DIY Tractor Upgrade: Chain Storage Compartment

Most loaders have this torsion tube built in, and the storage space is unused. I used some PVC to make this space usable as a chain storage spot on my Kubota Tractor.
Link to the test cap: amzn.to/48bkNar
#tractorvideo #tractor #tractorchainstorage #chainstorage #tractoraccessories #tractorupgrades #tractororganization #tractormaintenance #winterpreparation #tractorstorage
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0:00 What are we doing today?
1:10 Setting It Up
2:57 Making The Storage Container
7:30 The Final Product

[@EverythingElliott]

Do you like tractors? Do you like KZbin videos? Boy do I have a playlist for you! Check it out here: kzbin.info/aero/PLZuSaCtmYZOmJzecny0LDu7mwK9Dmaeku

[@larryallenjr2834]

Elliott, love the idea. You may be able to get some galvanized eye nuts to screw on in place of the wing nuts. Always enjoy your videos.

[@EverythingElliott]

I’m sure there will be some minor modifications made as I use it and see what it needs

[@timshelly1121]

Love the idea. Would also be great for tool storage, extra pins, etc.

[@EverythingElliott]

Good way to save some money over purchasing the Kubota ones!

[@markberos8028]

Excellent! Thank you.

[@EverythingElliott]

2 ish years later and it’s still working like a charm!

[@krispy1k]

I just saw that picture yesterday too and thought what a great idea. Nice job!

[@EverythingElliott]

Thanks for watching!

[@Three-leggedRanch]

Nice job, Elliott!!

[@EverythingElliott]

I’m very happy with the results!

[@wyattoneable]

Oh yeah, that's my next project. Very cool idea.

[@EverythingElliott]

And it works super well

[@nunyabusiness2294]

Great use of lost/wasted space!

[@EverythingElliott]

And now I don’t have to listen to my chains clanging around on my ROPS anymore!

[@seansysig]

Great tip! I’d paint plugs Kubota Orange and coat pvc with lithium grease. Now make another one for the frame tube for 1”x 12”, 2” x 12”, 1” x 24”, 2” x 24”, 3” x 24” cinch straps.

[@EverythingElliott]

I’ve thought about making a little one in the frame tube for a little tool kit

[@ericpigg2689]

Nice video! I plan to do this on my L3010 for sure! I will probably use an eye bolt in place of the wing nut on the plug for ease of removal.

[@EverythingElliott]

It’s super handy that’s for sure! I’m still using it to this day. And the eye bolts are a great idea! Thanks for watching

[@ronaldswymeler3102]

Great idea!

[@EverythingElliott]

Can’t take credit for the idea, just getting it out there!

[@terrivandeberg6040]

How creative!!!👍

[@EverythingElliott]

Thanks for watching!

[@customcraftsbybruceslaton4872]

Great Idea!

[@EverythingElliott]

Thanks, but I can’t take full credit, I saw pictures somewhere and just decided to make the video!

[@inthebackyardwithdel438]

Very nice !

[@EverythingElliott]

Thank you!

[@johnbifaro1710]

Excellent!

[@EverythingElliott]

Thanks for watching

[@JuiceSpringsteen88]

You should reverse the "bolt" on the test plugs. Put the bolt on the outside and you could use a threaded eyelet that would be easier to grab, or you could attach a short loop of string. I'm not familiar with that type of test plug, but I know it's possible on the Oatey's brand plastic plugs.

[@EverythingElliott]

Yeah I know what you mean, just couldn’t source one locally the day I was putting this all together. Thanks for watching!

[@wesleyharding7544]

Just push from one side, then grab from other side.

[@EverythingElliott]

Yeah, that's pretty much what I've been doing.

[@terryherrera5252]

😂🤣😂🤣I just said !! 9 months Later !!!!👍

[@markchoate9021]

Cool idea.

[@EverythingElliott]

Unfortunately I can’t take credit, I saw pictures of it somewhere and decided to try it myself

[@DurhamHumor]

No plugs on the end. Just push it out the other end. Glad I watched you video. I'll do this

[@EverythingElliott]

Glad you found some inspiration! Thanks for watching!

[@portnuefflyer]

I have a L3301 Kubota, , and it has a round tube on the loader frame. When I haul a 600 ound solar array every spring 1/4 mile down a grade with a significant sideslope, I have a counterweight I stick in the tube on the uphill side, secured of course, about 200 pounds, sticks out about 3'. As a crane guy, I like the idea of movable counterweights.

[@EverythingElliott]

That’s a great idea, what’s it made out of and how does it secure?

