[BethesdaEC]

This is the easiest modification to do but also one of the most useful. These are clip on so the only tools required are what you put into it. I got one at Home Depot and the other at Lowes. The HD one had a little pocket that was obstructing the loop so I cut the pocket out to allow me to hang a hammer (wrapped in yellow tape so I don't loose it in the woods). There are also two chainsaw wedges and a utility knife.

The right one has two crescent wrenches so I can remove my toothbar or open my chipper without hunting for tools. A folding saw and pruning sheers which are really handy if you are working around low hanging branches or vines and don't have a chainsaw handy. Finally a pair of linesman pliers and a pen.

I have found these are my most commonly used tools and it so convenient to have them right at your fingertips.

 

[BethesdaEC]

This is my ballast box, it is filled with concrete and I attached two 40mm ammo cans to the top. The 40mm cans are real nice, they are long and low compared to the other bigger cans. One has two 20' foot chains, each chains has a grab hook on one end and a slip hook on the other end. I also have a new brush grubber which I am hoping to use to pull poison ivy off of trees. The other box has additional tools like screw drivers, flashlight, mallet rags etc. I didn't take a picture of it but I have a grab hook on my drawbar.

 

[BethesdaEC]

These are tractor supply halogen lights with the Artillian glare shrouds. Notice I also have one rear facing, I might add a second rear facing one in the future.

 

[BethesdaEC]

Finally the bucket, I have two of Ken's bolt on grab hooks and three regular hooks. Notice that I have reenforced the bucket with plate steel, there is one on the top and one on the bottom making a 3/4 inch thick steel sandwich. I had the dealer put a toothbar on when I purchased the tractor and I don't actually know who the OEM is for it.

 

[dieselshadow]

Looks great Bethesda! Thanks for the pics and ideas

 

[cmoore]

Nice customizing. My favorite is the tooth bar on the bucket. What size bucket is that? Where did you get them from, I would like to have a set on mine.

 

[jfoi]

nice modifications!!!

 

[BethesdaEC]

Nice customizing. My favorite is the tooth bar on the bucket. What size bucket is that? Where did you get them from, I would like to have a set on mine.

I have a 53 inch bucket, it gives a little more digging power since it has a 12% smaller edge then the 61". As for the toothbar, my dealer included it at my request when I purchased the tractor and I don't who the manufacturer is. It is very stout and has replaceable teeth.

 

[ColonyPark]

Great mods, thanks for the pics!:thumbup1gif:

 

[mjncad]

Good modifications that are practical in nature. Thanks for sharing. :good2:

 

[RandyM]

Very well done!

Very practical and handy mods. You'll get lots of use from them. So, what's next on the list?

Thank you for the post.

 

[Uncle Wayne]

Well thought out mod's. Thanks for sharing.

 

[BethesdaEC]

Very practical and handy mods. You'll get lots of use from them. So, what's next on the list?

Thank you for the post.

My Wallenstein BX42r sits too low to the ground to be picked up by the quick hitch. I have lag bolted two 4x4 to the bottom to raise it and that has solved the quick hitch problem but I am going to go a step further. I would like to extend the 4x4's so that I can build a chainsaw holder/platform on one side and an ammo box on the other side.

 

[pcabe5]

Every mod you did was practical and with a purpose. Very nice.

 

[BethesdaEC]

Here is another mod I did on the backhoe. It is a 50mm ammo box with a maple bracket/clamp to attach it to the rear controls guard.