Add-Ons Boost Tractor/Loader Use

Add-Ons Boost Tractor/Loader Use TRACTORS Loaders Robert McMahon’s loader tractor is a lot more useful now that he added a chainsaw and log chain holder to his loader frame and mounted hooks to the bucket “I don’t like carrying a chainsaw on my tractor platform ” says McMahon “Adding a holder gave me a way to store log chains and other tools as well ” The chainsaw holder consists of a length of 5-in square tubing that he picked up at a scrap yard He attached a bottom plate to it with side plates to act as a scabbard for the chainsaw blade “I looked at commercial holders but often they didn’t leave room for the plastic guard sheath ” he says “It’s handy to be able to use it ” A T-bar clamp lets McMahon secure the chainsaw in place while a rubber foot mounted to the other side of the tubing provides a rest for the chainsaw body “I put a stainless steel spring on the bolt between the T-bar handle and the nut welded on the scabbard ” explains McMahon “It provides enough tension that the bolt doesn’t vibrate loose ” McMahon added another strip of flat steel to the backside of the tube Ends cut at an angle create ideal storage for a splitting wedge He also cut several notches in the top of the square tube They secure log chain hooks with the chains hanging on the inside of the tube “I’ve seen other suggestions in FARM SHOW for pvc pipes or steel tubing but I didn’t want the log chain to come off when operating my Bushhog ” he says “With the chains inside the tube and the hooks in the notch they stay put ” McMahon notes that placement of the holder on the loader frame upright was the tricky part “It is a little off center to the outside ” he says “I needed clearance to pull the chainsaw out ” McMahon adds that the holder tube is equally handy for carrying long handled tools McMahon also added a 50-caliber army surplus ammo bucket to the ROPS for a toolbox Two pairs of chain hooks welded on the loader bucket were even quicker fixes The hooks were low cost but make securing loads easy and transport safer “I also welded a 2-in receiver hitch to the top of the loader bucket ” says McMahon “I have a trailer with a pintle hitch I slip the pintle hook into the receiver and I can hitch up the trailer and push it forward instead of backing it up ” Another low-cost add-on was eBay purchased stabilizers for his 3-pt hitch arms McMahon passed on the $400 OEM stabilizers when he bought the tractor Instead he paid $100 for a set he could modify He made slight changes to the ends such as replacing a bolt with a flange and pin Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Robert McMahon P O Box 7008 Knoxville Tenn 37921 ph 865 690-7783; robbo2871@gmail com

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