[@chrislysyk1120]

Cool idea. Think I'll skip the PVC and just plug the chain into the pipe directly.

[@EverythingElliott]

That’s not a bad idea at all, you might just hear it bouncing around in the torque tube. Let me know how it goes!

[@MrBowser2012]

clever!

[@EverythingElliott]

can't take all the credit, I saw a picture of someone else that did a version of it, thought I would try my hand at it

[@Anonymous-ff5wr]

Nice

[@EverythingElliott]

Thanks!

[@Undertaking-Life]

You could throw in some vise grips, hammer and adjustable wrench. I like it!

[@EverythingElliott]

You sure could!

[@jameswatson4110]

I just use pipe plugs on either side but the chain is hard to get out sometimes-your idea solves that problem-👍

[@EverythingElliott]

Yeah, gotta have that pushin stick handy with the way you mentioned...

[@threeriversforge1997]

I like that. I'll have to see if I can do that on my Mahindra 3016. One thing I'd say is to make some long slices down the end of the pvc where the test plug is. As the test plug expands, it'll push out on the pvc and bind it agains the inner diameter of the of the pipe. At least, it seems like it would since you have a pretty tight fit.

[@EverythingElliott]

It certainly would make it tighter, however I've been running this for 2 years now and haven't had a single issue with the tube sliding out on its own, so I guess if it ain't broke don't fix it.

[@victorbunch7725]

That is jes plum awesome ide! I was pulled over by a cop & he ask if i had an I.D & i said bout whut? That's when he got his pannies in a wad,,,,

[@jamesbelisle9704]

Love this! I am going to try it, but not cut it quite as deep, so as to not lose the structural integrity of the tube.

[@EverythingElliott]

It’s been over a year and I’ve yet to have an issue. The pipe supports those two chains in there with being pulled out still to this day. I used schedule 40 so it’s got a nice thick wall on it

[@stevieg.4816]

You have the LA 625. My L3800 has the LA 524 and that tube is way to small to accomplish what your doing. It's a great idea but won't work for me. My solution was the bottom of the loader bracket that pipe Is about 5 1'2" ID. I made a plug for the inside back of that pipe and a cover for the outside. My chains fit great not to mention , it was easy and cheap to do, my chains oh and that's 2 of them 10' long each same size chain as yours and the tractor other than the outside cover I made still looks the same. I saw your video and thought, how can I make that better? I looked at mine and thought, what a great way to utilize that wasted space. I keep one chain in each side and some tools. It's been over 9 months and it works fantastic. Hey, thanks for the video to get my creativity motivated into action.

[@EverythingElliott]

Glad you found a solution! I’ve seen guys use the tubes you use for a small tool box to hold the essential tools when afield. Thanks for watching!

[@tclodfelter8789]

Clever use of not used space!! Just push it from either side...

[@EverythingElliott]

And it hasn’t let me down yet!

[@MagaRickn]

Slip hook, grab hook. :)

[@EverythingElliott]

ah yes the ole scientific terms

[@jeanpomerleau8416]

I made tubes like that for my new holland, but I did 2 half lengths with a exterior cap the end and the thin test cap on the inside end. I don't know if the one long tub will do it, but my 2 Halfs do start to slide out in use so i had to add a spring and hook to clip them in. Love them though. Also painted mine to match tractor blue.

[@EverythingElliott]

I’m sure I’ll be making some modifications to these as time goes on and I use it

[@threeriversforge1997]

One possible idea would be to slit the pvc pipe where the test plug sits. That way when you tighten down the test plug to expand it, the pvc pipe expands a bit, too. This would help to lock it in place against the ID of the tubing.

[@rikkilee9409]

i found them thank you

[@EverythingElliott]

glad you found them!

[@chiefwarrant9719]

I like it

[@EverythingElliott]

super easy, super cheap, and super DIY-able!

[@fitch8363]

FYI: First hook is known as a slip hook, the second hook is a grab hook.

[@EverythingElliott]

Learn something new every day!

[@fitch8363]

@@EverythingElliott FWIW: The chain I carry on my tractor has a slip hook on one end, grab hook on the other.

[@teamcrooks6913]

Great idea! I like it. A hole saw could have been used to make the nice, rounded corners….

[@EverythingElliott]

That is very true, I just didn’t have one big enough

[@teamcrooks6913]

Cordage loop to pull it out!

[@larryrussell4905]

Push from the other side to gain access is a possibility. My fear (not much of a fear) is that it will lessen over time and start to slide out on its own. But that bridge can be crossed when if you get to it...

