 1" tube with 3/4" rods.

DIY GUY,

I have thought about using the 1.25" size so standard stuff might fit....I would not use the actual receivers - would rather make my own (don't need chain hooks and all that stuff that takes up more space). I'll have to measure a receiver - I assume the inside dimension is 1.25 vs. the outside dimension. Most square steel tubing is the other way around - sold in outside diameter sizes. I'll need to go do some measuring.

BowHunter,

Thanks for the tip on the Artic Cat ATV system. They call it the "speed rack" and it is definitely the same idea - plugable rack components. There is some interesting stuff there. If it wasn't so pricey I might consider engineering my system to receive those components...can't quite see what the "receivers" are on the web site.

Thanks all for the feedback and thoughts. I'm going to do some further research on this and see where I end up. I'll keep you posted!!!

OffBalance · Sep 14, 2005

Dillo99,
when you get it all figured out, don't forget to get a design patent, and start manufacturing them for the rest of us! Sounds like a healthy market!!!

hobbyfarm · Sep 14, 2005

( That is a great hood protector too, and has a tremendous capacity for hauling things.
At first I didn't like it, because it covered the hood which looks great (I like green best though ). But on second thought, it's a great idea. Especially for the woods trips where the biggest fear is the reality that something can come down on the hood to do some damage. )

Not to mention, the trip to the garden, a place to stick dem 'maters n peppers n corn n...mmmmm.