TSO
Elite Member
DISCLAIMER: This is a work in progress !!! I'm a beginner welder (getting better and better as I go) so if you're a pro and see something that isn't perfect, take it easy on me.
Anyhow, I've been wanting to build something to cover a few different things for me. First off, I've been wanting a canopy. 2nd, I've been wanting a 4-post frame for my ROPS so I can add said canopy, more lighting (front & rear), and a few extra storage areas. I'm also planning on building a hood-protector that will integrate into the (to be built) front grill guard, and will protect the hood from debris. The front posts will also help protect me from branches & limbs that like to whip back on me when in the woods and moving brush. Finally, I've been wanting the ability to bolt something on for the winter to give me some wind protection. I like an open station much better than a cab (although they are nice if they fit your function) but I wanted something convertible that I can slap on a windshield and sides to keep the wind off me in the winter. I'm most likely not going to add any type of heater, this would again just be a wind shelter.
Oh... and don't mind the messy barn. I have no fewer than a zillion projects going on at any time, and especially one like this tends to get cluttered with all the tools used.
So to the build:
First off, I needed a new "upper ROPS" for the back that I could attach the frame work to. I decided to shorten it a bit so that it could fit under my short barn garage door, and my actual garage doors... if needed. So, here you can see that I removed the upper ROPS portion.
And here you can see the new upper ROPS that I built to replace the factory one. I also included a tab on the back to mount exterior lights (don't think I got a picture of that tho...). The vertical bars are 2x2x1/4" tubing, and the angle iron is 2x2x1/4" as well. I made plates to match the factory mounting points to the lower ROPS portion and used the factory bolts/pins.
To tie the front portion to the tractor, I used 1x1x1/8" tubing and tied into the lower "mud-shield" framing. The tubing (and mounting points) are strong enough to support the frame & such... but would most likely be destroyed by a roll-over. Luckily I don't plan on doing that, and the upper ROPS that I built should be as strong as the factory one, albeit a bit shorter. The horizontal "roof" pieces are angle iron, with the 1x1 tubing for cross bracing. Regardless, I should still be safe in the event of a tumble.
So, here it is all together and bolted up. I still have to add a few more brackets for some storage & lighting, but otherwise, it's complete & functional. I also still need to paint it and add the roof. I'm still not 100% sure on how I'm going to finish off the roof, but I'll most likely use Plexi-glass so I can still see out of the top. I don't know if they make it tinted or not, but if so, that'll be my choice. Otherwise, I'll spray it with some tail-light tint spray.
Eventually, I'll build a quick-attach front windshield panel, as well as some side & rear panels for the winter. No hurry though now, this build only took me 2 days (much faster than I thought) so I'm ahead of schedule on it! More to come when I have new pics, paint, etc.
Anyhow, I've been wanting to build something to cover a few different things for me. First off, I've been wanting a canopy. 2nd, I've been wanting a 4-post frame for my ROPS so I can add said canopy, more lighting (front & rear), and a few extra storage areas. I'm also planning on building a hood-protector that will integrate into the (to be built) front grill guard, and will protect the hood from debris. The front posts will also help protect me from branches & limbs that like to whip back on me when in the woods and moving brush. Finally, I've been wanting the ability to bolt something on for the winter to give me some wind protection. I like an open station much better than a cab (although they are nice if they fit your function) but I wanted something convertible that I can slap on a windshield and sides to keep the wind off me in the winter. I'm most likely not going to add any type of heater, this would again just be a wind shelter.
Oh... and don't mind the messy barn. I have no fewer than a zillion projects going on at any time, and especially one like this tends to get cluttered with all the tools used.
So to the build:
First off, I needed a new "upper ROPS" for the back that I could attach the frame work to. I decided to shorten it a bit so that it could fit under my short barn garage door, and my actual garage doors... if needed. So, here you can see that I removed the upper ROPS portion.
And here you can see the new upper ROPS that I built to replace the factory one. I also included a tab on the back to mount exterior lights (don't think I got a picture of that tho...). The vertical bars are 2x2x1/4" tubing, and the angle iron is 2x2x1/4" as well. I made plates to match the factory mounting points to the lower ROPS portion and used the factory bolts/pins.
To tie the front portion to the tractor, I used 1x1x1/8" tubing and tied into the lower "mud-shield" framing. The tubing (and mounting points) are strong enough to support the frame & such... but would most likely be destroyed by a roll-over. Luckily I don't plan on doing that, and the upper ROPS that I built should be as strong as the factory one, albeit a bit shorter. The horizontal "roof" pieces are angle iron, with the 1x1 tubing for cross bracing. Regardless, I should still be safe in the event of a tumble.
So, here it is all together and bolted up. I still have to add a few more brackets for some storage & lighting, but otherwise, it's complete & functional. I also still need to paint it and add the roof. I'm still not 100% sure on how I'm going to finish off the roof, but I'll most likely use Plexi-glass so I can still see out of the top. I don't know if they make it tinted or not, but if so, that'll be my choice. Otherwise, I'll spray it with some tail-light tint spray.
Eventually, I'll build a quick-attach front windshield panel, as well as some side & rear panels for the winter. No hurry though now, this build only took me 2 days (much faster than I thought) so I'm ahead of schedule on it! More to come when I have new pics, paint, etc.
