Who's got a Canopy?

Zephrant · Feb 5, 2009

Re: Who\'s got a Canopy?

I'd like a fiberglass one and have plans to build a cab under it this summer. I'm more looking for something to keep the snow off than the sun off of me.

But your point about size is taken- I'll have to take some measurements to make sure it will be big enough.

Paystar · Feb 6, 2009

Anyone have any experience with Laurin canopies? Looked on their web site and they make some pretty nice cabs and canopy's for compact and scut tractors. The canopies have built in lights with a console on the headliner for all the switch gear and a stereo.

Zephrant · Feb 14, 2009

Re: Who\'s got a Canopy?

Zephrant said:
Old thread I found, but here is the current web site for Bucktop canopies. They are made by Weidmann Brothers, and my dealer has them for $475 now.

I'm going to drive down and take a look at them soon.
Weidmann Brothers Canopies

Well I bought one today- Looks like just what I was looking for. Fiberglass top, metal frame that extends forward enough to tie in to cab supports in the future, and I like the smooth looks. I'll post pictures when I get it on, but that will be several weeks away.

Zephrant · Mar 17, 2009

Re: Who\'s got a Canopy?

I got my canopy installed on Saturday. I searched around and ended up getting one from my local dealer. They had exactly what I wanted, but were a little pricier than desired. I paid $475 plus tax for it. They are made by Weidmann Brothers Canopies, although the canopy also says TractorSunshade.com right on the back of it (which I'm going to remove some day soon).

It went on pretty easily- after I got done I realized that a clamp or two would have helped greatly. I ended up putting the side clamps on mounted a little high, bolting the canopy to them, then loosening the U bolts and sliding it down until the ROPS was touching the inside of the canopy. It ended up adding about 2" to my height, which considering that I had about 4" of clearance before, makes it pretty close.

I mounted the lights I bought, but have not wired them yet. I'm not yet decided on where I want to mount my switches, and I was anxious to get out and use the blade while I still had daylight. I worked on the switchback on the road in the pouring rain- I figure it is better than when I started, but I certainly need more practice.

But it was certainly fun. One thing I did notice is that the rain likes to run off the front of the canopy and hit the hood. Maybe I'll add a U-channel to that lip to direct the rain to the sides more.

I also noticed that I could hear tractor noise above and behind me- I was getting some reflection off of the canopy. Since I wear earmuffs normally anyway, it won't be a big deal. But I do plan on at least lining it with sound deadening foam, and maybe building a cab under it.

kthompson · Mar 20, 2009

I have two fiberglass canopies that are about 6 years old. Before that had another one but only used that tractor about 3 years. No complaints from me on the fiberglass. My brothers has a diamond alum one which has also held up well. I think the metal one reflects more noise but that could be the difference between Kubota and MF.

But my point, a small fan mount up under the canopy is a real blessing at times. Heat or insects. Just mount it to protect it and so it is pulling air cooled by the canopy from the sun.

Zephrant · Mar 21, 2009

Sounds good- I was driving home Monday night though a hail storm, cackling gleefully to myself as I thought about how I could go plow in this storm if I needed to, and not have the hail hitting my head.

dlatzko · Mar 21, 2009

Re: Who\'s got a Canopy?

Zephrant said:
I got my canopy installed on Saturday. I searched around and ended up getting one from my local dealer. They had exactly what I wanted, but were a little pricier than desired. I paid $475 plus tax for it. They are made by Weidmann Brothers Canopies, although the canopy also says TractorSunshade.com right on the back of it (which I'm going to remove some day soon).

It went on pretty easily- after I got done I realized that a clamp or two would have helped greatly. I ended up putting the side clamps on mounted a little high, bolting the canopy to them, then loosening the U bolts and sliding it down until the ROPS was touching the inside of the canopy. It ended up adding about 2" to my height, which considering that I had about 4" of clearance before, makes it pretty close.

I mounted the lights I bought, but have not wired them yet. I'm not yet decided on where I want to mount my switches, and I was anxious to get out and use the blade while I still had daylight. I worked on the switchback on the road in the pouring rain- I figure it is better than when I started, but I certainly need more practice.

But it was certainly fun. One thing I did notice is that the rain likes to run off the front of the canopy and hit the hood. Maybe I'll add a U-channel to that lip to direct the rain to the sides more.

I also noticed that I could hear tractor noise above and behind me- I was getting some reflection off of the canopy. Since I wear earmuffs normally anyway, it won't be a big deal. But I do plan on at least lining it with sound deadening foam, and maybe building a cab under it.

I've been thinking about adding a canopy to my 4300, which has a folding ROPS. Since you've already done this, do you see any issues? Also, my dealer offers a different brand, Curtis. Is any one familiar with that brand, or any others?

bobzap · Mar 22, 2009

I had to get something free to close the deal when I bought my MF 2310 TLB so I looked over to the other side of the showroom where a tractor was fitted with a nice big factory ROP mounted canopy and made him throw one on to seal the deal. I love it in the rain. Hmmmm! Now if it only had sides and a windshield for that January snowblowing....

joes_427_vette · Mar 22, 2009

I just bought one ( story in John Deere own / oper section ) and it came with two 1/4" square U bolts that fasten to the rops. Doesn't look that sturdy to me. I plan on fabricating a better attachment. This will be the top for my later cab build.

Zephrant · Mar 23, 2009

Yeah, mine has the U-bolts. But I tightened them down and it seams pretty solid. The part I did not like was they bolt though slots so you can adjust the angle- I'm afraid they may slip over time. If they do, I'll cut and drill up a plate and weld it on to reinforce it.

As for the U bolts, they look plenty tough enough to hold.

My ROPS does not fold, so I'm not sure how it would work on a folder.

I did find out that the single wide door in my third stall must be a little lower- brushed the rubber seal on the door today when I pulled it in the garage to refuel. The canopy drips water exactly on the cap for the tank now and I didn't want any water with my fuel.