TillerofdaEarth
Silver Member
That Tuff Top looks like just the ticket for me, since I need to fold the ROPS on my rig to get it in the barn.
Tuff Top Canopy-anyone report on these?
- Thread starter JonBarleycorn
- Start date
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Cormac
New member
JerryG, Is there a web site for Wellsag? I'd like to see what they look like.
Railroad
New member
I don't care for the Tuff Top design. I purchased one with my new JD 3720 in October, and installed it myself. After about 2 weeks use, I called my dealer and asked if he could order me a heavier duty fiberglass canopy. The canopy is a 3-piece construction, held together with flimsy plastic strips. The canopy itself is made of a light weight material, not unlike the material used to make plastic garbage cans. The coverage is not near as good as a a well molded fiberglass canopy. There are no front or rear reflectors, or space to mount a light kit. If you are looking for a quick cheap way to keep the sun off...go for it. Dealer did't ask any questions (seems I was one of their first Tuff Top customers). I now have a well built heavy-duty molded fiberglass canopy.
jeffinsgf
Veteran Member
The point of the TuffTop canopy is that it can easily and quickly be removed, unlike a fiberglass or aluminum canopy. If you work in a combination of environments that makes a permanent canopy unrealistic, the TuffTop cannot be beat.
Railroad
New member
Jeff, you are correct. The Tuff Top is very light and versatile as far as ease of installation and removal. The original question was not whether the canopy was easy to install / remove, but what experience anyone has had with the Tuff Top. I run a small Christmas tree farm, and my tallest obstacle is a 9' Noble Fir...canopy removal is not a concern. I wanted a heavier larger canopy with all the winter rain here in the Pacific Northwest. I also wanted a heavy tube steel frame so that I could mount a stereo under the canopy. Looks like I am in the minority, but to each his own.
OP
JonBarleycorn
Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The original question was not whether the canopy was easy to install / remove, but what experience anyone has had with the Tuff Top. I run a small Christmas tree farm, and my tallest obstacle is a 9' Noble Fir...canopy removal is not a concern. I wanted a heavier larger canopy with all the winter rain here in the Pacific Northwest. Looks like I am in the minority, but to each his own. )</font>
Railroad,
You raised a point I had not thought about, and one I am going to have to decide on. That is being able to take it off and on quckly, or have more protection from the WX. I definitely need to take it off from time to time. Question is, do I want to give up the protection from rain and snow.
Thanks for the insight.
JB
Railroad,
You raised a point I had not thought about, and one I am going to have to decide on. That is being able to take it off and on quckly, or have more protection from the WX. I definitely need to take it off from time to time. Question is, do I want to give up the protection from rain and snow.
Thanks for the insight.
JB
Jon,
My TuffTop XL is basically the same size as my previous canopy so the amount of coverage area was not an issue. Neither canopy will keep blowing rain or snow off my face. Canopies are primarily to protect from intense overhead sunlight and they do well in that regard, but I don't expect a canopy to protect me from blowing rain or snow.
With regard to mounting lights, radios, or speakers, most folks clamp them to the ROPS bar itself.
The ability to quickly remove and reattach is a feature that TuffTop has that is not found on other canopies. In addition they have the inherent flexibilty that minimizes damage when striking a limb. These are the 2 features that drew me to TuffTop and to abandon my original canopy.
If you are seeking foul weather protection, maybe you need to consider a cab.
As others have said, to each his own.
JackIL
My TuffTop XL is basically the same size as my previous canopy so the amount of coverage area was not an issue. Neither canopy will keep blowing rain or snow off my face. Canopies are primarily to protect from intense overhead sunlight and they do well in that regard, but I don't expect a canopy to protect me from blowing rain or snow.
With regard to mounting lights, radios, or speakers, most folks clamp them to the ROPS bar itself.
The ability to quickly remove and reattach is a feature that TuffTop has that is not found on other canopies. In addition they have the inherent flexibilty that minimizes damage when striking a limb. These are the 2 features that drew me to TuffTop and to abandon my original canopy.
If you are seeking foul weather protection, maybe you need to consider a cab.
As others have said, to each his own.
JackIL
ksmmoto
Gold Member
There are several choices to consider.
First: Cab. I could have bought a factory cab on my L3430, but I didn't for several reasons. I needed to be versatile in getting in tight places, under branches etc. Also I feel a disconnect from the work while in a cab. Can't use a Kubota backhoe and I bought a BL4690. Also the price.
Second: I thought about a Curtis or Sims soft side cab. I wanted to take it off in the summer, but it sounds like an all day job. Plus then I still need sun protection.
Third: I thought about a large canopy like a Curtis, Sims or others. They can be left on when trailering, but are very hard to remove when I needed to get under objects or fold down the ROPS. Also are expensive.
Fourth: I did buy a buggy top sunshade, but wasn't happy with it because it was awkward to remove, wiggles around a lot and the mounting arms get in the way.
Fifth: I found the TuffTop! Perfect for me, easy to remove, has enough protection from sun and does help with rain or snow. And I think it looks great!
I just bought a Femco Weatherbrake that should work great with the TuffTop to help keep warmer for the winter. I will post photos when I get it on.
ksmmoto
First: Cab. I could have bought a factory cab on my L3430, but I didn't for several reasons. I needed to be versatile in getting in tight places, under branches etc. Also I feel a disconnect from the work while in a cab. Can't use a Kubota backhoe and I bought a BL4690. Also the price.
Second: I thought about a Curtis or Sims soft side cab. I wanted to take it off in the summer, but it sounds like an all day job. Plus then I still need sun protection.
Third: I thought about a large canopy like a Curtis, Sims or others. They can be left on when trailering, but are very hard to remove when I needed to get under objects or fold down the ROPS. Also are expensive.
Fourth: I did buy a buggy top sunshade, but wasn't happy with it because it was awkward to remove, wiggles around a lot and the mounting arms get in the way.
Fifth: I found the TuffTop! Perfect for me, easy to remove, has enough protection from sun and does help with rain or snow. And I think it looks great!
I just bought a Femco Weatherbrake that should work great with the TuffTop to help keep warmer for the winter. I will post photos when I get it on.
ksmmoto