Canopy Under Canopy Accessory Bar PT425

[MossRoad]

I've been debating whether or not to mount lights under the canopy. As most of us know, the lights mounted on the PT425 are inadequate for lighting up what is directly in front of you. They work great towards the sides, but cast a shadow directly on the quick attach area and an implement like the snow plow or bucket will cast a shadow right in the work area. So several of us have mounted extra lights under the canopy. I am finally giving in and doing the same. However, I didn't want to drill through the canopy and have a bolt head or nut sticking out of the top. So, today, I mounted a 1.5" X 1.5" inch by 1/8" thick square steel tube under the canopy to attach lights and a rear view mirror.

The first picture is of the canopy being removed. I removed the canopy because I wanted to weld the square tube to the underside of the canopy and, being the great welder that I am, knew better than to try welding upside down /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. To remove the canopy, there are just 2 bolts per side with nylon lock nuts. I loosened them all to the point just past the nylon. I then removed the rear bolt on one side. Then, I held the canopy while my wife removed the other rear bolt. The canopy was then tilted forward on the two front bolts just like a hinge. I set a 2X4 so that I wouldn't pinch my toes or fingers off if I dropped the canopy. I found that if you don't put a 2x4 down there, the canopy won't hit the ground anyway, because the ROPS hits the front tires, but I imagine that it could bounce and still hurt your toesies, so better safe tahn sorry. Pretty easy. I estimate the weight of the canopy/ROPS assembly to be under a hundred pounds. It handles easily. It went back on the same way.

 

[MossRoad]

The second picture is of the canopy, lying upside down on the ground. I have marked where the square tubing will be attached, and ground off the paint where the welds will be. The tubing is lying in front of the canopy.

 

[MossRoad]

This last picture is of the tubing welded on and painted. That's it. Took about an hour. The tubing is about 1 inch narrower than the underside of the canopy is wide. This will allow me to run wires on either side if needed.

Next step for me is to drill and tap the tubing for 1/4 20 bolts to hold the lights on. That will happen later this week or next.

 

[bryce]

Try drilling a hole slightly larger (1/16), screw a 1/4 bolt onto a nut. Then using tape, or something, tack the nut to the tube. If you want overkill, then tap the hole in the tubing first.
Then weld the nut on. This works great fo me.
I try to do it before I weld the tubing to the machine.Good luck. Robert

 

[pajoube]

Do you know yet how you will tie into the electrical system? Tie into the current lights so one switch turns all on?
PJ

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue">Do you know yet how you will tie into the electrical system? Tie into the current lights so one switch turns all on? </font>

Yes, I think I have an idea on the electrical system. I will be mounting a switchbox to the backof the accessory bar as well. It will have room for 4 lighted switches. I will run multi-conductor cable down the side of the ROPS tube. If it works out well, I'll get some thick wall tubing bent to conform to the shape of the ROPS bar and run the cable inside of that. I think I will put the upper and lower lights on seperate circuits. I also want to put a light behind the screen in the rear of the engine compartment facing backwards for nighttime plowing and such. I have the switchbox already made up, but am trying to decide if I want to run the lights off of relays or direct. I have to stop by Harbor Freight some time this week and pick up a cheapy tap set. I think I would also like to mount a 12v outlet under the canopy and get a magnetic based amber strobe for the roof. That way, I could plug it in when I am working by the highway and remove it when working in the woods.

 

[pajoube]

WOW, you sure have it fine tuned. Will need pictures of each step. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
PJ

 

[smartguyz]

Sounds awesome! How about the stereo system? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

-Rob /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[marrt]

Yeah...I like the idea of a stereo system. Moss, you could mount two tweeters just inside the ROPS aimed where your head will be. And you could build a subwoofer box and mount that where the fuel tank is located on the new 425 models.

What was that Vietnam War movie where they mounted speakers on the bottom of the helicopters and played loud rock and roll. I’m imagining a scene like that expect you are attacking the lawn.

On the other hand, I may be getting carried away here..... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Apocolypse Now

Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries

A Power Trac PT425 with sound system....

I love the smell of hydraulic fluid in the morning /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif