Colt Case Ingersoll Garden Tractors

My dad offered to buy me a shed to store my tractor. I could use some size and feature recommendations from the experienced experts on the forum. I have a feeling the size needed is probably more than he was offering to spend meaning I'll likely be contributing to the purchase.

List of equipment to store:
Ingersoll 4016
RM48 deck setup for open chute/hydravac
MF248 (RM48) deck setup for mulching
Hydravac bagger system
SB48 snowcaster, 52" wide with extension wings
Berco 44" snowblower
Wheel weights and chains
Rear weight box, I think Ariens? It's a 15-18" cube.
CB34 soft tractor cab, disassembled
Brinley tow behind spreader, 200+lb variety
Tow behind dethatcher, 40" wide?
1990's Craftsman slice aerator, 40" wide? Back when they were still built decent...
Couple boxes and buckets of tractor parts...
Johnny bucket and lift mule, 40" wide?
3.5kW inverter generator

Other requirements:
Tractor needs to fit through the door... With the RM48 and hydravac its probably 60-62" wide. I don't have the hydravac mounted, so I don't know the exact width.
I wouldn't mind the ability to get and RM60 deck in and out someday... Those are probably 72" wide with the chute.
Ability to support the above equipment
Storage for my yard tool collection

Nice to have:
Workbench
Storage in the loft
I can dream right?

I don’t know that I would call myself an expert, but, having done this for awhile a few things come to mind.

I would say what ever size you land on it will never be big enough, ask me how I know!

Keep in mind the items you listed are what you want to store now. You will likely have more things you’d like to put in there in the future. I’m my case I have no control, things just keep finding their way home with me. You may be more disciplined than I am though.

You may have already done this, but if not don’t forget to check if you have any restrictions from an HOA or your town. It would be a shame to find out someone out there doesn’t want you to have a shed on your own property.

I think it would be a good idea to grab a tape measure and head over to your local big box store. Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc. they usually have a good supply of out buildings on display on their lots, good place to take measurements and visualize how your items could be stored in a given space. Also sometimes they will have close out sale, you might find a bargain! If not as least you’ll get an idea of what dimension will work for you and your lot.

You may also want to think about the options of power to the building as well. It usually doesn’t take long after the building is all done before a guy wishes he had some light or a receptacle or two! Of course that could be done anytime in the future.

If you can, take us along with you! Even though we can’t be there swinging hammers we can sure throw you some support from afar.

It can't be too big. I find I'm squeezing through tight walkways at times in a 3 story bank barn that's something like 30 x 70... (that's not bragging, I'm just fighting the hording tendency)

Seriously though, you do want to get as many sq/ft as you can can the first time. If its a choice between putting in electric, and more space, get more space. You can always add electric later. Get the biggest doors you can. You don't ever want to squeeze anything through a door. You will mess up at some point if its close. I'm only 52, but getting turned around to thread a tractor in the barn basement isn't as easy as it once was... Time makes everything more difficult. Plus as mentioned, you will end up with more stuff in there, and it will creep toward your parking spot making it more of a challenge.

My previous house had a 16 x 22 interior garage. That gets beyond most "shed" sizes. However, it was in fact the perfect size for what you're talking about. I had storage for the yard stuff, a workbench, and associated mechanics tools, and just enough room to pull apart a 646BH to work on, and be able to walk around it comfortably. Most of the time I parked a full size truck in there, but it was nice to have when a tractor went down...

Like the guys have already said , It will only be big enough for 5 minutes and then you will want more room . If you can , the most economical yet secure shed is a used "Sea Can" / shipping container . You can pretty them up with paint or strap and siding as you wish . The top can be repurposed into a deck area or build more on top . A simple gravel bed and post blocks to support it . They come in many sizes and can be customised in many ways . With the cost of building material now they give more square footage for $$$ than wood and provide superior protection . I would recommend you look into a 20 footer . That 8x8 x20 long with a pair of lockable doors on the end .

I agree with what @DavidBarkey suggested - the absolute quickest, fastest form of instant gratification is to get a 20' 'New' or 'One Run' shipping container dropped into the spot of your choice... Ideally - have a bit of space around it so that you can get a second container when your storage needs grow - (Don't be like Gerry, - leave space between them... It's going to be more challenging moving a 'loaded' container sideways 10' )

And - if you leave an 8'-10' gap between them then you can put trusses across the top, and have covered storage space in between - perfect for summertime 'Drive-in' storage of a tractor with mower deck attached. You could also pre-wire the shipping container with an extension cord end - so that when you want power - just open the doors and plug in your container to an extension cord from your house... We got 2 for locked, secure storage up at our property - one for household stuff, the other is 'dirty, greasy, garage' stuff... There is lots of space inside them - inside dimensions of a 20' container is roughly - 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 9 inches wide, and 7 feet 10 inches high...

I love my containers, but they are subject to condensation issues. I've seen them spray foamed to deal with that, but I don't know if it works...
You don't get that with a wood structure in the same way.

Toolslinger wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 11:50 am I love my containers, but they are subject to condensation issues. I've seen them spray foamed to deal with that, but I don't know if it works...
You don't get that with a wood structure in the same way.

ture , but ventilation helps a lot with that .

I agree with JSinMo, check with the locals to see what they allow. In my area they wouldn’t allow the size I wanted because my property was to small. I needed 5 acres to get over the 30’ X 40’ that I settled for. I only have 3 acres, and needed to pay for a variance and go before the zoning board to get approval. Every area is different so check first. I found out after the fact that some people build what they want and when the board finds out, they fine you and you get to keep what you built. Local politics at it’s best. Harry

Harry wrote: ↑Fri Aug 15, 2025 6:05 pm I agree with JSinMo, check with the locals to see what they allow. In my area they wouldn’t allow the size I wanted because my property was to small. I needed 5 acres to get over the 30’ X 40’ that I settled for. I only have 3 acres, and needed to pay for a variance and go before the zoning board to get approval. Every area is different so check first. I found out after the fact that some people build what they want and when the board finds out, they fine you and you get to keep what you built. Local politics at it’s best. Harry

I learned dealing with gravel pit owned by multi-billinon $$ corporation , sometimes you are better off to beg forgiveness than ask permission .

I appreciate the input guys. Seems like everyone agrees, get as much space as you can. My apologies for posting and never responding. Its been a busy week.