Canopy opinions

[HappyOne]

Time to outfit the L4350 with a canopy. Being tall, I wonder if there are canopies that are better at keeping the heat from radiating through. I plan to do more mowing this year and will do most of it during mid day when the sun is high (and hot). /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I would love to hear opinions on the different canopies people have.

Thanks!

 

[Bird]

Then canopy I had from Wells Ag Company in Elm Mott, TX, was insulated on the bottom side and worked great. Mine was steel painted to match the tractor, but they also had aluminum diamond plate unpainted for the same price ($295 in '99).

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I've Looked at the Canopy Options available at the Kubota Dealers. One thing they recommended was if you have a lot of low limbs then buy the metal one. One dealer has had several fiberglass ones damaged from limbs. At least on the metal ones you can bend them back out. The framing on the fiberglass Kubota Canopy does not go all the way to the front. They had a diamond plate style that has framing all around the edge. Kubota dealers quoted same price for fiberglass or metal, range from $300 to $330. Have looked at some of the web sites mentioned in the Forum. Can't make up my mind. PS: Both fiberglass and metal have insulation on the underside. Still too hot--install a small 12 volt fan /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Not a whole lot of stuff in this world made for us taller folks, is there? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I might suggest that whatever canopy you get you consider modifying your mounting brackets or fabricating new ones that will give you the extra headroom you'll need. The insulation is a trade-off. The more insulation you have, the more headroom you lose.

I stand a bit over 6'-8" tall so I can relate to the problem with which you're faced. I'm hoping to get a canopy soon and am planning on having to make my own mounting assembly to get it up above the top of my ROPS.

Please post what you end up doing. If I get mine first I'll do the same. Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Firebird Fiberglass canopies

 

[HappyOne]

Nice to hear that most are insulated in some fashion. I don't have a lot of trees to worry about, so I could probably go with either material.

Gary, I will have to mount it pretty snug on the ROPS so it will clear the shop door. I should still have plenty of head room, just didn't want my head roasting. I guess that brings up another question.
Do they typically ride fairly close to the top of the ROPS? I have about 3" of clearance now.

Do any of them shed rain in undesirable ways?
Like in your lap? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I'm off this week and will make some calls.

Thanks folks!

 

[hayden]

First, I highly recommend a cannopy. It's great in the sun and when it starts raining.

The Firebird is what I have and I'm happy with it. The comment about watching out for low branches is a good one. I've banged mine up in a number of places by being careless. It takes some getting used to.

 

[Bird]

James, my canopy (and I think most of the others) was mounted on top of the ROPS, so the thickness of he metal and insulation added about an inch, maybe an inch and a half to the overall height.

 

[Mark_in_NH]

My canopy is a Firebird brand. (non insulated) Pic attached. By design it already sits well above the top of the ROPS (see pic 2)
With the camel hump built into it it could be lowered but the ROPS hinge bracket are in the way. I could actually raise it maybe 3" more if I wanted to.
I am 6' 2" and sitting down in the seat, I have about 1' above my head. If I stand up, I have to bend my head down (chin to chest)

 

[Mark_in_NH]

Pic 2, view of canopy's underside