Tractor Cab just "thinking"

bobzap · Mar 22, 2009

Would you guys laugh if I told you I was thinking about building a removable cab for my 2310 TLB made out of wood? I can't find a cab that is even remotely affordable if one even exists. The ROP on the tractor is higher than most cuz of the BH. I already have a factory canopy and am pretty good working with wood but my metal talents are limited. I really hate blowing snow when the wind manages to blow it back into my face. I think I had better find a job soon, way too much time on my hands. Geez I wish the snow would melt and temp would stay above 40 for a while.

WantedWolf · Mar 22, 2009

I dont laugh at anyone building anything, It beats watching TV.

But what would be wrong with a bolt together steel frame and a fabric cover for it. Canvas tarps are durable, easy to sew and not very expensive and clear PVC is maybe 10$ per meter for your windows. Ive seen alot of guys do this for ATV's

WantedWolf · Mar 22, 2009

I ment to add a pic

DEWFPO · Mar 22, 2009

Two outfits make cabs for the 2300's. Both expensive. Wood would be heavy and a PITA to remove each season, but doable.

DEWFPO

Bedlam · Mar 22, 2009

I used wood on mine with plexiglass and one side window is actualy a used storm window. three panels and a door
all seperate to remove and not heavy at all.If it was all one unit then yea it would be heavy.even used a 20 dollars hydraulic door closer on it

JMynes · Mar 22, 2009

What about a frame made of PVC pipe and fittings? Some glued, some drilled and bolted. Light weight, removable, and easy to fix if you 'oops' it.
I paid big bux for my cab, I don't want to 'oops' it.

WantedWolf · Mar 22, 2009

JMynes said:
What about a frame made of PVC pipe and fittings? Some glued, some drilled and bolted. Light weight, removable, and easy to fix if you 'oops' it.
I paid big bux for my cab, I don't want to 'oops' it.

thats a great idea, I always think of using chain link fence tubing and fittings.
But usually forget about pvc. you could even run wires for speakers or work lights thru the pvc.

LarryRB · Mar 22, 2009

someone here a few years ago, I believe he was from Illinois area, showed his little BX Kubota, Which I think is close to the same size as yours,. Anyway, he bought a golf cart cover for less than a hundred dollars and it fit right over his plastic sun shade/rops bar perfectly.. Kept the blowing snow away from him.///
As for the other gentleman with the L 48 and home made cover,, here is my version complete with Curtis heater.

JMynes · Mar 23, 2009

WantedWolf said:
thats a great idea, I always think of using chain link fence tubing and fittings.
But usually forget about pvc. you could even run wires for speakers or work lights thru the pvc.

I hadn't thought about wiring, that's an added bonus!
You'd probably have to use at least 1.5 inch pipe to get the required strength and stiffness. Anything smaller will flex too much.

jeepcj7 · Mar 23, 2009

This feller spent a lot of time thinking on this one (hope the attachment works)

JMynes · Mar 24, 2009

jeepcj7 said:
This feller spent a lot of time thinking on this one (hope the attachment works)

Effective, no doubt. My first reaction is "Fugly".
Is that a big open space in the back? That's right where all the snow would attack from.

PILOON · Mar 24, 2009

I can see a wood cab made from 4 frame pannels and a seperate roof all linked using hinges with remouvable pins in the corners.
Corners could be solidified using truss plates (they have them as mall as 1" x 4")
I have done some similar frames using this method (not tractor).
Areas can be covered with plexiglass or lexan either screwed or bonded to the wood framework.
Surfaces that don't require 'glass' can be faced with thin plywood.
Roof can even use carport 'tarp' material tightly attached.
Downside is wood is just not as tough as metals and while a tree limb will glance off or a metal cab the same one could well damage a wooden cab structure.
Plastic tubing would not be pratical INMHO due to lack of connectors or fittings available other than elbows and TEE's and also the difficulty of attaching heiges hardware etc. and the added factor that cold renders most plastics more brittle.
Square aluminum tubing might be an option (say 1.5 X 1.5) as that can easily be attached with corner plates and metal screws and cuts easily with woodworking tools and flat surfaces allow for easy attachement of hinges and stuff.

Just some rantings and ideas.

Good luck

DEWFPO · Mar 24, 2009

Don't forget adequate ventilation. As soon as you jump into a cold cab your humid breath will start to condense on the inside of the cab. If you don't have some type of fan keeping air moving across the windshield, it will fog up but good and stay that way.

DEWFPO

bobzap · Mar 24, 2009

Hi Guys! I think the wood issue is dying on me. I have decided from your input to go another route. Here is the route. I hit Ebay last night when Freman was selling off slightly used and blemished (winter cabs) for big tractors Bulldozers etc. I bought one with 4 sides that was ordered by someone by mistake, and returned that looks like it would cover my entire tractor. When I get it I will unstitch and trim to fit with schedule 40 tubing for the front corners. (I already have the factory canopy) and my friend with the heavy duty sewing machine will hopefully stitch it into something beautiful!

Boy! I am starting to love this custom stuff. Lemme see

Now insert solid front panel with wiper. get heater.....I may never go back to work!

Thats why I love this forum.. I'm off to finish the electric chute rotator and discharge setup for the 2360.

JMynes · Mar 24, 2009

I got a decent heater off ebay, it works well and the price was right. The challenge is my little tractor engine just doesn't run that hot. Next winter I will try blocking half of the radiator off so I can have a little more of the heat in the cab.