Aftermarket Cab Pricing

[jambx]

I guess my rant is to just see if I am the only one that thinks that cabs are awesome but appear to be very expensive for the return most get out of them.

I have been interested in these recenlty for the winter time (carhart is not cutting it anymore) for plowing and general use etc but I am not happy about the price point.

I did speak to a factory sales person (from one of the more popular brands) and he stated that they shoot for a price that is 1/5th the cost of the tractor itself. Being that I have little experience with these aftermarket cabs it is very hard for me to accept the fact that the going rate for one of these for a compact tractor is approaching $4000. I am not saying they are not worth it but the price point in my head for such a luxury was more in the $2500 - $3000 range.

This pricing model also reminds me of core aerator prices which are very expensive for what otherwise I feel is not a lot of engineering.

I would think the likes of Sims, Curtis others would do very well for a stripped down version. :thumbsup:

Is it me or does this product pricing seem kind of steep?..

 

[Ductape]

I started shopping for a cab for my B2400 and that's exactly what made me buy a B3030 with a factory cab. At first it seemed relatively affordable, but once you realize that literally everything is an option, you might as well get a tractor with a factory cab. I figured that once I added a few things that I felt were needed...... headliner, front work lights, heater, i was within a thousand dollars of what the factory optional cab was and the aftermarket had no A/C . The fit and finish was not even in the ballpark, and from what I could tell, little payback when it came time to sell or trade. For me it didn't add up.

 

[WilliamBos]

I agree, they are pricey, to day the least. Is a factory cabbed tractor an option for you??

 

[ejkessler]

I started shopping for a cab for my B2400 and that's exactly what made me buy a B3030 with a factory cab. At first it seemed relatively affordable, but once you realize that literally everything is an option, you might as well get a tractor with a factory cab. I figured that once I added a few things that I felt were needed...... headliner, front work lights, heater, i was within a thousand dollars of what the factory optional cab was and the aftermarket had no A/C . The fit and finish was not even in the ballpark, and from what I could tell, little payback when it came time to sell or trade. For me it didn't add up.

Similar situation with me. The aftermarket cabs only use chintzy plug in heaters, no wipers or defrosters, no a/c and are like a huge erector set trying to put together. 2 guys close to 2 full days. On top of that the after market cab will be worth 1/3 at most of what you paid for it as value to the tractor whereas the factory cab maintains 80% of its cost/ value consistently. Plus the AM cabs will work loose over time. I looked at all the options and biting the bullet and trading for a factory cab is a very sound investment mid to long term. There is a point to the saying you can go broke saving money. It's practicality and not extravagant IMO.

 

[cttractor]

Laurin of Canada makes gorgeous cabs that are similar to what the big tractor brands put on their larger machines. But those cabs aren't cheap. If you want to see what they look like, especially if they have a sample for your machine, checkout their Website:

Our brochures | Laurin inc | Cabines, canopes et compacteurs pour tracteur et camion

 

[WilliamBos]

Jodale Perry makes some nice ones too, far from cheap if spec'd to match an OEM cab.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I sat in a Curtis cab installed on a new L3800 in a dealer's lot the other day. The heater is istalled on the far left about even with the top of the fender so it makes entry, and egress difficult for still old guys like me. Otherwise, it was a very nice unit.......... but not in the same league as a factory cab for sure as far as intergration, and resale value. I have no idea which is noiser, and that probably is a case by case thing.

 

[jambx]

Thanks for the replies guys - I dont think Kubota makes cabs for the smaller B series (2x20s) not to mention I assume the Kubota unit price would likley be north of what I am already have a problem with.

In the end I will just save my pennies and pull the trigger - just can not believe these things are as expensive as they are...

 

[Ductape]

I sat in a Curtis cab installed on a new L3800 in a dealer's lot the other day. The heater is istalled on the far left about even with the top of the fender so it makes entry, and egress difficult for still old guys like me. Otherwise, it was a very nice unit.......... but not in the same league as a factory cab for sure as far as intergration, and resale value. I have no idea which is noiser, and that probably is a case by case thing.

