Innovative Shovel Mounting Solutions for Track Machines

[MikePhua]

The Everyday Problem of Tool Storage on Excavators
Operators of tracked excavators often face a simple but persistent challenge: where to store hand tools like shovels, rakes, or pry bars during operation. These tools are essential for clearing debris, cleaning trench edges, or adjusting grade manually—but without a secure mounting solution, they’re prone to bouncing around the cab, falling off the machine, or getting damaged.
On job sites where efficiency and safety matter, a misplaced shovel can slow down progress or even cause injury. The need for a reliable, vibration-resistant, weatherproof holder has led many operators and mechanics to fabricate their own solutions.
Terminology Notes

• Track Machine: A piece of equipment that moves on continuous tracks rather than wheels, such as excavators, dozers, or compact track loaders.
  
• Shovel Holder: A bracket or clamp system designed to secure a shovel or similar tool to the exterior of a machine.
  
• Quick Access Mount: A tool holder that allows fast removal and replacement without tools or latches.
  
• Vibration Isolation: A design feature that prevents tool movement or wear due to machine vibration.
  

Common Mounting Locations and Design Considerations
Operators have experimented with various mounting points:

• Handrails near the cab door
  
• Rear counterweight brackets
  
• Boom side plates (less common due to movement)
  
• Undercarriage frame rails
  
• Inside the cab (only for compact tools)
  

Each location has trade-offs. Mounting near the cab offers convenience but may obstruct entry or exit. Rear mounts are safer but require walking around the machine. Boom mounts risk tool loss due to constant articulation.
Recommended design features:

• Rubber-lined clamps to prevent tool wear
  
• Locking mechanisms to prevent theft or accidental release
  
• Weather-resistant materials like powder-coated steel or UV-stable plastic
  
• Drainage holes to prevent water accumulation
  
• Adjustable brackets to accommodate different tool sizes
  

A contractor in Alberta fabricated a dual shovel holder using U-bolts and rubber pipe clamps mounted to the handrail of a Komatsu PC200. The setup held firm during trenching and allowed quick access without leaving the cab platform.
Off-the-Shelf Solutions and Retrofit Options
While many shovel holders are custom-built, several manufacturers offer universal tool mounts:

• Magnetic tool holders for steel surfaces
  
• Clamp-style mounts with quick-release levers
  
• Lockable tool boxes with internal brackets
  
• Bolt-on brackets with vibration-dampening pads
  

For retrofit applications:

• Use existing bolt holes on the machine frame to avoid drilling
  
• Apply anti-seize compound on mounting hardware to ease future removal
  
• Consider modular systems that allow repositioning as needed
  

A municipal crew in Maine retrofitted their excavator fleet with clamp-style holders mounted to the rear deck. The holders were sourced from a forestry supplier and adapted with custom brackets. The result was reduced tool loss and faster cleanup during culvert replacement.
Safety and Operational Benefits
Proper tool storage improves:

• Operator safety by preventing loose tools from shifting or falling
  
• Job site efficiency by reducing time spent retrieving tools
  
• Equipment longevity by preventing tool damage from vibration or weather
  
• Professional appearance and organization on multi-contractor sites
  

Upgrade options:

• Add reflective tape or high-visibility paint to holders for night work
  
• Use keyed locks for theft prevention in urban areas
  
• Install tool sensors for fleet tracking and accountability
  
• Integrate holders into machine walkways for ergonomic access
  

A technician in Georgia added a shovel sensor to his machine’s telematics system. If the shovel wasn’t returned to the holder after use, the system logged it as a missing tool. This reduced tool loss and improved crew accountability.
Anecdote from the Field
In 2023, a small excavation firm in Pennsylvania built a custom shovel holder for their compact excavator using PVC pipe, hose clamps, and a spring-loaded latch. The mount was installed on the cab step rail and held a trenching shovel securely through multiple jobs. The operator noted that the holder saved time and prevented the shovel from being buried under spoil piles.
Conclusion
A well-designed shovel holder may seem like a minor detail, but on a busy job site, it becomes a symbol of professionalism and preparedness. Whether fabricated in a shop or purchased off the shelf, the right mounting solution keeps tools secure, accessible, and protected. In the rhythm of excavation, even the simplest tool deserves a place of its own.