Three Good Reasons for a Tractor Canopy
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
I think it's wise to invest in a tractor canopy if you don't have a cab. In the summer it'll keep you much cooler than being out in the open, it offers protection from the harmful rays of the sun, and if you get caught in a storm while out working, you have a chance to get home without getting completely soaked. Despite all of those reasons to own a canopy, I've never had one. Why? Because of trees.
I grew up on an apple orchard, and there was no way you could have owned a tractor with a canopy without tearing it up on the low limbs. Now, I own property with a lot of timber, and it seems like I'm constantly going back in the woods to brush hog or chain saw, and I don't need, or want, a canopy on when I'm there. Plus, I occasionally haul the tractor on a flatbed trailer and wind, at highway speed, can kill a canopy quickly.
This winter though, I received a call that revived my interest in owning a tractor canopy. I first told "Canopy Don" that I wasn't interested in promoting RhinoHide canopies. He told me they were made of HDPE plastic, were extremely strong, and would fit most tractors. That din't get my attention. When he told me they were REMOVABLE...I was listening.
We found out that Don didn't live that far from me and he made the trip to my house in March and we installed a RhinoHide canopy on my tractor. In order for me to promote it, I told him, it would have to go on and off the tractor easily. He promised me it would. We installed the canopy in around 45 minutes, much of that time spent with me stopping progress to get better video, or asking Don about where the bolts went...I'd say that most people could get one on in under 45 minutes after reading the instructions and watching the installation video (which is here: • How to Install a Rhino... ). If you're thinking about ordering, watch the video first, you do have to drill six holes to get it on, but it should be in the realm of most backyard mechanics. After installation (and the wind was blowing pretty good that day), I was able to easily put it on and take it off. It passed the test!
Now, if you're thinking of ordering it, there are a few things you should know. It'll only fit roll bars under 42" wide, with tubing under 2 1/4" by 4"; which is most, but not all, tractors. There are some larger Kubota and New Holland non-cab tractors that it won't fit. It won't fit a round ROPS. It will fit many rollbar-equipped zero turn mowers, I'm toying with adding one to mine. If you'll never take it off the tractor or mower, a "fixed" version is available which will save you a few bucks. The top does "pool" a little water when stored outside. If you jump on the tractor after a rain you may get a nice bath. Having said all of that, I'm really happy to finally have a canopy that I can take off. It stays in the barn a good portion of the time, but when I'm out in the open, it's on and I'm cool, or out of the rain. Thanks "Canopy Don" for letting me know about this great product! If you'd like to buy it, here's a link to my website: asktractormike....
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Mike, another great reason to have a canopy for me was the ability to add mirrors on the front of the canopy braces looking back behind the tractor to be able to watch the brush hog when maneuvering around trees etc. and its handy with other implements as well to keep you from having to twist around in the seat and possibly pull a muscle in your neck or back. As always thanks for the videos.
When I was growing up I ran a Ford 3000 without a canopy. When I purchased a tractor I bought a canopy with it and was amazed by how much cooler it was even on those 100 degree and 115 degree heat index days in East Texas. However, Santa brought me a Kubota M5-111 with cab/air/heat/ and radio. I spent 7 hours in the hay field today and it was soo worth it to not eat dust all day long. I will say that I never had an issue hauling my tractor with the canopy on it. I'm sure I never hauled it more than 25-30 miles and I'm not one to drive fast when hauling a load.
My new tractor arrived today and i ordered it with a shade canopy. Your right they are comfortable in the blazing sun, right after we unloaded it, it started raining and it was so nice not getting wet. I really liked how you can remove yours. This can be done on mine,with a lot more effort and tools would be required. If i ever have to replace mine i will get one like yours. Thanks Mike
I just added a canopy to my Kubota M6800 a couple of years ago. Wish I’d seen this one then. Mine was $400 and is NOT removable. Nice product. Good value. 60 ain’t old. I’m about 6 years ahead of you :)
@lanedexter6303
6 жыл бұрын
Yep, I view being born in 1954 on Jame's Madison's birthday as making me a "classic" (though have been called a few other things). ;-) I like Mike's videos, though I am low budget, just bought a 1959 Massey Ferguson 204 that needs plenty of TLC.
