To Canopy or not? Metal or plastic?

[IronHog]

Looking into canopies for the DK-40. My local dealer has a plastic Kioti canopy or an aftermarket metal one. Each is $475; I do the install.
The metal options are as follows: Called the 'Ardvark' line from Perry Co., of Waco, Tx.
The Perry Company: Home
18ga. powder coated steel, 90-100lbs. OR .0163ga. diamond plate aluminum, (polished) 80lbs. Each is 56"L x 45"W x +/- 6"H.

Dealer says plastic is DONE if its hit. (Agreed- a no-brainer for sure!) Metal is repairable if hit/dented. Alum is lightweight. Both aftermarket units have sound-deadening material on underside, and a rubber trim around the edge.
If I could get some input from some who are already sporting a canopy that would be great!

TIA for comments, thoughts.:thumbsup:

We apparently have one of the Perry units on a 2004 DK40.


It is kinda dented, kinda twisted, and pretty faded but it is still up there.... it keeps the sun off great and causes no issues going down the road. I like it.

 

[Coyote machine]

We apparently have one of the Perry units on a 2004 DK40.


It is kinda dented, kinda twisted, and pretty faded but it is still up there.... it keeps the sun off great and causes no issues going down the road. I like it.

Thanks for the input!
I can deal with a few dents- if need be- but full on sun is brutal on the skin!
Plus I need a good place to hang my lights, iPod/iPhone holder and anything else I can think of to tuck under the canopy.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Metal is the only way to go.

 

[ron45]

I'll never buy another plastic one:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/172572-roll-cage-new-steel-roof.html

Go metal!

I sort of agree. I caught part of a tree branch, a small one... [it made no noise till I went forward]... in the lip and broke a ten inch piece of it off. Gota be the cheapest plastic available. Nearly all plastic degrades in the sun and gets brittle. I'll be going with a home made one when this one dies. Kioti inc. will never see a dime of my money. Canvas would last longer and do the same job. It's about shade. The thing is so high it would never keep rain out unless it fell in zero wind and you weren't moving.

Ron

 

[Domush]

I have a metal canopy and never think twice about running straight through a branch. I would be ducking and dodging all over the place without it. Worth every penny.

Nothing worse than hot, baking seat time, but having to worry about damaging a brittle canopy sounds like a close second for annoyances.

 

[IronHog]

Thanks for the input!
I can deal with a few dents- if need be- but full on sun is brutal on the skin!
Plus I need a good place to hang my lights, iPod/iPhone holder and anything else I can think of to tuck under the canopy.

The one we have has a thick, felt type material on the underside for insulation....... does a pretty decent job for that and you could hang whatever from the frame........ I'm getting ready to add some lights myself.

The canopy is well made enough to withstand any normal use...... apparently the previous owner was older as the tractor was lightly used, but had a dent here and there where he had run into things around the house.


Wouldn't take much to add some forward riser type supports...... it would be very strong then.

 

[MotorSeven]

I have a metal canopy and never think twice about running straight through a branch. I would be ducking and dodging all over the place without it. Worth every penny.

Nothing worse than hot, baking seat time, but having to worry about damaging a brittle canopy sounds like a close second for annoyances.

Ha, I see we think alike:thumbsup:

 

[CJONE]

STEEL or nothing!!!! After breaking my antenna off my PLASTIC POS roof on my tractor this weekend that confirms I hate plastic. I think I will put the antenna inside the roof and seal the hole up and build a guard for the roof also. Where does it end with the guards. CJ

 

[Cold Beer]

I have the Wells Ag canopy on my MF 240. It is very nicely made and well worth it for the shade it offers (skin cancer is a bad thing). You won't regret getting one.

 

[Coyote machine]

Metal it is! Bought a Perry Co. diamond plate polished aluminum .0163ga. canopy.
Installed it with just enough clearance for access to the tractor's garage bay!
Just.