JD x-758 Diesel Tractor Handbuilt Cab Project.

[Waldon52]

I decided to go ahead and build a cab for my little tractor after all. I started building the first parts in the front garage in 10 degree weather with no heat. Then after two weeks I moved some stuff out of the shop and squeezed the tractor in next to the little Jeep project. Here are some pics showing the steps I did as I went along. I built the first rear frame on brackets that fold down so the whole cab can be tilted backwards to the ground if it is to be removed. This is strictly my winter tractor so I won't even remove it. I have a new JD 590 and a old JD Z-425 for my mowing. Second step was to build the front corner posts and cross bar leaving clearance for the hood to raise up. step 3 was to frame in the top bars to hold the roof panel. I used all 18 ga. sheet metal for the roof and side panels and foot protector panels. I used almost two full sheets of steel adding close to 160lbs to the tractor. After the roof and sides were done I cut out the Lexan and prefitted all the windows . After removing them I got the paint out and painted the bare metal. A few days ago I roughed in the cab doors . After the paint was dry I added some front, side and rear lights and a front manual wiper. Eventually the front wiper will go to the rear window. Today I have one door pretty much done with the latch and handle mounted. I am half done with the right side door construction . Later this week it will be enclosed to keep the wind and snow off me. More paint this weekend and then I can start inside the cab with wiring. Not sure about a heater yet. I'm reading these little diesels don't warm up the cabs very well. Anybody have one of these little diesels with a great heater? Do you have to spend big money to get decent heat ? I have really had fun building this the last few weeks knowing my days of sitting out in the zero degree temps with high winds and getting coated with snow are almost over.

 

[Waldon52]

Here are four pther progress pics showing the cab build so far.

 

[atsah]

Looking good..

 

[Waldon52]

Thanks , Todays progress pics show the doors painted and the windows in the doors. Also the front lower flip window assembly done. I still have rubber moldings to attach . Next week I will start building the overhead switch console. It will be able to fold down for easy access. The weather models are showing more cold air into April 8th and several more snow systems rolling through Northern Michigan . So it looks like I will still get to try out the new cab a few times this winter. Including the parts ordered for the dash I now have just over $1,100.00 into cab materials.

 

[4get gto]

As always very nicely done...!
From a distance you'd be hard pressed to tell that it was hand built.. " homemade"...

 

[farm boy00]

Thanks , Todays progress pics show the doors painted and the windows in the doors. Also the front lower flip window assembly done. I still have rubber moldings to attach . Next week I will start building the overhead switch console. It will be able to fold down for easy access. The weather models are showing more cold air into April 8th and several more snow systems rolling through Northern Michigan . So it looks like I will still get to try out the new cab a few times this winter. Including the parts ordered for the dash I now have just over $1,100.00 into cab materials. View attachment 597117View attachment 597118

Can you show some details how you mounted the windows and what seals were used?

 

[Waldon52]

All the windows are Lexan , no glass. I have had great success with Lexan on three other cabs I built. It's so nice to work with . I just cut out each size window with a hand held thin style grinding disk. Then I just drilled each piece and used sheet metal screws to attach them. Any of the windows can be removed in less than 5 minutes with a cordless drill. It would take about 45 minutes to remove all the windows for summer use. Or the cab can be tipped back on two pivot points to the ground and dis connected with two bolts. But this tractor is for winter use only. I just ordered edging for the doors but it has not arrived yet. For the larger gaps I am using the rubber pipe insulation . That will keep the cab from scratching the tractor paint.

 

[TractorGuy]

Inspiring! Great fab work!:thumbsup:

 

[DerekF]

Very nice job! Hardly looks hand built!

 

[Waldon52]

Thanks for the kind words. Today I will design and bend up the front overhead console and one small console up above on the right side.