Homemade Canopy for $25 for my JD 3032

[HowlingWolf]

Was going to go mow today but decided I needed a canopy more. Here in Texas its already over 90 during the day. The 4 bracket u bolts cost 25 bucks. Used some old 1.5 tubing and angle for the frame up. Used an old 1/8 inch aluminum sign for the side brackets. 1 inch square tube for the angle braces and hand holds. Old barn tin for the top, painted white to reflect the sun. Made it extra large 4?2 wide x 4?6 long. Dog tired and my shop is wrecked, think I used every tool I have. What I like is if I rip it up on trees I can easily replace the top.

A big thank you for all the others who have built other canopies and posted pics. It helps having ideas and seeing how others did there痴.

Will take pics this evening and post.

 

[Eaglebait Ranch]

Nice job! I'm gonna make one of those. Thanks for sharing!
Chuck

 

[JCB]

Real nice work wolf.

Today was our first really hot day in Wisconsin, so it's looking like you're a guy who is ahead of the curve. You'll be happy you put off mowing all summer long.

Thanks for the post. It's food for thought.

 

[jb62901]

Your going to like it, hit 90 here in Mi and like mine.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Very nice design. I have not installed the one on the 265 that the FIL pulled years ago because of limbs but I am working on them.:thumbsup:

 

[mmurphy]

Only thing you are missing is the boom box!!

 

[ninefinger]

Nice job.

 

[wolc123]

About (5) years ago, I bought an open-station JD 4120 to replace a Ford 2000 I had prior. The Ford had a nice, big, rectangular fiberglass canopy on it, and the first time I got out in the sun with the open JD, I knew I had to do something. It took me about (2) hours to whip up a big, deep canopy with a wood frame and cover made from stuff I had laying around the barn and an old canvas boat cover that I got for $5 at a garage sale. I can honestly say that it is just as comfortable under this homade job as it was under the factory fiberglass one my old Ford had. The canvas/wood construction minimizes weight (aproximately 45 lbs total) and I can get it on or off myself in less than (5) minutes for times I want to fold the rollbar for clearance reasons. It attaches with (2) 3/8 bolts thru the top of the rollbar and (2) small, steel diagonal supports like on yours that, I made from an old fertilizer spreader handle cut into (2) pieces. I built a little taper into mine towards the front so it clears branches etc and it hasnt needed any repairs in (5) years. In (5) years with the old Ford/Fiberglass canopy, I managed to bust up (3) of (4) corners. I think you would see a lot less cabs out there on compact tractors if folks would just try a canopy. Your canopy looks decent size, but most of the factory ones I see look a little on the small side to be real effective. Mine keeps you mostly in the shade even when the sun gets down at lower angles thanks to its length, width and depth. Sitting in the shade with a nice breeze blowing, thanks to the tractors motion, is pretty darn comfortable even when the temp gets up into the 90's, as you probably know.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Looks good, I too am looking at building something but I need it to were the ROPS can fold straight back when I have the back hoe on, the seat for the hoe is directley under the ROPS.

 

[Travelover]

Nice job. :thumbsup:

If I left the open threaded ends of the U bolts on my tractor, I'd be leaving skin on them quickly. Maybe use an acorn nut on each?