Has anyone built a TEMPORARY sunshade-canopy?

[sixdogs]

I don't want a canopy on my MX5100 or L4300 because I use it to seed up close to buildings and under trees where it would not work. But, I sometimes have to seed out in the open during the day and I don't want the sun on me. So I need something that blocks the sun yet can go up or come down at a moment's notice.

It has to be a compromise. It will be a little shaky and maybe look a little funny but it will only be on occasionally and for only a few days a year. There aren't a lot of commercial options that don't involve bracketry that must be bolted on and unbolted later and I don't want that.

I've thought about a thin metal bracket held on to the ROPS with click pins and covered with simple fabric. I've even thought about a --don't laugh--golf umbrella with a simple zip-tie strap on arrangement. Remember, it's only going to be up for occasional use in the blistering sun to save my bacon from skin cancer. It doesn't need to be very sturdy because the ground will be smooth. At the moment the golf umbrella is my leading option if I can figure out the installation.

Has anyone made anything like this that is super light, super simple and reasonably effective or have any good ideas? Remember, it's a compromise and not going to be on the cover of a magazine. I know there's a commercial umbrella thing out there but it's expensive, has brackets that are awkward on my tractor and is not rated well by users. Any advice appreciated. :dog:

 

[k0ua]

I was going to say the umbrella and tye-wraps, but you already suggested that yourself!

 

[dusty3030]

Here you go!
Quiksilver Men's Pierside Straw Lifeguard Hat, Natural, One Size at Amazon Men’s Clothing store

 

[Depmandog]

Back in the day, umbrellas were the norm on ag tractors. In fact my Farmall 706 still has the umbrella bracket attached, and I can still buy a IH umbrella for it.

Sounds like a perfect option.

 

[davrow]

Temporary? I'm thinking make a rectangular frame ( PVC or light wood) and cover with fabric. Simply place over ROPS and use something ( rope or straps) to tie down the front and back. No worries on the sides if the fabric is just slightly loose and the frame just slightly wider than the ROPS.

 

[kevinwak]

I used a beach umbrella on my 2520 last summer. It was one with the two piece shaft. I u bolted the lower part of the shaft to one arm of the ROPS. I then just slipped the top half in and out when I needed it. Only downfall was it was on one side of the ROPS so I would be in the shade in one direction and then in the sun headed back.

 

[Eldubya]

It wouldn't be as economical as a beach umbrella, but how about a bimini top from a boat? Simply strap it onto the ROPS and it can be folded up when not in use. Open it up, perhaps a couple of straps to attach it to the front of the machine, and....Voila!

 

[chim]

This year I plan to keep the cab on (and doors off) all summer. I bought a 2-speed "school bus driver" fan - that didn't get mounted last weekend - to blow some air. Figured it might work. We had a fairly warm Saturday recently and the cab kept the black seat from getting hot. That was always a problem because I habitually forgot to flip it forward when hopping off the tractor.

In recent years I'd wear a wide brimmed hat and loose long sleeve white shirt. It was cooler with the hat and shirt on the open tractor. I had two skin cancers removed, so I'm more careful than I was years ago.

 

[Dishpointer]

I have a folding canopy on my older 1050 John Deere. It folds all the way down and out of the way when I'm around the trees but also folds up easily when I have to brush hog the fields. It's similar to this: Tractor Canopy - 48" Folding Buggy-Top - GEMPLER'S

 

[TerryR]

That problem was solved at least 60 years ago with umbrellas made for the purpose. We used them all the time in the north valley in California where I grew up. I see they are still made. Google "tractor umbrella" and you will see several sources, including this one at Gemplers

Terry