Tractor canopies
- Thread starter bernie
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JRP
Platinum Member
I looked for canopies at the local tractor dealers. One was made of 0.060" thick aluminum and was all bent up along the front. It was a customers tractor. $325 for a new one. Another tractor had one that was .090" thick aluminum that had a few bends. New cost is $425. Bends bug me. I wanted thick, so I built this one.
I checked at the local fab shop and bought a 4 x 8 sheet of 0.125" thick mirror finish diamond plate aluminum for $170 and also some angle. They cut the sheet to 60" long with a plasma torch no charge. The sheet metal shop broke 1.5" lips on the edge for $10 cash. Got 4'x8' "asphalt sheathing" at the lumber yard for $6 for thermal and noise insulation. Got a 4x6 flood light $16 at TSC. Black + white rustoleum = Kubota gray.
On the two short lengths of angle frame I cut three notches with a chop saw, bent the angle, then welded the cuts. This added a crown bow to add stiffness and keep rain from standing.
I think this turned out better than the factory canopies, at half the cost. The larger twigs I have run into have not damaged it. No branches yet, however.
Hope this helps someone.
I checked at the local fab shop and bought a 4 x 8 sheet of 0.125" thick mirror finish diamond plate aluminum for $170 and also some angle. They cut the sheet to 60" long with a plasma torch no charge. The sheet metal shop broke 1.5" lips on the edge for $10 cash. Got 4'x8' "asphalt sheathing" at the lumber yard for $6 for thermal and noise insulation. Got a 4x6 flood light $16 at TSC. Black + white rustoleum = Kubota gray.
On the two short lengths of angle frame I cut three notches with a chop saw, bent the angle, then welded the cuts. This added a crown bow to add stiffness and keep rain from standing.
I think this turned out better than the factory canopies, at half the cost. The larger twigs I have run into have not damaged it. No branches yet, however.
Hope this helps someone.
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JRP
Platinum Member
Harv
Elite Member
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jrpoux -
Excellent work! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
You're a man after my own heart. Although I don't feel the need for a canopy myself at this point, I would certainly consider the do-it-yourself approach, as you have done. Very nice fab, and you have the extra satisfaction of a job well done.
The only problem I see with using aluminum, however, is that now you can't stick your Chalkley Cup to the ceiling. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif
Excellent work! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
You're a man after my own heart. Although I don't feel the need for a canopy myself at this point, I would certainly consider the do-it-yourself approach, as you have done. Very nice fab, and you have the extra satisfaction of a job well done.
The only problem I see with using aluminum, however, is that now you can't stick your Chalkley Cup to the ceiling. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif
Bird
Rest in Peace
Very nice, Jim! Of course, you didn't mention the cost of the flat stock, U-bolts, and nuts for the mounting, but that's still a considerable cost savings if you can do it yourself.
Bird
Bird
JohnS
Platinum Member
Very heavy duty and professional work! I like it. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
As far as the tractor with the bent-up canopy front, I bet they did the same thing I did, forget to put the ROPS down before driving in garage! In fact, I did it twice! My cheap plastic chinese shade, and the house vynel siding recovered fine, though.
JohnS
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by JohnS on 09/10/01 08:17 AM (server time).</FONT></P>
As far as the tractor with the bent-up canopy front, I bet they did the same thing I did, forget to put the ROPS down before driving in garage! In fact, I did it twice! My cheap plastic chinese shade, and the house vynel siding recovered fine, though.
JohnS
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by JohnS on 09/10/01 08:17 AM (server time).</FONT></P>
MDNY
Platinum Member
Very nice work indeed Jim. Will you do custom work for others. It could be a great side business. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif
cowboydoc
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Did any of you guys that ordered canopies ever get them or hear anything about them?
Richard
Richard
scruffy
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cbdoc, been wondering the same thing. Wonder if anyone has come up with any info on 'Bernie'. Hope someone presses fraud charges if possible.
