Protection Screen - thrown objects

[jiminsc]

Originally Posted by dirt ditch

You could build a frame out of pipe or square tubing, notching around the ropes hinges and any thing else that needs it. Cut the expanded metal to fit the frame and weld them together. Then make shield mounts that bolt to the canopy mount u bolts. Hang the shield on when mowing take it off when done.

This is sort of the plan I'm following. Waiting on delivery of some expanded metal and will be getting started at the end of next week. I'll post some pics of the finished product. Got the mower on Thursday and tested it, but put it in the garage until I get the protection screen finished.

[sandman2234]

That expanded metal guard that Flusher has posted the picture of is probably not nearly enough protection for a boom mower. It should do fine for a rear mounted rotary mower or finish mower, or a flail mower, but I don't think I would operate my boom mower with nothing more than that for protection. My 7710 has that same guard, and I can't remember ever throwing anything into it with the cutting head. The 1/2" plexiglas mounted on the right side fender (controls are on left fender) where all the cutting takes place is what takes all the abuses. I can't count the number of times I have jerked my head back in reaction to a piece of wood hitting the plexiglas window. It is really bad if you are able to turn the cutter head forward to cut. I have learned to keep the cutterhead between me and the stuff I am cutting so the debris is thrown away from me.
David from jax

[shinnlinger]

Hi,

It is pissing rain right now or I would go snap a picture, but I have a hurricane fence gate that I rachet strapped to my ROPS. If I felt I needed finer protection I would put hardware cloth on it, but it hasn't come to that. Easy on easy off.

[hackalot]

Here is what we came up with so far.

rear screen attached with pins to empty r/o holes:



Side screen thats slides into rear screen and then secured by floor bolt and to canopy mounting frame:







more in next post

[hackalot]

Floor bolt:



Tractor w mower attached:



Last problem, getting everything into garage:

empty slot:



parked with 2" to spare



Have some lexan ordered to make an additional shield that can hang on expanded metal.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions & help on this project.

[dirt ditch]

Very nice job on the fabrication. Looks like it will work.

[BearKiller]

Originally Posted by sandman2234

My boom mower has a piece of 1/2" lexan (plexiglas)

A little primer on clear plastics, just so someone doesn't end up with the wrong stuff.


LEXAN is a particular brand-name of POLYCARBONATE, a very tough, impact resistant, almost bullet-proof clear plastic that can easily be sawed, drilled, routed, and thermally contoured; but, it scratches very easily and is not quite so rigid as Plexiglas.

PLEXIGLAS is a particular brand-name of ACRYLIC, a clear plastic that is very rigid and highly scratch resistant, also easily thermally contoured; but, it is easily broken and will crack/break easily if extreme care and proper tools are not used when drilling or cutting; often, it will shatter even when you do everything right.

Both have their uses, but always remember that LEXAN and PLEXIGLAS are entirely different animals.

There are many other brand-names of both polycarbonate and acrylic; Lexan and Plexiglas are just the more consumer prevalent brands available.