Mods to the Bota.

   / Mods to the Bota. #1  

massey collector

Bronze Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2018
Messages
79
Location
Michigan
Tractor
1938 Massey Harris 101 Or which one
Another Bota mod I did on a rainy Wednesday. First let me go over the ones already did to help me like the tractor. Really wished I could have returned it in 10 days. scared the crap out of me.

The first mod was to make it so I could turn in the seat to watch the logs I was skidding so the tractor didn稚 quit every time I turned in the seat. Ya city people you don't neet to comment on this mod.



The pencil box from the factory they called a tool box was a joke, Maybe a scrench would have fit in it. I removed that and the SMV sign made some brackets and installed a real tool box. I think even the color mates well. Right now there are 2 wood splitting wedges, two 15 inch crescent wrenches, a 1/2 breaker bar, 1/2 inch ratchet and assorted sockets, a small pipe wrench, about 6 pair of class II 3 point shims I made, a ball of string, and a soup can of screws left over from working on a deer blind. I also like the hooks I added to the over sized brackets. I hang Lynch pins and even the third link pin on them, is also a handy place to hand the draw bar temporary.

[/url
[url=https://postimg.cc/62vsD47M]


The saw holders are very handy and made with some scrap T1 11 I had. I really should remove them and paint or stain them.
I now carry four saws to the woods with me and I can still use the bucket because chains saws are not in it.



9Mm1xGh.jpg


Also added a quick hitch, was going to buy a cheap Harbor Freight one till I saw one that bend when the fellow got stuck in the mud. Those turn buckles I found to fasten a new 3 point equipment was a royal pain and took for ever. Yes I have to mod some of the equipment to hook them up quick. May be a back up camera will be added in the future.

jFimrHP.jpg


Next on the mod list was to swap the rear tires. Move the left one to the right wheel center and the right one to the left wheel center. Changed the stance so it is just about as wide as a REAL tractor at 66 inches. Need some fender extensions now so I don稚 get pelted with mud clumps.
Round bailer belting it to expensive, Maybe I should take a trip to a machinery salvage yard.

Now the last mod I did on a rainy day this week.
I had a bunch of PCV pipe I picked up from a road side trash pile some pieces were over 8 feet long.
To start I cut one piece and made it as a trial, looked like it would work so I cut another piece drilled the bolt holes in both painted them and hot glued the bolts in them. Got them mounted and thought this is going to be nice , can carry the sledge, the 8 pound splitting maul, my home built timber jack, and my 6 pound splitting maul and double bit axe when I go to the woods. I ran out of the steel for the brackets so I cut down some wider stuff to make the last 4. A couple I still need to finish the paint on the holding brackets still but I mounted them to try out. I think 2 more will fit in there but I am not sure what I would carry at this point.




:D Al
 
   / Mods to the Bota. #2  
First of all I would probably title this thread "How to ruin the good looks of a tractor". That being said I can see why you made some of your modifications and a tractor is to be a useful tool, not a work of art.

In my books you need to take those chainsaw scabbards off and throw them as far as you can. Make some new ones that completely enclose the bar of the saw. You are asking for trouble with those chain saw chains exposed by your face when your sitting in the tractor and when your getting on and off.

All in all some good ideas though.
 
   / Mods to the Bota. #3  
In my books you need to take those chainsaw scabbards off and throw them as far as you can. Make some new ones that completely enclose the bar of the saw. You are asking for trouble with those chain saw chains exposed by your face when your sitting in the tractor and when your getting on and off.

All in all some good ideas though.
I'll second this!
 
   / Mods to the Bota.
  • Thread Starter
#4  
But your not Me and the bars and chains are no where near my face since I am a full sized adult.

I grew old when they didn't have to print a 35 page book of warnings for every tool you buy. from lawn mowers to a lowly pick axe.

We cut many a cord of fire wood on a buzz saw before any one but loggers owned a chain saw. I still have both arms, both legs and all my fingers. I am not tinie bopper either, entering my 8th decacade soon.

:D Al
 
   / Mods to the Bota. #5  
But your not Me and the bars and chains are no where near my face since I am a full sized adult.

I grew old when they didn't have to print a 35 page book of warnings for every tool you buy. from lawn mowers to a lowly pick axe.

We cut many a cord of fire wood on a buzz saw before any one but loggers owned a chain saw. I still have both arms, both legs and all my fingers. I am not tinie bopper either, entering my 8th decacade soon.

:D Al

It's exactly people like you that "35 page book of warnings" were written for. It's your attitude that's the problem.
 
   / Mods to the Bota. #8  
It's exactly people like you that "35 page book of warnings" were written for. It's your attitude that's the problem.

If the OP was "people like you" would he even read the manual? I think the OP was referring to the ridiculous warnings that anyone with common sense would be aware.

It doesn't appear the chain saw ends are in the way at all.

Personally I would use the https://www.amazon.com/SawHaul-Chainsaw-Holder-Universal-Tractors/dp/B07PGQNL5R/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_86_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=E21R7YG12T2HRGFXBE3Y
 
   / Mods to the Bota. #9  
I have the same tool box install on my tractor but siliconed the holes around the handle or it gets water in if it rains. Next tool box with have the handles mounted to the top with no holes.
 
