Posted: 7/25/2025 10:48:26 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Pennsilfaanisch][Edited]
Anyone who has a compact tractor knows the tool storage they give you is pretty meager. My Kubota B series came with a tiny plastic box that could fit the bare minimum. I've seen guys do the .50 cal can replacement, but I didn't think I'd like the way the lid swings in relation to the ROPS. I have a few older Craftsman tool boxes not being used, so I drilled the bottom and used the existing hardware to mount it. So far I'm pretty happy with it. I may upgrade the mounting bolts as the box is larger and it has a bit of wobble.  Does anyone have links for good methods of mounting yard tools to their ROPS? I'd love to be able to carry a small shovel and rake on the back for projects. I've seen a few hooks and stuff on Amazon, but nothing that seems great. I know a poster on here had a neat side mount that held tools facing toward the front of the tractor from Messicks, but I can't find it. |
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Attached File I replaced my little plastic box with an ammo can that the entire lid lifts off . I also added a basket from an atv. |
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Originally Posted By LoudLyle: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/493363/IMG_9145_jpeg-3593947.JPG I replaced my little plastic box with an ammo can the the entire lid lifts off . I also added a basket from an atv. This guy makes a tray like that. It has little half-moon slots on each side so you can put longer-handled tools across it and they will stay with a bungee cord. https://asktractormike.com/product/tractor-caddy-tool-box/ |
"And I never did get my lawnmower back!" - Bandit 6
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"On the bright side, the money we saved by not going to Mars in the 1970s, we spent on welfare and public schools." - @MorlockP
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Originally Posted By mPisi: This guy makes a tray like that. It has little half-moon slots on each side so you can put longer-handled tools across it and they will stay with a bungee cord. https://asktractormike.com/product/tractor-caddy-tool-box/ Man he's proud of them. I need to find something like that but that's about twice what I'd pay...ought to fab something up. |
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Originally Posted By METT-T: Man he's proud of them. I need to find something like that but that's about twice what I'd pay...ought to fab something up. Originally Posted By METT-T: Originally Posted By mPisi: This guy makes a tray like that. It has little half-moon slots on each side so you can put longer-handled tools across it and they will stay with a bungee cord. https://asktractormike.com/product/tractor-caddy-tool-box/ Man he's proud of them. I need to find something like that but that's about twice what I'd pay...ought to fab something up. Damn, you're not kidding. $400 is a lot for what it is - I'm sure it's well made. |
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Originally Posted By LoudLyle: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/493363/IMG_9145_jpeg-3593947.JPG I replaced my little plastic box with an ammo can the the entire lid lifts off . I also added a basket from an atv. I actually have that size ammo can (40mm I think?) - didn't even occur to me to try putting it on. I won 3 of those Craftsman boxes in a tool auction for like $12 each, so I didn't feel bad drilling holes in the one I used. Your ROPS carrier is nice, but it looks like you can't fold the ROPS down. Unfortunately, I need to be able to fold mine down with my current garage. I already backed into the header once with them up 
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Originally Posted By Pennsilfaanisch: I actually have that size ammo can (40mm I think?) - didn't even occur to me to try putting it on. I won 3 of those Craftsman boxes in a tool auction for like $12 each, so I didn't feel bad drilling holes in the one I used. Your ROPS carrier is nice, but it looks like you can't fold the ROPS down. Unfortunately, I need to be able to fold mine down with my current garage. I already backed into the header once with them up You are correct it would have to be removed to fold the ROP. I never fold mine. |
| I zip tied some 4" PVC pipe to my ROP, not the greatest but it does hold tree loppers, machete, and a few items like that. I also installed an endcap at the bottom of the PVC and bolted it to the fender for stability. I also drilled some extra bottom holes for drainage if caught in the rain. |
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OP, if you don't use your 3 point a lot, there are some cool options that I've seen for a ballast box/tool carrier. I think there were a few members here that had posted pics previously. My tractor is not a compact, but the toolbox is still pretty small. I can fit 2 or 3 pairs of pliers, some screw drivers and misc. pins and clips, but I wish it was bigger. I've thought about doing a 40 cal. ammo can, but everywhere I've thought to mount it seems like it will impede my vision for either FEL work (the view sucks already), or 3 point work. |
"When you need it and ain't got it, you're singin' a different tune..."