It's great. My first experience on a hot day and I realized just how much it helps cut the heat.
Just came across your canopy video this afternoon and it reminded me I need to finish mine. I've had my tractor for 15 yrs and also wished Id had a canopy. Looked at universals and always though they were smallish and also wanted something kinda beefy, so I decided to make my own. Two yrs ago I made the frame out of 1/4 steel tubing, finally completed it and installed it last summer, I wanted it beefy si it would have a little protection from falling branches, I also added brackets to the canopy, when making it, knowing I'm going to install a front corner brace and lights, all I have left is to install these two braces to complete mine, a project this spring, but I keep adding ideas of what I want to add, grab handles and a holder for a yeti 1/2 gallon jug. Its bolted on so it can be removed, but I doubt it will ever come off. I made a canopy for my ATV 10 yrs ago with a golf cart roof, made it removable, but to date, never have removed it. Check my video out when making mine. I measured once, cut twice and welded twice, guess I got that part backwards. Keep up the great vids.
As a fellow Missourian, it's going to be a hot one this year - for a fact. I bush-hog for customers and a canopy is a must! Today's rain-dump episode only supported your point as to rain protection. Good video.
That mounting system looks pretty slick. Looks like a well engineered solution.
We just added a canopy last year, and it was WELL worth it when we did our hay earlier this week. Without it, the sun just about made ya dizzy. Don't know how we did hay all those previous years without getting heat stroke.I didn't know about this product, so I ended up having to go around with a pruner saw and cut everything (mostly in the fields) that hung too low for our not-so-removable canopy. We are mostly woods here; but fortunately the areas that I can get into at all don't have low branches. (Thick woods cause a lot of competition for sun, and fewer low branches.) Great video.
@warrenswan7348
6 жыл бұрын
BTW, the way I first found your channel is that I did a regular web search for tractor canopy, and in the results it included the usual images and videos, and yours was the most prominent. It was the one where you compare the materials that canopies are made of. That one helped "push me over the edge" on getting one. Thanks again.
I bought this canopy a few yrs ago for my massey fergueson 1705 and have been very happy with it...a good product!
I have always had a canopy, but last month I bumped a tree with my bushhog that had a large dead limb. The limb fell and landed on the canopy. If it had not been for the canopy I would have been injured. I have a aluminum canopy and it does great in brush. Had if for 10 years now on my Kubota and have not damaged it at all. I drive through tree branches every time I use it.
I have to say this is an awesome idea. I had a metal canopy on my NH WM 55 that my dealer installed when I bought it. It had some sort of black foam stuff under it, and it kept me cool in the summer. We trailed my tractor, facing forward, about 200 miles interstate driving to where I live now and never had an issue with the canopy. The dealer trailed it that way as well but they only had a few miles of highway driving, and the dealer that I traded it to hauled it like that interstate when they left. It had a heavy metal frame under it. I was worried about it when we moved, but I figured it would hold up because it was so well built. I never had an issue with it in trees other than it would definitely hit them. Sometimes the rubber pieces on the side would come loose from tree contact. However, I definitely had to avoid things with it on. This solution you are talking about here would have been great for working in the woods. This solution would also probably be better if you had to fold the ROPS to get the tractor indoors, which I could never do with my NH because of the fixed canopy.
Best tractor canopy I have found for trailering and woods use is a steel canopy made by Wells Ag Company from Elm Mott TX. They are available in all brand colors from your dealer. They are not easy off and on, but are heave Gage steel that's hydro formed. I have two TN 70 New Holland tractors wearing them. They hold up.
You forgot one major advantage because you own a newer tractor, Mike. There are a lot of older tractors in the Ozarks, and as the owner of one I would have to install a roll bar to install the canopy! And that would be a good thing that might save a life or a limb, along with keeping me cool on the days I normally won't go outside, much less ride the tractor!
Just what I've been waiting for! I too have an apple orchard in addition to open pasture, lawn areas. On my buy list!
