Simple ROPS shade canopy

[GCTucson]

I made this canopy from 3/4 inch square tubing and a pair of heavy brackets. I covered the frame with 90% shade cloth using tek screws and steel and rubber washers. It measures 60 x 48 inches and provides nice cover from the sun. I live in the desert, so protection from snow and rain isn't much of an issue...

The materials cost about $50 and it took six hours to build with help from my wife to stretch and attach the cloth.

It attaches with just two bolts and weighs less than 20 pounds, so it's easy to get on and off.

 

[wassup8687]

Great idea and it turned out AWESOME. Good job.

 

[sdquick]

Looks good!! Especially for $50!!!

 

[HarryVanderpool]

I really like this design.
One issue with ROPS sun lids is the amplification of engine noise on the operator's ears.
Can I assume this is not a problem here?

 

[Aquamoose]

Ingenious!

 

[GCTucson]

I really like this design.
One issue with ROPS sun lids is the amplification of engine noise on the operator's ears.
Can I assume this is not a problem here?

True. I made this because of sound issues and clearance. Units I'd seen on the net add about 12 inches in height. That would have kept me from parking in one of my structures. This unit only adds 1.25 inches and the sound isn't a factor.

I know some people hate the "DIY" look of such things, but I like creating my own solutions and I had all the materials on hand.

Thanks!

 

[dieselcrawler]

Nicely done... shade is a big factor in making seat time out in the sun bearable.

 

[VFNosse]

Where did you source the brackets?

 

[duffer]

Very nice job. Sure doesn't look like DIY.

I had to mount mine below the top of the ROPS in order to get into the garage, if needed. I store it in the 2nd garage now, but you never know when I'll have to put it in the main garage.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Nice job! I sure miss my diy canopy on my old tractor (used the same shade cloth as you). I need to make another one for the new tractor. I'm probably gonna copy your style. As some one else asked, where did you get the mounting hardware?

 

[GCTucson]

I got the mounting brackets from a steel recycler along with a bunch of bolts and other hardware from power poles. The bracket would be easy to make with a piece of heavy "C" channel, however.

The canopy is working out great; it doesn't rattle and it doesn't reflect back sound from the engine. The sun here is brutal almost all year long, so shade is really important. The only drawback is that the screech owls that live in my shop sit on the canopy at night and eat and poop. Kinda makes a mess of my tractor...