[@EverythingElliott]

I also thought about it wearing down, and the solution to that would be another $10 piece of pvc scrap from the local plumbing place

[@waynepitt1590]

USe a small loop of rope to act as a handle when pulling the end plug out - it won't break off easily. You could also spray the end plugs with Kubota orange to disguise the install and it would be almost invisible

[@EverythingElliott]

The rope isn’t a bad idea. As far as the paint, the Kubota orange is like $25 a spray can, juice isn’t worth the squeeze in my situation

[@randallthomas5207]

I added test plugs on the ends of the torsion tube, to hold the pipe in. Used bushings, on the inside of the PVC with an eye bolt sticking out so I can hook a finger to pull the tube out.

[@EverythingElliott]

That’s a great idea!

[@jakeschisler7525]

The first hook is a foundry hook and second one is a grab hook. I hang my chain off the FEL where it mounts to the tractor or area where I climb up and on. I hook the foundry hook on the tractor and take the grab hook on the chain, easy peasy Japanese!

[@EverythingElliott]

Thanks for the info!

[@gregharper7075]

Great instruction video Elliot. My question is since adding the chain, has the weight caused the tube to slide out on either side? If not, I see this in my tractors future. Thank you.

[@EverythingElliott]

No it hasn’t, it’s still just as much of an interference fit today as it was the day I installed it!

[@tzappia1]

Beats the price of Kubota’s new storage!

[@EverythingElliott]

I never even bothered to look how much they were but I’m guessing $100+ given it’s got the word Kubota on it.

[@pauldubois4246]

I wonder if it might vibrate and invert while in-place. That would make a nasty surprise if you had small parts (cotter pins, etc.) you were carrying.

[@EverythingElliott]

It’s been in there over a year, that’s never happened. I suppose if you didn’t use the correct size pipe that’s a possibikity

[@samdoe5087]

You could have left the pipe sticking out a couple of inches and cut holes in the end to grab. You could change out the wing nut and bolt for a simple eyebolt.

[@EverythingElliott]

I mention in the video how I don’t want the pipe proud of the loader arms because I’m often in the woods with my tractor and don’t want to catch the pipe on a tree or something. And the eyebolt would work well.

[@montimitchell5931]

Add a loop of webbing to the wing nut on both sides

[@EverythingElliott]

Thanks I’ll have to give that a whirl

[@seananson923]

Your friend had a good idea but I find to be a waste of time in notching out the pvc tube I would kept it whole to protect the chains more

[@EverythingElliott]

Then you run into the issue of fishing the chain out if it doesn’t stay right on the end. And I doubt the chain will need protecting given the abuse my chains see behind the tractor.

[@terryherrera5252]

I work in “Da Woods” !! Pick up a stick n push it out the other side !!

[@EverythingElliott]

That certainly “wood” work

[@peterbarlow8912]

The chain hooks are called slip hooks or grab hooks. I’ve got to check the diameter of tubes on our new 4802

[@EverythingElliott]

Thanks!

[@ClassXIRoads]

The slip hook is called a "running hook"

[@MrBrewner]

I also did this trick on my tractor. Make sure you pull it out frequently to check for water between the pvc and the metal. Water followed the pvc in and sat in the loader tube on mine. Other than that this is a great storage idea for sure

[@EverythingElliott]

I thought about that. And I might actually attach a larger test plug into the loader itself to keep moisture out

[@MrBrewner]

@@EverythingElliott that might be the thing to do for sure.

[@Retarded229]

I thought about doing that but with the loader brackets so I don’t reduce my loader capacity

[@EverythingElliott]

Ahh you mean at the mounting points? Yeah you could do small tubes like time capsules

[@Retarded229]

@@EverythingElliott yes the big loader brackets that attach to the tractor frame has a larger diameter tube.

[@donfickenscher7327]

On loaders with 4.5" tubes, such as my L1055, I've discovered that a regular Oatey 4" test plug with one wrap of 1/4" x 3/4" closed cell weatherstripping tape ( Item #632032 Model #06593 at Lowe's), creates a secure, waterproof end cap, for less than $10.00. You can make your own interior tray/tube from 10" PVC pipe if you want, or pay Kubota more than $200 for a couple!

[@EverythingElliott]

I never even bothered to look up the price of Kubotas because I had mine done long before they came out, but I believe you that Kubota would want to rob you of $200!

[@bluegrallis]

The first hook you show on the chain is a 'slip hook'. The other is a 'grab hook'.