Good reasons for having a canopy, and your "cons" are exactly why I don't have one.... (A), I haul my Kubota somewhat regularly between my home and my hunting property, and (B), I do considerable bushhogging in the woods with low-hanging branches. Another consideration is that at my hunting property, the garage where I store it requires lowering the ROPS to get it in and out
thanks for the video i made my own canopy useing a dumpster lid i ordered online worked great
The Ford 340 industrial tractor I got last summer had a fiberglass canopy which had cracks in it and the mounting holes were wallowed out. A friend of mine who is a good welder built me a replacement canopy out of 1/8 inch thick aluminum. The new canopy is stronger and larger than what was on it when I purchased the tractor. Tim @ Cliffside Acres
Mike I purchased a canopy for my JD 3038E.., best purchase ever! Snow in Maine & summer sun! Great video!
Hello Mike... I thought you had a video of this canopy and only took a short time searching for it. Thanks and Happy New Years from Michigan.
I use a lightweight, removable canopy manufactured by Stetson.
I was thinking about this exact topic Saturday while mowing north of you in Cass County. Thanks for this tip!
Man like the idea of this canopy, brilliant. Normally I dislike canopies for everything you mentioned, especially under tree limbs, but that might work and the price is right!
I feel like I’d hit the back of my head on the caddy, but I need something to help carry extra stuff.
Howdy there Tractor Mike. Thankya for sharing this video along witht the website for this canopy! You have had my attention when ya said you could put on & take off this canopy as well as the light weight design. I have the little John Deere 2017 the1025R sub compact tractor with the foldable rollbar "ROPS " & was wondering if this company would have a size for my little guy! I'll have to check out the website & see what i can find. Thankyou again for sharing this video. Take care, God bless!
I have been inspired! Thank you!
Dad added a canopy to his tractor when they first came out. I like the one on the video for its lightness and how you can remove it. Wouldn't it be better in a lighter color so it would reflect the heat??
@1pcmedic
4 жыл бұрын
I agree it should be white....and curved so the water cannot collect on the top.
@bradw3313
4 жыл бұрын
@@1pcmedic The temp of the canopy surface will be greater as it is black, but the temp under the canopy will be the same with any color. If you were talking about a top for an enclosed cab, then you would have radiant heat issues but not for an open station as these are designed for. Same principle as a black canvass pop up canopy, this is not an issue.
Several commenters seem to think that even one small hole on a ROPS will destroy it. Not true. When housebuilding, joists can be drilled for wiring without endangering the house. The Code sets out guidelines for hole size and position. A ROPS is generously over-engineered to deal with the stresses of a rollover, and I see absolutely no problem with several small mounting holes being drilled for a canopy. How small? Well, 1/4 to 3/8 inch is not unreasonable. That heavy steel is not going to crumple like aluminum foil. The ROPS on both my Ford and Kubota tractors have ROPS with small mounting holes drilled for canopies. They are very sturdily built and I'm not the least bit worried about them. What I do worry about is using my older tractors with no rollover protection at all. Anyways, just my opinion.
Looks great!
Mike the disadvantage to the Rhino is, it doesn't extend beyond the back of the roll bar.
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
Yeah, it's not as big as a lot of canopies I've seen, but if it was any bigger I wouldn't be able to pull it off that easy.
@donmccoy5940
6 жыл бұрын
Canopy Don: beg to differ, in bracket mode C configuration & installed in the back position on the struts you would be way back over the Rops top. See it installed on a John Deere ztrac at my website. Hey when your ready to order I want you to come back support Mike & order from him.
@bradw3313
4 жыл бұрын
I just got mine yesterday and will install this weekend on my Kubota MX5200...I will not be mounting so the top is extended to the rear of the ROPS as i want front coverage...I get that the sun will get me from the back, but that will only really occur when the sun is a rising or is a fallin. If an issue, I will fashion some sunshade netting with magnets and stick on the ROPS behind me, but doubt it will be necessary.
