L3800 - Canopy or not?

[mcp]

Figuring up all the potential options for my new rig...just wanted to get opinions on canopy's. Good - bad ..... pros's - cons?

Personally, I like the looks of it...not necessarily an option I have to have by any means, but would be nice to keep the sun off while mowing.

Thanks

 

[Junior390]

Absolutely worth every penny! Helps (to some degree) protect your seat/instrument panel also.

 

[longleaf1]

I purchased a new Kubota last year and it was my first tractor. I decided to get a canopy with mine even though I have a lot of overhanging tree limbs where I will be using it. Every time I get on the tractor I think of what a great choice I made. It is so nice sitting in the shade on hot summer days feeling nothing but the breeze. It may also keep you a little dry in a shower. I also got the work lights on the top of mine that will light up the world. I usually don't even use the headlights in dark because the work lights on the canopy light up such a bigger area.

 

[BotaDriver]

Figuring up all the potential options for my new rig...just wanted to get opinions on canopy's. Good - bad ..... pros's - cons?

Personally, I like the looks of it...not necessarily an option I have to have by any means, but would be nice to keep the sun off while mowing.

Thanks

Depends on how often you will be around trees with branches. If I had one, it would have probably been destroyed 50x over by now. Went with the TSC Umbrella for $90. It's been knocked around quite a bit, but still works 100%

 

[BAP]

I have one on my B2920 that I bought this winter and love it. It is great in the summer sun. As long as you a careful around branches, it is ok. Besides, a chainsaw can fix that problem.

 

[Bluegill]

I'd love one, but spend too much tractor time in the woods. Couldn't make it work here...

 

[WFM]

I plan on using my tractor for bucketing snow this winter. SO I'd like a full cab to keep the snow out. But looking at the prices of a windshield/hard top/with soft doors is $3k plus. I've been welding/fabricating for many years. So I'm thinking 1" square aluminum tube and some 1/4" thick aluminum flat bar to bend and make the curve of the fender for the door frame. Make the frame out of the 1" tube. The top canopy aluminum sheet. Windshield and door/windows plexi-glass. I'm guessing $500. in materials and maybe 10-16 hours labor to make it. Or I could make something in the three days for $3k and just buy it.

 

[Benhameen]

At times, I've thought, man a canopy would be really nice right now. Then others when I'm in the woods and think it wouldn't work. Also, I have to fold the ROP's
down to get it in the garage, which is where it sit most of the time.

There have been a number of good responses. Let us know what you decide and post some pics.

 

[rparkinson]

I had one on a L4610 and gave it away. I could not deal with the noise from it. I would try a machine with one before you lay out the cash.

 

[yankeepac]

skin cancer treatment is probably more than the cost of the canopy.
I love mine, especially on the hot / rainy days where I need to be out bush hogging.

 

[mcp]

Thanks for all the responses.

 

[mcp]

One more question.... if I get a canopy, is the Kubota factory the best route to go? Dealer said its pretty nice, and price was $400. To me, that doesn't seem too bad.

Thanks

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I can't imagine being without some sort of over head cover. Here are a few places to look.

Post #3

 

[Benhameen]

If I didn't need to work in the woods an didn't have to fold mine down I would have one.

As far as skin cancer, Ive made it a habit to lather up with sunscreen when I know I'm going to be out in it. A friend if mine passed away, within the last year, from what started out as skin cancer, it certainly changed my out look.

 

[78-79fordman]

I have a bigger tractor the m7040 . I bought it without one because I knew I mite have to fold the rops . And sure enought it liked a few inches fit'n a hay barn I rent . And I figured I would beat it off never having one . My plan when I get time is to build a lightweight one that will pin with two pins to the rops . That way I can remove real fast and easy . But there's nothing I can't make so it will be no problem for me . Plus I can make it way cheaper than the $500 factory one . Like under $100 most likey under $50 .

 

[FTG-05]

I have a bigger tractor the m7040 . I bought it without one because I knew I mite have to fold the rops . And sure enought it liked a few inches fit'n a hay barn I rent . And I figured I would beat it off never having one . My plan when I get time is to build a lightweight one that will pin with two pins to the rops . That way I can remove real fast and easy . But there's nothing I can't make so it will be no problem for me . Plus I can make it way cheaper than the $500 factory one . Like under $100 most likey under $50 .

I'm listening!

 

[mcp]

I can't imagine being without some sort of over head cover. Here are a few places to look.

Post #3

Thanks, lots of options there for sure!

 

[78-79fordman]

I'm listening!

Well a full stick of tube I will use is under $20 the piece of sheet metal is only $20 . And the other few pieces will come out of my metal scrap pile . And a little paint I already have .

 

[FTG-05]

I was thinking of using 1 1/2" square tubing for the frame with maybe 1"x2" as supports and then a used car engine hood from a pick-a-part wrecking yard.

Anyone ever used an engine hood as a tractor canopy?

 

[WFM]

Engine hood.....ie: red neck