To Canopy or not? Metal or plastic?

[Coyote machine]

Looking into canopies for the DK-40. My local dealer has a plastic Kioti canopy or an aftermarket metal one. Each is $475; I do the install.
The metal options are as follows: Called the 'Ardvark' line from Perry Co., of Waco, Tx.
The Perry Company: Home
18ga. powder coated steel, 90-100lbs. OR .0163ga. diamond plate aluminum, (polished) 80lbs. Each is 56"L x 45"W x +/- 6"H.

Dealer says plastic is DONE if its hit. (Agreed- a no-brainer for sure!) Metal is repairable if hit/dented. Alum is lightweight. Both aftermarket units have sound-deadening material on underside, and a rubber trim around the edge.
If I could get some input from some who are already sporting a canopy that would be great!

TIA for comments, thoughts.:thumbsup:

 

[MotorSeven]

I'll never buy another plastic one:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/172572-roll-cage-new-steel-roof.html

Go metal!

 

[k0ua]

Looking into canopies for the DK-40. My local dealer has a plastic Kioti canopy or an aftermarket metal one. Each is $475; I do the install.
The metal options are as follows: Called the 'Ardvark' line from Perry Co., of Waco, Tx.
The Perry Company: Home
18ga. powder coated steel, 90-100lbs. OR .0163ga. diamond plate aluminum, (polished) 80lbs. Each is 56"L x 45"W x +/- 6"H.

Dealer says plastic is DONE if its hit. (Agreed- a no-brainer for sure!) Metal is repairable if hit/dented. Alum is lightweight. Both aftermarket units have sound-deadening material on underside, and a rubber trim around the edge.
If I could get some input from some who are already sporting a canopy that would be great!

TIA for comments, thoughts.:thumbsup:

Looks about the same as the one I have:

Wells Ag Company - Tractor Canopies

I like it, I havent hit anything solid with it yet just some small branches.

James K0UA

 

[k0ua]

Here is a better pix.

James K0UA

 

[Coyote machine]

Here is a better pix.

James K0UA

James, Is yours alum or steel?
Is it painted to match your Kioti? If I may ask- how much did you pay for it? About when?


Thx, CM

 

[phiferpharm]

I have the standard fiberglass one, which seems to be the same type I had on the FarmTrac, but in Orange. Can't comment on metal versus fiberglass, but the shade and protection from stuff falling on your head is worth the dinero.

 

[k0ua]

James, Is yours alum or steel?
Is it painted to match your Kioti? If I may ask- how much did you pay for it? About when?


Thx, CM

It is steel, it was a part of the original purchase. As I remember it was $198. It had to be ordered, and took a while.. The salesman and his wife and I put it on about a week after the tractor was delivered.

It seems to match well

James K0UA

 

[Coyote machine]

It is steel, it was a part of the original purchase. As I remember it was $198. It had to be ordered, and took a while.. The salesman and his wife and I put it on about a week after the tractor was delivered.

It seems to match well

James K0UA

Thanks for the detailed pics, and the answers re cost etc. That seems like a great price- how long ago was that?
It makes my $475 seem like a LOT* of $$$:confused2: (*which $475 is obviously...)
Your canopy seems like a good build too...

 

[k0ua]

A little over a month ago on the DK35se deal..They said they sold it a their cost.. I don't know. That came about in conversation about the tractor deal, and could he cut any more in the price, and how about throw in a nice canopy..he said he could not cut any more and could not give the canopy but could sell for his cost... who knows..but 198 dollars was put on the bill.

I sure as heck like it, It is most effective of course at high sun angles, but that is when you need it the most.. It is loads cooler under the canopy instead of roasting in the sun. It works fairly well for light non blowing rain too. I don't usually operate in the rain, but did finish up something in a light rain and it was nice to not get soaked..my feet and lower legs got a little damp but the rest stayed dry.. Of course would not work if the wind was blowing.

James K0UA

 

[buck12]

I have a fiberglass canopy which has held up fine with plenty of woods use. I have hit limb after limb which I thought would damage the canopy but to date it has held up. The canopy has a damaged area that was there when I bought the tractor used. The original owner said he caught the edge of his shed lean to. After having broken a plastic lawnmower hood a couple of times I would steer clear of a plastic canopy if you plan to use your tractor in the woods.