Canopy 855 JD Canopy repair

joes_427_vette · Mar 21, 2009

I bought a used canopy from a 855 that looks almost new except for a small damaged area in the rear ( 1 1/2" x 2" ). I thought they were fiberglass but I see it is sheet molded plastic. Looks like a tree branch hit it and was surprised to see the total thickness is less than 1/16". The owner said it was nearly 800 new.
I will have to check where I can get a repair kit for this and glue a piece on the interior to keep the surface flat. I realize a hundred dollars don't buy much but I was expecting a little heavier material as these canopies get banged around with low hanging branches and such. On the plus side they did finish off the bottom with a low gloss formed panel. The two 1/4" rops U bolts hold the entire canopy in place. May have to improvise and add a support because this looks pretty flimsy. This canopy will come in handy when I fabricate the rest of the cab.

unimog_jason · Mar 21, 2009

The canopy on my 755 had the front right corner broken out of it when I got the tractor a little over a year ago and over the course of 1 summer I managed to do a lot more damage to it with low hanging branches.

I stitched it back together with wire before winter came and it's OK, but when the time comes to replace it I think I'll just get a sheet metal shop to bend up some 1/4" aluminum checker plate and weld the corners together. That should stand up better and last many more years.

Jason

mjncad · Mar 22, 2009

Joe:

I'm guessing it's ABS, which glues and forms easily. Check with a plastics supplier for sheets and/or scraps.

joes_427_vette · Mar 22, 2009

Now I'm wondering if the entire surround should be reinforced. Why would they make it so cheap and charge so much? I have heard of John Deere quality but they could have starched green paper and had it just as strong.
Anyone get feed back from Deere on this construction ?

kennyd · Mar 22, 2009

I guess they wanted it light as possible so as not to put stress on the ROPS?

foggy1111 · Mar 22, 2009

Weight that high up can add to stability problems too. I have a JD425 with a 40 loader on it. I had a "ROPS" made which installed to the loader and a guy gave me a metal roof (from some industrial machine) for the "ROPS".....and this really looked pretty cool and was nice shade. BUT....this little tractor was very unstable with that much weight so high up.....and I took it off after a few "near misses"

. Hence...from the JD point of view....it is likely a weight issue?

I'd sure like to have a canopy for my 790....but with all the trees I've got to deal with...I dont think it would last long.

jenkinsph · Mar 22, 2009

If you have a canopy sooner or later your gonna hit something

To repair a small section such as you describe you can go to an auto paint and body store and pickup one of the tubes of repair compound for the plastic bumpers. Basically mix up the goop and spread it on with a putty knife. Let it cure and sand to match the contour. Similar to bondo but this stuff is pliant and flexible. I wouldn't bother with taking the canopy apart.

Steve