2015 SVL90-2 - Shielding front entry way?

[Hasbelltree]

I'm heading to a dealer tomorrow to pick up a 2015 SVL90-2 with an open cab and I will be demoing the unit for a few days, during which I'll be doing some light common work to get a feel for the machines controls, abilities, and limitations . I figure the only way to truly put the machine through its paces and decide if it's going to meet the needs of my industry is to perform a few simple tasks around the farm. Things like unloading 1,200# round bales off of a trailer and tightly stacking then in a barn, spreading and leveling mountains of tree mulch to make roads and work pads, and finally, loading a considerable amount of dirt, logs, cut wood, and other debris. Once I properly purchase the unit and put it to work alongside the rest of my equipment, I will more than likely be obtaining a heavy duty brush hog and forestry mulcher (I own a commercial/residential tree service). My only concern in regards to running these two attachments is the unavoidable matter of debris being thrown into the front entrance of the cab (or shot into it, lol!). The absence of a closed cab is the only factor holding me back from purchasing, but I MUST have a 2015 model SVL90-2 because I REFUSE to own another vehicle or piece of equipment with a DEF/SCR system in place such as in the SVL95's.

There is one thing I am very curious to hear your many different solutions for......

Have any of you folks out there devised a way to fabricate, or purchase/order, a type of "gaurd" to cover the opening of the SVL90-2's front entrance that will sufficiently shield the operator from flying debris caused by mulchers/mowers? I have considered cutting a section of expanded metal to fit the exact dimensions of the entry way, encasing it in a light steel frame (small angle iron or small steel strap), and attaching the make shift door to the machine using 3 hinges lag bolted to the front right ROPS post to allow entry/exit. And, of course, painting the whole "door" gloss black.

Thanks for reading my novel of a post and taking time to share your creativity!!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If you want better clarity, 1/2 Lexan will stop just about anything.

 

[Yooper]

Lexan (polycarbonate) would be my choice also. Minimum of 1/4" thick.

 

[Hasbelltree]

Any ideas of how to go about framing and attaching it to the front of the cab? I'm very good at improvised fabrication and I'm sure I could make something that looks neat and clean. Also considering the lexan for the side windows as well with a good gasket/weather stripping siliconed around the edges. Just wish I could find a 90 with a cab and avoid this whole ordeal... im buying it tomorrow so I can't wait to get to work measuring and planning over the weekend. I was more than impressed with it over all to say the last. Stacked a 5x6 tightly wrapped round bale on top of two others and the ol girl picked up all 3 and ran around the pasture like it was showing off. I'm a full time contractor in the arborist industry and in 3 days I still haven't found anything it wouldn't lift or push.

 

[D2Cat]

I've got some weather stripping that may help. Several different styles.

 

[D2Cat]

A couple of additional shapes. Last one is some nylon strap.

 

[Yooper]

Looking at pictures and a couple videos, it looks like you could just use a piano hinge to attach the Lexan to one of the vertical support posts in the front. I would highly recommend using a stainless hinge here. I'll leave it to your imagination on how to latch it...lots of ways to get that done. If you want to stiffen up the sides, 1x1x1/8 angle would be sufficient. You can just screw or pop rivet that to the edges. Aluminum would be my first choice. Hope this helps get you started.

That looks like one beautiful piece of equipment! Enjoy!