Tool Tray on ROPS - Any Reasons to NOT Put it Here?

[InTheWoods]

Like pretty much everyone with a tractor, I want some onboard tool storage. Something big enough for a chain, a few random tools, hammer, adjustable wrench, maybe my 16" chainsaw, can of gas, etc. I have a 28 x 15 x 5" 'tray' fixed to the hood of my old b7100, and it worked out surprisingly well.

The hood-mount isn't to my liking on the B7510, and it looks like the ROPS is the best solution - with a tray located something like this:

Any obvious things wrong with this placement? It makes access to the top link pin a little harder, but not a big deal. I don't see how it'd get bonked by the top link for any implement I have, but that'd be a concern if I'm overlooking something there...

 

[jyoutz]

Like pretty much everyone with a tractor, I want some onboard tool storage. Something big enough for a chain, a few random tools, hammer, adjustable wrench, maybe my 16" chainsaw, can of gas, etc. I have a 28 x 15 x 5" 'tray' fixed to the hood of my old b7100, and it worked out surprisingly well.

The hood-mount isn't to my liking on the B7510, and it looks like the ROPS is the best solution - with a tray located something like this:

View attachment 122861

Any obvious things wrong with this placement? It makes access to the top link pin a little harder, but not a big deal. I don't see how it'd get bonked by the top link for any implement I have, but that'd be a concern if I'm overlooking something there...

As long as your top link clears I don’t see an issue.

 

[GrizBota]

Looks like that placement will work well. I expect you have a “no drill” (into the ROPS) fastening method figured out.

 

[85Hokie]

If it works for you and there are no serious complications - I like it!!!

A tractor cannot have enough storage for things needed.

 

[InTheWoods]

...I expect you have a “no drill” (into the ROPS) fastening method figured out.

Yes.

I made a couple of 5/8"stainless pins and steel brackets out of 3x3x.25 angle iron, and popped 5/8" and 3/8" holes in them.

The 5/8 hole will clear the 14mm bolt already present in the ROPS:

And the 3/8" holes accommodate bolts into the threaded holes on the bottom of the pins:

The result being a pair of decently stout pins that will basically poke up into the sidewalls of the tray I'll build, keeping it in place (hopefully) and still allowing it to be easily (hopefully) pulled up and off the tractor:

 

[NCL4701]

We had a similarly placed and sized open top tray on our old N for about 40 years. If you want a good amount of cargo space and aren’t concerned about protecting it from rain or theft, definite upvote for your plan.

 

[GrizBota]

Yes.

I made a couple of 5/8"stainless pins and steel brackets out of 3x3x.25 angle iron, and popped 5/8" and 3/8" holes in them.
View attachment 122880


The 5/8 hole will clear the 14mm bolt already present in the ROPS:
View attachment 122873

And the 3/8" holes accommodate bolts into the threaded holes on the bottom of the pins:
View attachment 122877


The result being a pair of decently stout pins that will basically poke up into the sidewalls of the tray I'll build, keeping it in place (hopefully) and still allowing it to be easily (hopefully) pulled up and off the tractor:
View attachment 122885

Nice, many times the best hole is the one already there. I did similar using the existing ROPS bolt holes for the storage bin on my L. I like that you’ve planned an easy way to remove the bin. I’m sure that will come in handy. Mine obstructs my rearward view for brush hogging (I do a bit of backing) and using a back blade.

 

[jimh406]

What I noticed about adding a larger toolbox there was the following.

1. I had to relocate the slow moving vehicle sign.
2. It was kind of wiggly and I had to reinforce the bracket.
3. It impacted how far I could put the seat back.

Fwiw, I bought a cheap plastic Plano toolbox that will prevent items getting wet if there is a shower.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Nice job thinking "outside the box" on that one.

Very impressive!

 

[Flintknapper]

Yes, storage or some type of 'carry-all' box/basket are especially useful on a tractor.

ROPS mounted items can be the solution for some.

Other than a slight loss of direct sight to implements.....mine has proved a very handy addition.

 

[mikester]

Looks good. I prefer tool boxes with locking lids. Keeps the tools in and crud out.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yes, locking lids ARE a must when you actually go 'off road' with a tractor......
if you have to ask why..please come here and locate my favorite wrench that is now somewhere' on the neighbour's 22 acres.....

 

[Showmedata]

I built something similar. The only downside I've found is that it limits your view of the 3ph... which is why I made it easily removable just like you did.

 

[InTheWoods]

...The only downside I've found is that it limits your view of the 3ph...

Yeah - that's what I'm noticing. It makes it harder to accurately back up to an implement. Other than that I think it'll work out well. I may end up cutting the height down an inch or two before I paint this. Or maybe make it out of expanded/perforated metal. I like the open-top tray as opposed to a box-with-lid for the tractor. On my ATV - definitely need a locking lid.

Oh well, as Red Green says "this is only temporary... unless it works."

 

[John Ha]

I agree that on-tractor storage is needed and these ideas are great. Personally, I would want something with a latchable lid. My reasoning, consistent wtih having the roll-over protection, is that you don't want stuff, possibly heavy stuff, flying around your head if the worst happens and you roll the tractor. Just my opinion, of course

 

[The Evil Twin]

IMHO, I would rather strap my saw and cooler to an open rack. Unless it's a metal box w/ lid, heavy stuff is gonna break through a plastic lid a split second before it splits your noggin covering.
Water protection is a definite bonus. But, even with a lid, better strap it down.

 

[InTheWoods]

...better strap it down....

Yep - Agreed. And expanded metal provides lots of places to hook a bungee cord. I think that, plus the fact that you can (partly) see through it, makes expanded metal the better choice for an open-top tray. Maybe my second version will be that way...