Simple Tractor Cab

[dnrsslr]

Like lots of other people, I want a cheap, simple to build "cab" on my Ventrac 3400 for blowing snow. (Snow blower mounts to the front of the tractor.) This is only for homeowner use so 30 minutes to an hour is usually the longest I would be outside but I hate the wind and don't like snow being blown on me.

The main thing is that I want to keep the wind and snow off of me so I'm thinking I will only have a front, sides and possibly a roof. I will not put any type of heat inside but I don't want the glass, lexan, or plastic to fog up. If I leave the back open, will this keep the inside cold enough so it does not fog up?

 

[KennyG]

I have a soft cab that is reasonably sealed all around with no heat and never have fogging unless I'm breathing a few inches from the windows. You shouldn't have a problem.

 

[Travelover]

I made a great little cab from a Classic golf cart cover. Just get some 1/2" steel conduit and bend a simple frame. I made mine quick attach by bolting on pieces of short slightly larger pipe for the conduit frame to set in. This was not on a Ventrac, but the principle is the same. Amazon.com : Classic Accessories 7272 4-Sided Deluxe 2-Person Golf Cart Enclosure : Golf Cart Accessories : Sports & Outdoors

 

[dnrsslr]

I made a great little cab from a Classic golf cart cover. Just get some 1/2" steel conduit and bend a simple frame. I made mine quick attach by bolting on pieces of short slightly larger pipe for the conduit frame to set in. This was not on a Ventrac, but the principle is the same. Amazon.com : Classic Accessories 7272 4-Sided Deluxe 2-Person Golf Cart Enclosure : Golf Cart Accessories : Sports & Outdoors

Thanks for your ideas. Do you have any pictures on the forums of yours?

This tractor pivots in the middle so I can't cover the engine. But, I was thinking I would go from the front to the ROPS like this:

 

[Travelover]

Thanks for your ideas. Do you have any pictures on the forums of yours?

This tractor pivots in the middle so I can't cover the engine. But, I was thinking I would go from the front to the ROPS like this:View attachment 576814

Since it pivots in the middle, you'd probably want to keep the cab very short, but it still might be worth using an inexpensive golf cart cab and just cutting it down. Or let it extend back over the engine, but cut it short so it clears the engine housing. When I did mine, I cut it in a few places and sewed it on a regular sewing machine.

 

[Kernopelli]

Thanks for sharing this idea!!!This has to be your Amazon review.



T. Griebe
5.0 out of 5 starsWorks great as a tractor cab
January 10, 2014
Color: TanVerified Purchase
I bought this as a cab for a B Series Kubota that already had a canopy installed. I tossed it over the top and added a little extra frame in the front made from EMT conduit to use the full length of the cart enclosure roof dimension.

First, the material quality is first rate, including the fabric, windows and zippers. There are numerous nylon straps to secure the cover which are both adjustable and elastic. The windows are surprisingly clear even with some wrinkles from the original packing. Even the hooks have plastic ends to prevent scratching.

Installation is easy, as it is held on by 4 upper corner straps and 6 lower straps with hooks. It is designed so that it folds easily and comes with a high quality fabric case

 

[bildom]

Great idea! Where did you get the golf cart cab? Link to website? Thanks

 

[Travelover]

Great idea! Where did you get the golf cart cab? Link to website? Thanks

Link is a couple of posts up. Amazon is closing these out.

 

[bildom]

Thanks. Sorry, I missed it earlier.

 

[canadianstrom]

Just thought I would share, I got a roof from a golf cart, welded receiving brackets for the uprights and bolted to Loader frame and ROPS. Made uprights of 1x1 1/4" tube. Bought marine grade vinyl, which wouldn't last if the unit was stored outside. If it does start to crack at corners etc I'll get some outdoor fabric to do the edges and corners. I need to add some ducting to capture the engine heat ie the old heater houses. I'm just going to have the door as over lap for now.
I blew snow yesterday in -16 C, very comfortable. I need to clean up the vinyl install yet but so far real happy for $120.
The unit will only be on for the winter.

 

[Travelover]

Nice job. I found that breaking the wind was 90% of the battle. You don't need a lot of heat to make it comfortable, it even has solar gain on a cold but sunny day.

 

[msb1766]

Here are some pictures of the winter cab I built for my tractor, I have lexan for the windows no issues with fogging.

 

[mark02tj]

That is REALLY nice!! ^^^^^

 

[Zick]

Here are some pictures of the winter cab I built for my tractor, I have lexan for the windows no issues with fogging.
View attachment 588583View attachment 588584View attachment 588585View attachment 588586
View attachment 588587View attachment 588588View attachment 588589

Is that a wood frame? Do you have a build thread on this?

 

[msb1766]

Yes it is made out of wood, It is held together with pocket screws. The lexan is held on by metal roofing screws with the rubber gasket.
Before you start make sure to get the lexan first so you can build it to the dimentions of the lexan you have. I built mine then went to get the lexan from Home Depot and in the stores they do not carry 4'X8' sheets
as my front windshield is about 4'. I had to order 4x8 sheets and they were on not cheap. the front windshield is 1/4" thick and the rest is 1/8" thick I spent about $400 on just the lexan.

Sorry no build thread but here is a thread that I got alot of info from and his is really nice:
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/300638-300-00-bx25-cab.html?highlight=homemade+cab

 

[dnrsslr]

View attachment 588191View attachment 588192View attachment 588193
Just thought I would share, I got a roof from a golf cart, welded receiving brackets for the uprights and bolted to Loader frame and ROPS. Made uprights of 1x1 1/4" tube. Bought marine grade vinyl, which wouldn't last if the unit was stored outside. If it does start to crack at corners etc I'll get some outdoor fabric to do the edges and corners. I need to add some ducting to capture the engine heat ie the old heater houses. I'm just going to have the door as over lap for now.
I blew snow yesterday in -16 C, very comfortable. I need to clean up the vinyl install yet but so far real happy for $120.
The unit will only be on for the winter.

canadianstrom: how did you fasten the vinyl to the metal frame? Also, more information about the "door". More pics would be great.

 

[metalbender]

Fabbed a cab for my Case 446 a couple years ago. Not really cheap. Laminated glass front and rear, lexan for the doors. Heat drom the engine blew in, comfy in moderate cold

 

[atsah]

You can buy one of these for three hundred dollars.. Bercomac. Works for me.

 

[dnrsslr]

You can buy one of these for three hundred dollars.. Bercomac. Works for me.

I don't think I could make that work. I'm not sure if the clear plastic would be low enough in the front (blue circle in picture) to see the snow blower. But, the main problem is the back where I have circled in yellow. Since the tractor is center articulating, the cab needs to be very narrow behind the seat. For another picture of how the tractor articulates, see post #4 in this thread.

 

[atsah]

I don't think I could make that work. I'm not sure if the clear plastic would be low enough in the front (blue circle in picture) to see the snow blower. But, the main problem is the back where I have circled in yellow. Since the tractor is center articulating, the cab needs to be very narrow behind the seat. For another picture of how the tractor articulates, see post #4 in this thread.

View attachment 590667

I see and agree that it probably would not work well on that machine..