Chuck, I'm only about a mile from there........ be happy to meet up for coffee, lunch or whatever some time.

 

[TonkaToy]

actually Kubota does make a cab for the B series, I saw a B with cab at a county fair where Kubota was showing there equipment. I was actually asking one of the reps about a cab for the BX, and that they do not make

the one on the B looked real nice, great fit and finish, but I didn't look too closely at it, or I might have started to cry with envy.

I have looked at AM alternatives but all are pricey to pricier and none would come close to the quality of the factory cabs. I live in Canada not too far from where Laurin is and although considered one of the better AM cabs, they are very pricey. For a BX I would be looking at 6 to 8 thousand installed, and I heard because they have a high profile, they raise your center of gravity quite a bit.

I have heard of some on this site that have made their own, I might give that a shot. To pay about $4000 for a Sims installed and from some accounts they are cheaply made compared to a factory cab + they have inconveniences like much more difficult to remove the BH, there's a thread on that here. I can take a shot at something myself that won't be $4k.

If I were you I would check out the factory cab for your B, if I had a B that's what I would probably get. Otherwise if you are pretty hands on (like most guys that own tractors) take a shot at making something on your own. Aluminum 2 inch square frame posts, polycarbonate sheets, stainless steel fasteners and lots of time and patience can get you there, or at least started!

good luck

 

[jambx]

Thanks for the follow up Tonka. I will call around and check out if any dealer has a B Cab on site - when I went to Kubota.com it does not lit one. Its got to be big bucks..

I find that Crosby-Equipment list a soft door Curtis Cab for my B at $2750 (I assume this is w/o any options). I feel somewhat comfortable at that $ and could always add a heater later. With my usage being 4 months (winter) I just dont see spending anymore. Building is just not an option due to the fact I travel for a living and could not focus enough time to get something by this winter also I dont weld and would want a little better fit finish that what I think I could provide.

Curtis Tractor Cabs offered by Crosby Equipment, Toledo, Ohio

 

[Ductape]

The only B series you will find a factory cab for is the B3030 / B3000. The wholegoods list shows it costs approximately $6,100, and is obviously meant to be a replacement in the event of a rollover. It clearly states that some cab components must be removed from the original cab and reused.

 

[TonkaToy]

Sorry if I mis-informed, I do not know the whole B series that well, I just know that I was looking at one with a cab and talked to the sales rep, who told me that the B series does have a factory made cab. As Ductape is stating, it might only be available on a particular model and only if ordered when pruchasing the tractor, not after. It looked real nice but because it was not of interest to me with a BX, I didn't ask about details like price and if it could be bought as an add on later.

For my needs, a BX is as big as I can go with because I have a small property and too many tight areas to maneuver through. If I was purchasing all over again and had a bit more space, I would definitely look at the smallest available tractor that has a factory cab, like this B series. Living in the burbs of Montreal, Canada, the cab is an asset worth the extra price.

Jambx, you mention the Curtis for $2750 with soft doors. I think that is a decent price and depending on why you are wanting a cab, might be the way to go. I was checking the Sims site and you can start of at a similar price, but personally, if I go to that expense, then I definitely would go with the hard doors, heating and a couple of other options, and $4 to 5k is staring at you in the face.

I do not have personal experience with any of these cabs, but have seen numerous posts on how the aftermarket are cheap and flimsy, and also very important is how are they to live with. Meaning comments like getting in and out is very difficult on some, fit and finish is not very good, rattle and shake more with each season of use, can it be easily taken off and put on if needed, and do they impede any levers, controls, dash functions or the abiity of adding and removing from your 3 pt hitch.

Definitely do your homework and definitely try to see and sit in one before buying. $2750 can be a great purchase or a total waste of money. Only you know what you need as a minimum and what you are willing to put up with if it isn't perfect.