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Originally Posted By Buckshot4U: OP, if you don't use your 3 point a lot, there are some cool options that I've seen for a ballast box/tool carrier. I think there were a few members here that had posted pics previously. My tractor is not a compact, but the toolbox is still pretty small. I can fit 2 or 3 pairs of pliers, some screw drivers and misc. pins and clips, but I wish it was bigger. I've thought about doing a 40 cal. ammo can, but everywhere I've thought to mount it seems like it will impede my vision for either FEL work (the view sucks already), or 3 point work. I'm currently using my 3 point more than my loader (plow and box blade), but I'd probably do one of those ballast box carriers if I end up not using my 3 point in the future. |
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Originally Posted By Dangus: I added a Kolpin ATV basket to the ROPs and repurposed the factory tool box. I didn't want to cut up the wiring harness for my LED lights, so it's all stuffed in the little plastic toolbox. https://i.imgur.com/OCetxko.jpg Nice - it took me a second to realize what the little red switch on the tool box was for, lol. |
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Originally Posted By pjc: I used a cheapo plastic ammo can from harbor freight. I used a couple of the plastic ammo cans and put 3 or 5 pound magnets on the bottom of them. They stick very well to the fenders and I haven't lost one yet. One pretty much stays on there all the time and the other comes and goes depending on the task. |
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Originally Posted By Equator: I used a couple of the plastic ammo cans and put 3 or 5 pound magnets on the bottom of them. They stick very well to the fenders and I haven't lost one yet. One pretty much stays on there all the time and the other comes and goes depending on the task. Originally Posted By Equator: Originally Posted By pjc: I used a cheapo plastic ammo can from harbor freight. I used a couple of the plastic ammo cans and put 3 or 5 pound magnets on the bottom of them. They stick very well to the fenders and I haven't lost one yet. One pretty much stays on there all the time and the other comes and goes depending on the task. That's a really good idea with the magnets. Funny, I use them all the time with my tool boxes and reloading bench, but never thought of using them on my tractor. |
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I don't know how to share pictures so I will just describe mine. I fabbed up a two level shelf between the fixed parts of the ROP. The bottom shelf has a plastic weatherproof ammo can bolted down with larger items, a flat toolbox with wrenches and screwdrivers, and a plastic organizer with lynch pins. The second upper shelf is shorter because of the ammo can. It goes over the flat toolbox and has rails around the edge to keep things from sliding off. I have a couple of hooks on the bottom that can hold a shovel or rake horizontally. I keep a magnetic tray attached to the ROP for placing pins and small metal items in so they don't get lost in the ground. It means I can't move the seat all the way back, but I have tight hamstrings, so I don't like my legs stretched out anyway. It gets in the way of the top link a bit when it is lifted up out of use, but I usually have something attached, so that isn't much of a problem. It may not work for everyone, but it has been a good solution for me. |
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The backhoe lives on it, so Im not doing anything else behind the seat. I'll occasionally bungy a milk crate to the ROPS on the fender. PVC drain pipe clamped there holds chains. Attached File Also as the first time I went into the woods, I spent two hours pulling myself out with straps on trees, I carry some spare straps. Attached File Moving a bunch of rocks and stuff, hence why the grapple is on. |
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I need a better way to store chainsaw and polesaw on it somewhere. Cab tractor L3560 I've been just laying them across the back of the shredder deck or across the forks. |
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$1400 saw holder, also known as the SG24 stump grinder. Attached File Vevor 3 pt ballast box has two handles, I bungee a bigger saw on top of that. It also has 2 shovel holder tubes which are great for putting chains in. Mounted ammo can where the safety triangle mounted. |
I had an Amazon gift card I ended up getting a set of the Maxxtuff clamp on tool hangers for about $50. The hardware isn’t the sturdiest, so I may replace the bolts with something a little heavier. It works pretty well for hanging a rake and other yard tools. Definitely need to used wraps or bungies to secure stuff, though because it will roll around.  
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Originally Posted By Ernesto556: I built a carry all for my 3 point. It's like having a small truck bed behind the tractor. If I am not shredding or using the box blade, it lives on the back of my tractor. Very handy, and easy to build in tool racks, tool holders, slot for the chainsaw, etc. I bought a rotted out used 3 point carry all off Craigslist several years back, tore off the rotten lumber, painted the steel, then redecked it with rough sawed 2 x cedar. Somewhat embarrassingly, I've never used it. I'm still glad I've got it, but I think my reasoning is that if I'm doing trail maintenance tree trimming, I'd rather use the UTV. If I'm cutting and hauling firewood, the old pickup bed trailer is hooked behind the tractor. |
"When you need it and ain't got it, you're singin' a different tune..."