troutsqueezer
Veteran Member
Been thinking a long time about what kind of tractor shelter I need, taking the following into consideration:
Living in California, my primary objective is to keep the tractor out of the sun as much as possible to keep the paint looking nice as well as the seat and instrument panel. I'm not worried much about snow although I do get a little once or twice a year. As for rain, I'm not worried about that so much but minimizing the exposure certainly doesn't hurt.
Money was a consideration as well, I mean, I only wanted to invest so much for this purpose as I don't want to worship my tractor, just do what is prudent to help prolong its life somewhat. Also, it doesn't hurt to have some shade when I have to work on the thing.
The idea of having something that would only last for a year or so before high winds shredded the covering or sunlight rotted it through was also not appealing.
With the above in mind, I came around to a canopy system where the poles (emt) were cemented into the ground and the tarp was easily replaceable (and cheap) for those times when the wind may rip it or it becomes too rotted. The poles are strong and should hold up to any stress caused by wind. If they do bend, I'll replace them with a larger diameter pole for not much money. If I want side protection from the rain, all I have to do is add a couple of horizontal poles to the side and put on side tarps, again, for not much money.
I bought the brackets, tarp and bungee ties from Creative Shelters Canopy Kits, Carports, Poly Tarps and Frame Fittings for around $130. This is for a 10' X 20' system. I bought the poles from Home Depot for around $110 (1" dia.).
So far, I like it. Easily and cheaply fixed when the tarp wears out or when the tractor bucket slams into the poles. :thumbsup:
Living in California, my primary objective is to keep the tractor out of the sun as much as possible to keep the paint looking nice as well as the seat and instrument panel. I'm not worried much about snow although I do get a little once or twice a year. As for rain, I'm not worried about that so much but minimizing the exposure certainly doesn't hurt.
Money was a consideration as well, I mean, I only wanted to invest so much for this purpose as I don't want to worship my tractor, just do what is prudent to help prolong its life somewhat. Also, it doesn't hurt to have some shade when I have to work on the thing.
The idea of having something that would only last for a year or so before high winds shredded the covering or sunlight rotted it through was also not appealing.
With the above in mind, I came around to a canopy system where the poles (emt) were cemented into the ground and the tarp was easily replaceable (and cheap) for those times when the wind may rip it or it becomes too rotted. The poles are strong and should hold up to any stress caused by wind. If they do bend, I'll replace them with a larger diameter pole for not much money. If I want side protection from the rain, all I have to do is add a couple of horizontal poles to the side and put on side tarps, again, for not much money.
I bought the brackets, tarp and bungee ties from Creative Shelters Canopy Kits, Carports, Poly Tarps and Frame Fittings for around $130. This is for a 10' X 20' system. I bought the poles from Home Depot for around $110 (1" dia.).
So far, I like it. Easily and cheaply fixed when the tarp wears out or when the tractor bucket slams into the poles. :thumbsup:
