Rural King Sun Shade

[johnjk]

I purchased a canvas sun shade from Rural King last week. I needed something that keeps the sun off and is easily removed to get the ROPS down and the tractor in the garage. This fit the bill and at 84.00 was not gonna break the bank. The plan it to fabricate something more permanent when I do not have to keep removing it.

The RK shade is a good idea, canvas, metal ribs and a mount that bolts on the ROPS. No drilling. The bad part is in the execution. The end of each rib is bent in a Z that in theory keeps the canvas tensioned, however bumpy ground causes the grommet rings to slip up and past the Z making the shade worthless.

I had recycled the box so a return was off the table. I figured if I could keep the ring from slipping past the top of the Z that would resolve the issue. My solution since I do not have a welder was to take a nut that had a smaller ID than the rib, cut a slot in it, spread it and then using my vice compress it to the rib. Even if it should work free some how, it cannot make the turn to go up the rib.

Initial testing over the ruts in my field show it was a success. Now I don't have to look like the Crispy Colonel after mowing.

 

[RWey56]

What was their model number for this? Can't find it on their website.

 

[Grumpa Wally]

Great solution and your skin will be the better for it too. I purchased a canopy for my tractor recently. I had never had a canopy before and am surprised how much better I feel after 2-3 hours of bush hogging in the summer sun.

 

[mbu]

Do sun shades really work? Seems to me that they might be effective between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm but other than those hours, the sun light would be coming in from the sides or the front/back depending on which way one is traveling.

As for a canopy, they were originally installed on equipment to keep potential falling objects from hitting the operator - not to protect him from the sun.

 

[BAP]

Do sun shades really work? Seems to me that they might be effective between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm but other than those hours, the sun light would be coming in from the sides or the front/back depending on which way one is traveling.

As for a canopy, they were originally installed on equipment to keep potential falling objects from hitting the operator - not to protect him from the sun.

Actually, the original canopies for tractors were, like an umbrella and were specifically for keeping the sun off from the operator.

 

[Creature Meadow]

Nice solution, it rained here all day Monday and I was using tractor to drag trees and limbs to burn pile all day. While it would not have protected me completely it sure would have helped.

I remember the farmers in the early 80's around here tieing/taping umbrellas to the tractors when priming tobacco to keep sun off. Slow ride through field while primers tossed leaves on the tobacco trailers 2 and 3 deep behind tractor.

 

[johnjk]

I looked online and did not see it offered there. They did however have a few different styles in the store. The box is long gone so I will post an update with a picture when I visit Rural King this weekend.

I mowed last weekend around 12P-4P and while it did a good job of keeping my upper body out of the sun, my legs were a bit toasty by the time I was done. An extra foot to 16" would be nice on the front.

Sadly the supporting arm got mangled up when my Son went to park in the garage and forgot to put the ROPS down yesterday evening. I have a date tonight with a vise, some steel gas tubing and a large hammer to see if I can beat it back in to shape and salvage it. If not, I've been looking at the Femco TuffTop as a replacement
https://www.mowersdirect.com/Swisher-SS4444G/p11361.html

 

[johnjk]

I found the shade on another site. https://www.agrisupply.com/ru-rops-...nt=3ApGJcCG_dc|pcrid|11231445317|pkw||pmt|be|

Not sure why RK doesn't have it listed online other than it is a new product or lots of issues with returns due to the issue I had.

 

[johnjk]

Re: Rural King Sun Shade RIP

Well, my RK sun shade bit the dust last week. My son was mowing and forgot to put down the ROPS before entering the garage. Nice hole in the siding, scared the crap out of him and totally mangled the support tube/ mount for the shade.

I ended up ordering a Femco Tuff Top in orange for the B3200. I'll post a new thread and pictures once I get it and install it

 

[beaterboss]

Don't chastise him too much. I have had to replace the capping on my garage facia 3 times in the last year.....And I'm the only one using the tractor. Those ROPS are pretty tough though...LOL!!

 

[Newlyme]

Don't chastise him too much. I have had to replace the capping on my garage facia 3 times in the last year.....And I'm the only one using the tractor. Those ROPS are pretty tough though...LOL!!

Almost got mine today!