homemade cab pics?

emery · Nov 15, 2001

I need to enclose my small tractor and looking for ideas about how to go about fashioning a frame, doors, etc.

Does anyone have a picture of one they made that might get me headed in the right direction?

thanks

pcmem · Nov 16, 2001

Emery,

I picked up a skid steer loader weather cover from Northern and have been toying with it for the tractor. Haven't worked out the details but was thinking of getting a sheet of treadplate for a canopy and then velcro or button snaps for the sides. Now I'm debating about adding wire frames for the door(s). Just have to find some time to work out the details. I've also see some made out of plywood and plexiglass that look good painted.

Good luck,
Michael

emery · Nov 16, 2001

thanks Michael, I will look in Northern Cat for such an encloser.

Not sure what you meant by wire frame? I know what ever I do it should be easy to remove come Spring as an enclosure would be too hot for most of year.

pfoxy · Nov 17, 2001

You didn't say how small a tractor you're talking about, but I was able to get a "weatherbreak" or "heathouser" (depending on where you're from) from Central Tractor to fit my JD 750. Basically, it's a plasticized tarp with flaps that fit alongside the engine and a "cab" that fits around the front and sides of the platform, with a plastic windshield (like on the old ragtops) and a door.

The "wire frame" is just that, the door is stretched over a frame made of large diameter wire (or small rod) and hinges so you can get on and off conveniently. No top or back, but it breaks the wind, and funnels heat from the engine back to the operator.

Makes for a nice compromise to a cab, it's inexpensive, and it takes maybe 45 minutes to put on or take off.

emery · Nov 18, 2001

Michael, I looked in Northern Cat and did not see skid steer cover, but noticed a golf cart cover and they look like something that might be about the correct size.Cost is $70 or $100 for delux.
How much was the skid steer cover?

JohnS · Nov 19, 2001

Northern has a soft side cab for their Jinma tractor. See their website. http://www.northerntractor.com/ Price is $400, though.

JohnS

CVHoss · Nov 19, 2001

Emery,
Here's a link to Tractor Supply where they have a "heater cab" enclosure. I don't know if they would have one to fit your tractor, but at less than $200.00, it may fit the bill. No top though.

Hoss

pcmem · Nov 27, 2001

Emery,

Checked out the golf cart cover and that may be a better way to go as it covers 5 sides. I like the others mention of the front covers as well. The skid steer covers only cover 3 sides as they are meant to wrap around the cage and they are rather short (as you sit down into a skid steer). It was only $20 though. My Mom suggested getting some clear vinyl table cloth cover material from a fabrics store. The stuff she had was pretty durable compared to the clear plastic I have been able to find.

On a side not I haven't decided about the canopy yet. About $70 for the Al treadplate and I'd have to remove it in the summer for mowing. I'm debating if a frame and roof would be easier to install and remove yearly. Then there is storage to think about. The cloth front covers are looking better and better /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif.

Good luck,
Michael