[@EverythingElliott]

Learn something new every day!

[@splash2815]

would pushing from the other side to start, make it easier to grab and pull from the extraction side?

[@EverythingElliott]

That’s exactly what I do. About a year later and it’s still tight, it hasn’t worn out yet which is great

[@rikkilee9409]

those are called test plugs? where you get them?

[@EverythingElliott]

I got them from a local plumbing supply company!

[@MichaelMcbratney]

A shop your size and you have to put your chop saw on the flower ???

[@EverythingElliott]

yup. It stays on the storage shelf and I wasn't going to pull out the entire stand for it just to make one cut...juice wasn't worth the squeeze.

[@ScottFinley-xe1kk]

I live on hilly land. What happens if I'm mowing on an inbankment. What keeps the tube with it's contents sliding out sideways. What is to keep it in place?

[@EverythingElliott]

Mine is a friction fit, it hasn’t slid out at all. Did you watch the video? I demonstrated the pressure it takes to pull it out

[@richardhaymon9022]

Can you please tell me where you got the table that bolts onto the band saw I would like to get one What name brand and we’re to buy it Thank you

[@EverythingElliott]

I don't think I used a band saw in this video...what point of the video are you talking about?

[@rcclassiccrawlers4368]

Very cool idea. But, and I don’t mean anything by this. Those have got to be the shortest chains I have ever seen without being a store display models.

[@EverythingElliott]

They are perfect for what I use them for. I have plenty of 20-30' chain laying around but when I only need 3' to grab an implement with the forks, or bucket, having that extra 17' tail of chain to deal with can be quite cumbersome.

[@Rio97621]

I tried keeping a shovel in there but it wouldn't stay.

[@EverythingElliott]

Well that’s a very odd sized item

[@gregharper7075]

You used a 3” pvc tube, so what is the diameter of the crossbar of your tractor?

[@EverythingElliott]

Just about 3.5” inner diameter

[@gregharper7075]

Rats. I have a Mahindra and my tube ID is 3 inch and no one makes a 2 1/2 inch pvc. Any ideas?

[@EverythingElliott]

@@gregharper7075 2.5" pvc is 100% a thing, I've used it before. It's not a common size so your big box stores wont have it. you need to find a pipe supplier local to you. A plumbing supply company should have everything you need.

[@gregharper7075]

Thanks again sir.

[@peterbreese2575]

Just like some one else said push it out, why try to figure out how to pull it

[@EverythingElliott]

That’s what I’ve been doing

[@gobills3117]

Slap a patent on this and sell it to Kubota!

[@EverythingElliott]

I think I’d have to get a little more fancy to get a patent. Also, go bills!

[@victorbunch7725]

Iactually think that cop was dislexic! Because he gave me a ticket for IUD,,,

[@frankdove4869]

I'd be more worried about it vibrating out while you're using it

[@EverythingElliott]

See how tough of a time I had getting it out in the end? It’s not going to vibrate out…

[@TheJonesn]

That's gonna shake and vibrate out all the time

[@EverythingElliott]

Been in there over a year and it hasn’t vibrated a single time. Still as tight as the day I put it in.

[@RambunctiousHamster]

Feel silly for assuming now?

[@childersbuilders716]

You can put your weed in there man!

[@EverythingElliott]

It’s where I hide all my secrets

[@Johndozer]

Sounds like your an SNL fan from the 90's. 👍🤠

[@michaeltesla558]

That's going to trap water, and scratch up the finish leading to bare metal. Which will lead to corrossion....

[@EverythingElliott]

Perhaps…if that’s a concern of yours don’t do it, not a concern of mine

[@RambunctiousHamster]

And after the corrosion, the metal will decay and become brittle. Your front bucket will fall off, and then your tractor will catch fire and burn to the ground.. Oooooor, itll be just fine with a bit of grease or anti rust spray if you are so worried, or probably nothing at all like everyone who have already done this before. My tractor lived outside for years,and keeps on ticking. Id happily take function over superficial anyday. And no,rust won't hurt your tractor, just ask the hundreds of thousands of owners who leave theirs parked outside.whatever little rust this would make,would be nothing compaired to just being outside on the norm. Anyway,hope you have a good day,and make sure to stear clear of any mud puddles. Just not worth the risk to drive through them with rust always at your doorstep!

[@EverythingElliott]

@@RambunctiousHamster my favorite is scratch the finish...as if the finish inside the torque tube is that great anyway...

[@rerun8950]

I would put 550 chord on the ends

[@EverythingElliott]

Good thinking!