Plans for removable canopy comments

[bnixon]

OK guys need some help thinking through this.

I am trying to determine what would be the best material to make the canopy frame out of?

My original thought was some 1 1/4" square tubing but after adding up the weight for a 42" X 60" frame that adds almost 45 lbs. to the top bringing the total weight of the removable pieces to 77 lbs.! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I think that is too heavy to be man handling while strateling the 3ph!

So here is the question:

With tubing strength is it stronger to go with a smaller outer dimension tubing with a thicker wall or a large dimension tubing with a thinner wall?

I will either be using 28 gauge sheet metal or canvas for the top so it would be a max weight of 16 lbs. spread over the area of the frame. That is not the problem as much as the strength needed if I decide to leave it on while driving down the road. The mounting brackets and gusseted uprights will be plenty strong. The frame is my concern.

Attached are the plans for the mounting bracket.

 

[bnixon]

here are the upright plans

 

[bnixon]

Here is the start of the frame but need some input.

Thanks again!

 

[DavidJ]

I'd suggest going with 1" square aluminum tubing but if you're determined to stick (pun intended) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif to mild steel I'd consider 3/4". either way I'd go with one cross brace instead of two.

 

[OkieG]

bnixon,
Trees are a problem to mow around here, too. I mounted my Bucktop canopy on a frame with sliders to help get closer to trees when mowing. Here's a pic in standard position.

OkieG

 

[OkieG]

To mow around trees (I have a MidMount Mower), I just slide the canopy back. That let's me get much closer than when it's forward.

OkieG

 

[markie61]

Pretty slick /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif - looks like a sliding sunroof!
Mark

 

[OkieG]

Finally, for backhoe work, I raise the canopy on risers. Lynch pins on the risers keep the canopy from lifting off the ROPS framework. To remove the canopy, I pull the lynch pins and lift the canopy off.

From your posts I can't tell for sure if you are trying to make your canopy moveable or removeable. With your canopy hinged back, if it's still too high, sliders might let you lower it some.

OkieG

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Were these sliders and risers a part of your Buck Top package or something you customized later? Could you show some pictures of those features? How much was your canopy? Thanks.

 

[bnixon]

Hey OkieG,

That is pretty slick!

Unfortunately that still will not work for my tree. Here is a pic of the tree.

I have to even fold the ROP down to keep from taking limbs off!