DIY Tractor Cab - Best materials and practices

[TBDonnelly]

I read about the underlayment used along with lexan, and that Cab came out beautifully. My experience with underlayment (tempered hardboard) is if you leave it in the elements, or it gets wet, it will bubble, blister, and eventually start deteriorating. A light gauge sheet metal would the choice for the longest lasting material , but, as mentioned above, you might have condensation issues to deal with. The PVC lumber is getting plentiful, and I am wondering if there isn't some kind of lightweight synthetic sheet material that might work well?
I would consider making as much of it as possible out of the lexan, for maximum visibility.

The thought behind the cab with the underlayment sides (vs. sheet metal)was to create a thermal break. This particular tractor/cab is stored inside a metal shed or garage. It's now two years old and the underlayment has held up well so far. The underlayment was thoroughly primed and painted prior to installation.

Don

 

[bird1968]

I've also started with a factory softcab, as skippy.

I've use lexan & aluminum.

 

[skippy957]

There is the cab that I start with.

 

[skippy957]

outside vew.

 

[skippy957]

from inside.
cd player, fan, cab heater, light...

 

[PILOON]

Thanks Mike, should have one it myself.

 

[SkunkWerX]

The thought behind the cab with the underlayment sides (vs. sheet metal)was to create a thermal break. This particular tractor/cab is stored inside a metal shed or garage. It's now two years old and the underlayment has held up well so far. The underlayment was thoroughly primed and painted prior to installation.

Don

TBD, thanks for the info.

I was even going to say ....if the underlayment was treated (saturated) with a weather protectant, that may do the job very well. Storage is the other key. Some folks may not have the nice indoor option, so, for them, they would need to really think about sun and moisture issues while in storage, and even if their machines sit outside.

The thermal break idea is a good one. underlayment is priced right, and super easy to work with, so, as long as it can be made to hold up, it's a good way to go.

I use tempered hardboard when woodworking to make patterns, it's good stuff, just needs to be mentioned that it can go bad in the elements.

 

[2manyrocks]

Some campers are essentially made of an aluminum skin to which foam is bonded and then the inside is a luan product to protect the foam.

The idea of using materials from an old school bus is highly resourceful.

Doesn't look like anybody is advocating a soft sided cab so far, but nearly anything that keeps the cold wind and the rain off the operator while allowing the operator to see what he's doing is an improvement over getting soaked and cold.

I never thought much about a cab until I ran over a nest of ground bees, either.

 

[escavader]

ALTHOUGH my cab isnt started yet,i use cabbed rough terrian lift trucks every day.I think a good practice is using strong materials so one isnt crushed in a roll over.Yet on a compact,or sub compact one doesnt want to get top heavy either.choose your design and materials with this in mind.Ive been hemming and hawing for months,and im about to begin.
Another thought i have is build your cab for 4 seasons,either ac or removable doors and windows,leaving a roof for shade and rain protection.Design the cab so it can be removed easily in case of some magor work,like a transmition change etc.
just my2cents
ALAN

 

[RancherSam]

What thickness of lexan do you guys recommend? 1/2 in? Also what's the best ( read cheapest ) source online and off ( b&m stores )? I'm trying to price everything out.