Tractor canopies
- Thread starter bernie
- Start date
- Views: 41300
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.
Attachments
JRP
Platinum Member
Harv
Elite Member
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2000
- Messages
- 3,346
- Tractor
- Kubota L2500DT Standard Transmission
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
Super Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2000
- Messages
- 6,725
- Tractor
- JD 8320 MFWD, JD 6415 MFWD, FEL, and cab, John Deere MFWD 4600, John Deere 4020, John Deere 4430, John Deere 455 mower, Deutz, and Gehl 4610 perkins skidsteer
Did any of you guys that ordered canopies ever get them or hear anything about them?
Richard
Richard
scruffy
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2000
- Messages
- 1,445
- Tractor
- None (at present)
cbdoc, been wondering the same thing. Wonder if anyone has come up with any info on 'Bernie'. Hope someone presses fraud charges if possible.