 

[jambx]

Yes I am in total agreement with all that you stated.

One of my main drivers is to enjoy the winter season with my tractor (~ 4months) moving snow, fetching firewood etc however last year was just too much to bare. As most in the NE area we experienced one after another major snow fall and found myself operating in single digit temps for extended periods of time - there were times I actually dreading being on my tractor (which was a first) due to the temps and wind.

I have decided not to invest in just a wind break and after some back and forth in my research and taking in all the input here I think I could live with an aftermarket design (Sims / Curtis) at the current price point of a soft side design. I would plan to take this off for the other three seasons.

Issues with getting in and out are minimal since for one I am a small frame guy (5'6" / 160 lbs) and if / when I am operating I am usually in and stay put until I have to get out and do some shoveling).

I did just receive more pricing today - and although the $2750 can just about be swallowed the options just make me cringe and laugh at the same time (love marketing guys).

$500+ for rear glass (which I guess I could live w/o but I think I want as much hard closure as I can get), $400 for a heater however one dealer did not think it was really needed stating that the tractor (as well as the operator) will radiated heat by itself, $100 for shipping and lets not forget CT sales Tax!

All in all - I am right at $4000 - ugh. :confused2:

With flashbacks of the cold and wind of last winter I can easily envision making the investment and being inside a toasty cab.....I am just not sure I will be smiling

 

[scesnick]

I checked into an aftermarket cab for my MX5100. I also think they are overpriced.
My neighbor said he was at the local feed store and an Amish farmer pulled in on his tractor ( with steel wheels) and he had a VERY nice aftermarket cab on his old Ford. He asked where he bought it and he said he made it himself.
I have heard this guy will make anyone a cab at a very good( affordable) price.

So, you might want to check your local Amish community. Especially if they have a local buggy maker in the area.

 

[Ductape]

jambx, I think you are actually better off just forgetting all about the cab.

If you had a cab, you would be watching the weather forecast, getting all giddy every time there is a 12" snow storm coming.

If you had a cab, you'd be out clearing snow in your boxer shorts and a tank top.

If you had a cab, you'd be out doing your neighbor's driveways for free to get more seat time..... wasting all your diesel fuel.

If you had a cab, you'd be out widening your street to the same width it is in summer, even though you won't see a dime of your property tax back from your town.

 

[WilliamBos]

jambx, I think you are actually better off just forgetting all about the cab.

If you had a cab, you would be watching the weather forecast, getting all giddy every time there is a 12" snow storm coming.

If you had a cab, you'd be out clearing snow in your boxer shorts and a tank top.

If you had a cab, you'd be out doing your neighbor's driveways for free to get more seat time..... wasting all your diesel fuel.

If you had a cab, you'd be out widening your street to the same width it is in summer, even though you won't see a dime of your property tax back from your town.

. All the Benefits of a cab. . Too cold for shorts, unless you have a attached garage.

 

[jimmysisson]

I know the "old ones were better" but it may be true. My 1993 Ford 2120 has had a Curtis soft-side cab since new. It does not rattle, the mounts haven't shifted around, and the wiper still works. I like the roof and can live with soft side and back for winter. I leave the left "door" off for winter anyway.
My plowing takes a half-hour to forty minutes, and I'd probably want a heater if it took a lot longer. No heater means no defrost but it's not needed if the windshield is cold. The tractor lives in a unheated shed. I do like no doors the other 3 seasons (not wicked hot here much) for general operating.
Again, ymmv, and the new cabs may not be the same.
Jim

 

[jambx]

Connecticut Amish - now that would be a first!

For 12 inches of snow my plowing usually takes up to 90 minutes for my ~400 feet drive however I have another 400 feet to the barn and wood pile so I am convinced a cab will provide some return despite the crazy $.

One thing you have me thinking is if I should spent the money on the rear glass and heater...