Tufftop or Sunshade Round 2

[johnjk]

Well my first inexpensive sunshade met an untimely death when my son tried to park the tractor in the garage with the ROPS up... Still have some siding work to do on that. Mangled the arm and mount to the point where without a welder, it wasn't getting fixed so on to Round 2.

This time I went with the Femco Tuff Top 48x52 size. I got it off Amazon, Farmer Bob's Parts. I can say that I am very pleased with the quality of the shade, the ease of assembly and overall fit and finish. Bonus in that it came in Orange. All metal parts are nicely powder coated and the system fit together without much fuss. Total time from out of the box to pictures was 1.5hrs. Tools were minimal with a couple wrenches, pliers and a clamp to help bend the edges over to attach the ribs. The exploded diagram was helpful when you had questions. No parts were missing

I was up against graduation parties and thunderstorms this past weekend so I was unable to get it outside for some additional photos. I'll get a few more and post them here this week.

The underside supports offer me options for mounting a mesh shelf that I can use for my cell phone, hearing protection and other small items. The top itself attaches with 4 knobs. Loosen them, pull to the front and the top swings down or lifts off. You can also adjust the pitch of the shade if needed. Using different holes in the supports offer you different angles for different tractors as well. The top is a bit heavy and slightly awkward to remove and step off the tractor. I found removing it, setting it on the seat, dismounting and then removing the shade from the seat works best for me.

 

[johnjk]

A few more photo's of the top folded down and the ROPs lowered with the shade attached. You can see that with the ROPs lowered, there is room to sit and drive. This is nice since it keeps me from having to remove the shade prior to pulling in to the garage. Raising and lowering the ROPs is easy as well.

 

[Yooper]

That looks like a well thought out unit. I like the way it folds down which I assume would work for trailering at highway speeds.

One thing about forgetting to put the ROPs down B4 driving into the garage is it makes it stay in your memory after you get the repairs made. Don't ask me how I know this.

 

[johnjk]

I hear you on staying in your memory. The wife daily reminds me.... Told her that the barn needs to be build before I fix the garage, besides it now has character.

Femco recommends to take it off for anything over 35mph. Easy to do. I just like the fact that I can put it down and lower the ROPs without removing the shade. Of course, last night I forgot it was down and the ROPS down while working on the 3Pt quick hitch. Attempted to stand up and drove that toothed bracket in to my shoulder. At least my son saw the humor in it. Let's just say I made a considerable contribution to the swear jar last night.

 

[cliffboyer]

I cracked my head good on bucket while raised to blow out radiator. Talk about memory imprinting!

Looks good. Any vibrations?

The shape reminds me of a cab roof on old steam locomotive.

 

[johnjk]

Vibration is minimal. The knobs on the shade need to be tightened once upright. I'm getting a bit of noise from where the top of the ROPs is knocking against the pins at the hinge. I'm going to glue on some rubber strips to see if I can't silence it a bit.

 

[BenF]

Well my first inexpensive sunshade met an untimely death when my son tried to park the tractor in the garage with the ROPS up... Still have some siding work to do on that. Mangled the arm and mount to the point where without a welder, it wasn't getting fixed so on to Round 2.

Timely post, I'm looking for a sunshade for my 2650 and would need to fold it and the ROPS down to fit in my garage.

The ROPS height on yours looks about like the 2650. Do you find with the sunshade in place that it's too high for quality shade? In other words do you think it'd be a lot better if it was lower, or do you find the height to be about right?

I've been looking at a shade (Sun Guard) that mounts below the ROPS upper cross beam and closer to my noggin, but it doesn't fold, and has a smaller coverage area. It can detach but think that'd be a pain each time I enter/exit the garage.

 

[coachgeo]

Timely post, I'm looking for a sunshade for my 2650 and would need to fold it and the ROPS down to fit in my garage.

The ROPS height on yours looks about like the 2650. Do you find with the sunshade in place that it's too high for quality shade? In other words do you think it'd be a lot better if it was lower, or do you find the height to be about right?

I've been looking at a shade (Sun Guard) that mounts below the ROPS upper cross beam and closer to my noggin, but it doesn't fold, and has a smaller coverage area. It can detach but think that'd be a pain each time I enter/exit the garage.

My guess is the one shown here.... being higher.... is why they choice a curved design. Helps block the sun from the sides compared to it just being flat. Other companies stay flat....... but have it sit lower for same reasons. to block sun from the sides. Lower type may be better if your working around trees, branches ... tall brush though

 

[johnjk]

Timely post, I'm looking for a sunshade for my 2650 and would need to fold it and the ROPS down to fit in my garage.

The ROPS height on yours looks about like the 2650. Do you find with the sunshade in place that it's too high for quality shade? In other words do you think it'd be a lot better if it was lower, or do you find the height to be about right?

I've been looking at a shade (Sun Guard) that mounts below the ROPS upper cross beam and closer to my noggin, but it doesn't fold, and has a smaller coverage area. It can detach but think that'd be a pain each time I enter/exit the garage.

I am happy with the height. Easy to get on/off and not whack your skull. I would not want it lower. The color does not absorb heat like a black one would. Folding was key for me having to park in a standard garage. Not having to remove it every time is a bonus. It is easy to remove (just a few twists on 4 knobs and lift off) but if you don't have to, then why. I added a few outdoor shots after brush hogging this past Friday for 3 hrs. Very happy with overall coverage and cooler temps.