Cab with a/c

[FlashPoint]

Thought i would share some pics of the cab i built over the winter. I bought this MX5000 first of june last year and after 400hrs of mowing i knew i had to do something . I wanted to stay small and compact and not have to spend another 10K for a cab tractor. So far everything works well and i have spent around 1500.00 . i used a 5500btu a/c unit and a 1200watt inverter to power the a/c the rest i fabricated myself.heat i use is a cheapo from harbor freight and the loader valve does a nice job of providing heat too.lol . the glass is laminated .the cab has Sirus radio and a aftermarket seat .Nothing was modified to the tractor it all bolts on. Only problem i had was the alternator had to be upgraded to a larger voltage. I used different 125amp alt. that bolted up easily.

 

[Ductape]

Nce work ! I need to know more about the A/C unit....... can you give any more details and pics?

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Wow, you are quite the craftsman! Is the frame made from steel or aluminum? How thick are the tubes? How did you fit the glass? Did you think of using Lexan or just went straight to laminate glass?

Sorry for all the questions.

 

[MReeb]

Slick idea to have the sunroof to view the bucket with the FEL raised.

 

[Charlesaf3]

nice! detail pics and AC shots?

 

[MReeb]

I'm assuming the AC unit install doesn't look like this but...
Funny Pictures of Pickup With Window Air Conditioner
or
Redneck Air Conditioner - Pictures - Funny Hub
or
Funny-looking: Funny Car Air Conditioner

 

[FlashPoint]

Thanks for the comments , I got the idea from the fella on here that made one on his Deere last year. The frame is 2x2 and some 1x2 steel the main frame is 1/8 inch wall the none structure parts are thin wall. the glass is held in place by half /half angle welded in between the frame like glass is mulled into regular window channel . I was a glazer for several years so the glass was easy. and cheap. Didnt consider lexan ,scratches to easy .The sunroof actually has two functions. its also my emergency exit if my door is blocked or i roll over. The windows are all bonded in the frame. Another reason was to help with securing the tractor if and when its parked from theft and vandals. The a/c isnt nothing fancy yet. may convert to a vintage air belt driven system later. best part about the a/c unit is if it breaks there 88. at walmart. i will post some more pics when the rain stops . the first pic you can see only a few inches of the a/c unit that sticks out.feel free to ask anything guys this forum is here to help everyone.

 

[Charlesaf3]

where did you get the inverter? happy with it?

 

[FlashPoint]

where did you get the inverter? happy with it?

Inverter is a Vector brand . I shopped around and PePboys is cheapest i found. think it was 120. they have them on sale often. It works great , It will run the a/c and a grinder or other power tools , i use a small compressor to air my tires up and blow the cab out . Word from the wise though dont get it wet at all. I smoked my first one washing my tractor .But for a little more doe they make marine models that are waterproof.

 

[schmism]

im surprised you didnt go with an off the shelf RV roof top unit.

 

[FlashPoint]

im surprised you didnt go with an off the shelf RV roof top unit.

Thought about those but i think it would get damaged to easy from trees there also expensive the window units are cheap. I think mine was 88. at walmart . Total height of my tractor is under 7ft so i can still get in a standard garage door with ease. This whole project has been a trial and error process. May have to do something different when it gets over 100degrees here.

 

[ben2go]

You hadn't told us you built the cab,I would have thought it was an after market unit.Good work.Looks good.

1 question.How did you mount the glass?

 

[SkogenMe]

Thanks for the comments , .......The sunroof actually has two functions. its also my emergency exit if my door is blocked or i roll over. The windows are all bonded in the frame. ....... i will post some more pics when the rain stops . ........feel free to ask anything guys this forum is here to help everyone.

Very nice!
I test drove a cab tractor yesterday...but it probably will be out of reach so I have questions!
- what you mean by windows being bonded?
- is the sunroof a pre-assembled unit?
- How does the noise level at the seat relate to pre-cab..more/less/same?

Thanks for sharing...would be great to see more pictures

 

[rvaitor]

Thought about those but i think it would get damaged to easy from trees there also expensive the window units are cheap. I think mine was 88. at walmart . Total height of my tractor is under 7ft so i can still get in a standard garage door with ease. This whole project has been a trial and error process. May have to do something different when it gets over 100degrees here.

Could you provide some pictures of the A/C set-up. I would like to install something like this in my track loader - Cab no A/C 24v system - do they have 24 volt inverters? Is the A/C on the back of the Cab.

Thanks very interesting

 

[FlashPoint]

Very nice!
I test drove a cab tractor yesterday...but it probably will be out of reach so I have questions!
- what you mean by windows being bonded?
- is the sunroof a pre-assembled unit?
- How does the noise level at the seat relate to pre-cab..more/less/same?

Thanks for sharing...would be great to see more pictures

Yeah thats the reason for building this cab , I have 400hrs on it and its only a year old in june. I didnt want to trade it in until i have paid more on it and can right it off on my taxes this year. Anyways. The glass is in a track i made out of 1/2 angle. The glass pieces are glued into the frame with high tack glazing silicone. I tested one piece with some liquid nails clear and it seems to be holding up good also. FYI , This tractor is used daily about 8-12 hrs moving dirt or mowing properties. Hauled by trailer about 100miles a day or more. Everything is holding up well without any problems. I did have to take the dash out and insulate with foam because of the heat coming off the engine and wrapped insulation around the loader valve .Lots of heat coming off the valve. I will post some pics ,just havent had time. As far as the noise level. Its alot less than with a canopy. Not loud at all. I actually have a amp and Sirus satelite radio that i listen to all day. I have used several cab tractors and its about the same. the roof is insualted and the floor has carpet.

 

[SkogenMe]

Yeah thats the reason for building this cab , I have 400hrs on it and its only a year old in june. I didnt want to trade it in until i have paid more on it and can right it off on my taxes this year. Anyways. The glass is in a track i made out of 1/2 angle. The glass pieces are glued into the frame with high tack glazing silicone. I tested one piece with some liquid nails clear and it seems to be holding up good also. FYI , This tractor is used daily about 8-12 hrs moving dirt or mowing properties. Hauled by trailer about 100miles a day or more. Everything is holding up well without any problems. I did have to take the dash out and insulate with foam because of the heat coming off the engine and wrapped insulation around the loader valve .Lots of heat coming off the valve. I will post some pics ,just havent had time. As far as the noise level. Its alot less than with a canopy. Not loud at all. I actually have a amp and Sirus satelite radio that i listen to all day. I have used several cab tractors and its about the same. the roof is insualted and the floor has carpet.

Thanks..great project. More pics would be great. Will try to hold off on the hundreds of questions.

 

[FlashPoint]

Well i bit the bullet and bought another tractor . I pulled the cab off i built and traded the MX 5000 in on a cab 6040. The a/c on the Cab i built would in my opinion work fine for someone for personal use. My biggest problem was being to demanding on the setup.I mow commercial and that means daily 10-16hrs a day in 100plus temps. I have read several other threads on here about installing a/c on a cab and using automotive type systems. All i can say is go for it. Dont let negative people or some engineer guru tell you cant do something. If no one ever attempted to try anything you might be sitting in a non a/c house right now. My cab off the Mx 5000 is for sale if anyone is interested. Please fill free to email me. Would be great for a snow blower or for personal use.

 

[SkogenMe]

I mow commercial and that means daily 10-16hrs a day in 100plus temps. I have read several other threads on here about installing a/c on a cab and using automotive type systems. All i can say is go for it. Dont let negative people or some engineer guru tell you cant do something. QUOTE]

Thanks for the update ...good thoughts.