   / Mods to the Bota. #10  
   / Mods to the Bota. #11  
I've thought about adding chainsaw holders to my tractors - there are some good ideas for it on TBN, especially for my cab tractor. But I keep coming back to the fact that if I'm going to do any cutting to speak of, I still need to transport the gas mix and chain oil. And a spare battery or two if I'm using my 14" 40v saw. Plus sometimes felling wedges, etc.

So, I always end up just putting the saws in the FEL bucket, in their cases, along with everything else. :laughing:

I've been curious how others approach this.

OP, in particular - I see in your photo that you have three chainsaws on board. What about your fuel mix and chain oil? Or do you just start with three full saws and run them til empty? :)
 
   / Mods to the Bota. #12  
Seems awfully expensive for what you get. I would source the hardware from HD and buy some white 'Starboard' plastic from Tap Plastics, and cut and glue the pieces to sheath your bar.

I spent $22K on this tractor. I want any add-ons to look decent.
 
   / Mods to the Bota. #13  
OP, in particular - I see in your photo that you have three chainsaws on board. What about your fuel mix and chain oil? Or do you just start with three full saws and run them til empty? :)

Look again, there are 4 saws.
 
   / Mods to the Bota. #14  
Me, I think the OP is to be commended for sharing tips, modifications, etc. People can use their own judgment as to what works for them.
First thing I did on my new JD was mount a canvas tool bag under seat on floor with existing hardware, put fender washers inside. It holds lots of tools, pins, clips, etc. Zipper...nothing falls out, soft if you bump it.
I use Grandad's trailer he made in the 40's to tow behind. That holds everything I need, saws, fuel, oil, etc. I made a large box for it in front that holds rope, chains, gloves, bug spray, files, straps, etc.
That works for me, and trailer I haul off the wood and brush.
 
   / Mods to the Bota. #15  
I spent $22K on this tractor. I want any add-ons to look decent.
Absolutely! IF you have seen my mods I think you would understand I am not talking about something that doesn't look decent. Here are a couple of my mods... added two tools boxes and sideview mirrors on my BX. No drilled holes or welding either! Many other mods too but I can get mine back to OEM condition if I needed to and no one would know the mods were ever there. I have posted threads on the details.

IMG_8627.jpeg IMG_8948.jpeg

Back to the OP... looks to me that he has outfitted his tractor for exactly what he needs in the woods and without spending more than necessary. Good on him! I tend to error on the other side as I am a bit of a perfectionist.
 
   / Mods to the Bota. #16  
   / Mods to the Bota. #17  
I assume you dont tractor at night? Those PVC tubes cover up the headlights. All in all if they work for you then they are great additions!
 
   / Mods to the Bota. #18  
Absolutely! IF you have seen my mods I think you would understand I am not talking about something that doesn't look decent. Here are a couple of my mods... added two tools boxes and sideview mirrors on my BX. No drilled holes or welding either! Many other mods too but I can get mine back to OEM condition if I needed to and no one would know the mods were ever there. I have posted threads on the details.

View attachment 604303 View attachment 604304

Back to the OP... looks to me that he has outfitted his tractor for exactly what he needs in the woods and without spending more than necessary. Good on him! I tend to error on the other side as I am a bit of a perfectionist.

Wow. Love those rear view mirrors.

Would you tell me the brand, model number, and installation?
 
   / Mods to the Bota. #19  
Wow. Love those rear view mirrors.

Would you tell me the brand, model number, and installation?
Thank you... I purchased the mirrors off of eBay. It's been awhile so not sure if these are the same but they look like it.

Golf Cart Side Mirrors Rear View Mirror Fits Club Car EZ-GO Yamaha and Others | eBay

I made a youtube video on the installation...

Kubota BX25D Mirror Modification using Click Bond fasteners - YouTube

Here is a thread by Code54, he also used my method for install but with a slightly different mounting location.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...lick-bond-mirror-mounts.html?highlight=mirror
 
   / Mods to the Bota. #20  
Thank you... I purchased the mirrors off of eBay. It's been awhile so not sure if these are the same but they look like it.

Golf Cart Side Mirrors Rear View Mirror Fits Club Car EZ-GO Yamaha and Others | eBay

I made a youtube video on the installation...

Kubota BX25D Mirror Modification using Click Bond fasteners - YouTube

Here is a thread by Code54, he also used my method for install but with a slightly different mounting location.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...lick-bond-mirror-mounts.html?highlight=mirror

the mirrors would be handy. with the vibrating that the tractor does, it doesn't blur the view to bad?
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2014 Nissan Rogue SUV (A59231)
2014 Nissan Rogue...
2009 Sterling Acterra Altec DM47TR Insulated Digger Derrick Truck (A60460)
2009 Sterling...
84" HYD CURVED LOG GRAPPLE (A52706)
84" HYD CURVED LOG...
Schulte XH1500 Series 4 15ft Pull-Behind Batwing Rotary Brush Cutter Tractor Attachment (A59228)
Schulte XH1500...
2017 Chevrolet Equinox SUV (A59231)
2017 Chevrolet...
UNUSED RAYTREE RMSG29 HYD STUMP GRINDER (A60432)
UNUSED RAYTREE...
 
Top