Custom body band and winch mount

[xbunsenx]

Here we go. I started to build a body band about 10 years ago out of 2" angle iron. I just decided a week or so ago to finish it and go ahead and mount a winch to it. My machine is a 2000 Max IV 900-T. It came with the factory winch mount. I welded the two pieces of body band together that have been sitting under my shed for 10 years.



Then on to modifying the factory winch mount to accommodate a horizontal mount winch. I had some 6" angle iron sitting around and cut it down to 7" wide. I then welded it to the winch mount.



Then it will be mounted to the Max. Here are some pics of it test mounted to the Max IV.



I will post updates as I continue to make progress with the project.

[blown84gt]

Man that looks great! That's the next thing to do on my list, is that 2 x 2 angle? I'm having a hard time finding 1 1/2 x 2 and was thinking of going with 2 x 2.

Reckon that winch plate is beefy enough?

HA!

[xbunsenx]

Yes, it is 2"x2" angle iron and the winch plate is 1/2" thick 6" angle iron. I still have to drill a bunch of holes in the band to bolt it to the tub and build a roll cage as well.

[xbunsenx]

I got the winch plate drilled for the winch, mounted it to the Max and the right side of the body band drilled and bolted.

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Now I need to drill the left side and bolt it down.
I am thinking of building a rear storage basket as well.

[CBass]

I love the thread. I just finished doing the body band and roll cage for Mel's Max IV. I am about to work on Fred's (Hustler) body band and roll cage next then on to my Max II body band. I hope to finish them all before my time to deploy out for Afghanistan in Feb.

[xbunsenx]

I debated on whether to band the rear and decided to leave it off. I figured that I shouldn't be backing into anything, lol. Also, it was a laziness decision. My purpose for the body band was to strengthen the winch mount and to use them as "rock rails" to slide by trees.

[CBass]

I did it for the same reasons as you only its for Mel's and there is no telling if she will get hit in the back or need a push from someone. Now I got two more to do. lol

[freestyle7783]

Does the body band help with flexing and will 1¹/⁴x1¹/⁴ angle iron work

[rcn11thacr]

Just thinking here; the material ur using will be super tough and will certainly withstand anything it comes into contact with. By the time your finished with this it could weigh 3-4 times what the OG parts were. How will this affect the hdpe body and sagging now?