Originals and replacements
Most original tool boxes are pressed steel, mounted to the frame, fender or seat bracket. A replacement must match the mounting holes and leave clearance for linkages and wiring around it.
Large boxes exceed the build size of many 3D printers, so a replacement may need to be made in sheet metal or in sections by a fabrication partner. Lids and cab trays are usually easier to reproduce than full boxes.
Fit and function
Record how the lid is hinged and latched, and whether the box drains. A lid that does not seal well lets water in and rusts the tools.
Buying a used box
Used boxes are often the only option. Check the bottom and the seams for rust-through, make sure the lid closes square, and confirm the mounting holes line up with your tractor’s brackets before you pay. Mounting bolts and spacers are frequently missing, so note their size and length when you measure.
If only the lid is missing, a replacement lid is usually far easier to source or reproduce than a complete box.
What to measure before you request one
- Length, width and height, inside and outside
- Mounting hole positions, diameters and spacing (measure centre to centre)
- Hinge type and position, and the latch type
- Material thickness if you can measure it
- Photos of the box mounted on the tractor and of the mounting points
See how to measure a part for tools and photo tips.