TTTTTT
Gold Member
Hi All,
Had some minor fiberglass damage after the Big Flip due to me hitting it with my back which is now 110%. It did though weaken the rigidity of the canopy as these canopies rely on the design to stiffen it. As I was doing work with the tractor, it definitely had the potential to totally break with all the bouncing around. I first did a repair with an off the shelf kit. Turned out good considering I hadn't done any fiberglass work for a few years now.
Before
After
To reinforce this setup was fairly simple. I used some 1"x2" steel tube to make a 'U' frame that would bolt on to the same bracket that the canopy is attached to. I mitered the front joints for maximum welding area. It is slightly angled so the front of the frame meets (touches) the canopy itself. This meant the two points where it is attached to the frame are not in line because the attachment spots are lower. If I put them in line the front of the frame would be about 1"-2" from the canopy. It could be done this way but I wanted it touching for better support. It doesn't affect the fold down part of the ROPS or any other function. If you do it this way I did you must drill the holes where it attaches and clamp it in place and then a few quick welds to hold it together, then remove and finish the welding, cleanup. prime and paint. I opted to match it to my canopy colour. The best part of this, is I now have a very solid frame to mount lights, mirrors or other accessories. This was relatively simple but a very worthwhile addition for any canopies that are only attached at the ROPS and not at the front. This mod was only intended the support the canopy better and mount accessories. I am not under the false impression that it will assist the ROPS, but I do feel that in a rollover the canopy may not be totally crushed. Even a fiberglass canopy could hurt a little.
Enjoy, Dave
Had some minor fiberglass damage after the Big Flip due to me hitting it with my back which is now 110%. It did though weaken the rigidity of the canopy as these canopies rely on the design to stiffen it. As I was doing work with the tractor, it definitely had the potential to totally break with all the bouncing around. I first did a repair with an off the shelf kit. Turned out good considering I hadn't done any fiberglass work for a few years now.
Before
After
To reinforce this setup was fairly simple. I used some 1"x2" steel tube to make a 'U' frame that would bolt on to the same bracket that the canopy is attached to. I mitered the front joints for maximum welding area. It is slightly angled so the front of the frame meets (touches) the canopy itself. This meant the two points where it is attached to the frame are not in line because the attachment spots are lower. If I put them in line the front of the frame would be about 1"-2" from the canopy. It could be done this way but I wanted it touching for better support. It doesn't affect the fold down part of the ROPS or any other function. If you do it this way I did you must drill the holes where it attaches and clamp it in place and then a few quick welds to hold it together, then remove and finish the welding, cleanup. prime and paint. I opted to match it to my canopy colour. The best part of this, is I now have a very solid frame to mount lights, mirrors or other accessories. This was relatively simple but a very worthwhile addition for any canopies that are only attached at the ROPS and not at the front. This mod was only intended the support the canopy better and mount accessories. I am not under the false impression that it will assist the ROPS, but I do feel that in a rollover the canopy may not be totally crushed. Even a fiberglass canopy could hurt a little.
Enjoy, Dave