I've been thinking about getting a canopy. I like this one. That Rhino Hide just can't be beat. I hadn't thought of it as being the same material as those big garbage cans (more like dumpsters) lids but you're right, that would be great material for a canopy for my tractor! But what comes to mind after watching this video are the holes that you say need to be drilled into the ROPS. I don't want to do anything to weaken the integrity of the ROPS bar. All the literature also says NOT to drill into the ROPS. Is there a way that the canopy can be mounted with clamp on brackets? I also am planning on getting a Tractor Caddy in the near future. I believe from earlier video's that the caddy clamps on the ROPS, if I'm not mistaken. This topic may have been already covered in an earlier comment. I'm sorry if it has been but I haven't gone through all of the comments.
@TractorMike
3 жыл бұрын
There are no holes drilled on the ROPS for installation. Only in the brackets and the top. I should have made that a little more clear on the video.
Mike I thought that drill holes in the ROPS would decrease the integrity of it?
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I kinda misled everyone there and didn't mean to. The holes go in the canopy brackets, not the ROPS. Drilling holes in a roll bar is a no-no.
@MLJenkins
6 жыл бұрын
Maybe go back and add one of those text boxes on the video that you see on some KZread videos to state that. It might help to clarify. It threw me too.
It was my understanding that drilling holes in the ROP system was not recommended. I read or heard somewhere that it could decrease the reliability of the ROP system, even possibly violating the terms of the warranty. I thought I heard that here but I am older than you are and my memory is not always what I wish it were.
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I wasn't clear on that, the holes go in the canopy brackets and not the ROPS. As you mentioned, drilling into a ROPS is not something you want to do.
Mike have you ever seen a small Brush Hog that would fit on a Back Hoe, something like a 30" that could be used to mow hills with
Your cracking me up Mike, good video.
The one thing that scares me about a canopy like this is what happens if you roll the tractor? Will the weight of the tractor and the angle it would end up at tun you into a very thin canopy sandwich?
I have always been told to never drill into a ROPS bar. A single drill hole is a weak point and a folding place if the tractor tips over.
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
No, I should have been more clear on that. The holes you drill go in the brackets of the canopy. Drilling holes in a ROPS is a definite no-no. Thanks for bringing that up.
Hi Mike, thanks for another great video! I also recently stumbled across some of your videos on Montrose. Do you have any others "hidden" on KZread? lol
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I won a free trip to Colorado a couple of years ago to help them get started with video. Nice people! There are a few videos I've done for other people, but hopefully there aren't any floating around from the college days :).
What a great idea, I'll just go pull the lid off a dumpster!!!
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
That's probably been done...would the smell ever go away???
Mike I have the Tractor Caddy. I am interested in the canopy but would the Caddy pose any problem for fitting it??
@TractorMike
4 жыл бұрын
Just went out and took some measurements. As long as you have a foot of clearance above the Tractor Caddy, on the roll bar, it will fit fine!
@markchoate9021
4 жыл бұрын
@@TractorMike thank you, Mike.
Can you clarify, you mentioned drilling is required. What are you drilling into, the ROPS?
@TractorMike
3 жыл бұрын
No, you never drill into a ROPS because it could compromise the safety. You're actually drilling four holes in the canopy shell and a couple in the canopy brackets, Sorry for the confusion, I should have made that clearer.
Hey Mike, On a different subject, I like the look of your steel building. I'm looking to add a 30 X 30 to my place for shop and equipment storage. Was yours a kit or custom and do you have a manufacturer you would recommend?
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
Oh how I wish that was my building! It's actually at a neighbor's house who lets me rent it to store some "toys". The sad story about it, it was built by a guy to store his prize RV, and right after he built it, he got cancer and died shortly thereafter. It has heat and everything. I don't know who put it up or anything about it. I'm with you, I'd like more storage, you never get too much. If I ever get rich making free videos I'll have an out building you can see from the space shuttle!
I thought you weren't supposed to drill holes in your roll bar???
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
You're not, the holes go in the brackets of the canopy. I should have been more clear on that.
@igortretsnom
6 жыл бұрын
thank you for the fast reply. Your channel is great.
Any thoughts on low budget guys way back in the hills just grabbing a piece or two of galvanized roofing and making a canopy?
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
Or a hood off a 73 Plymouth? I've seen that as well. Gives the neighbors something to talk about :).
Talk about good timing! I was going to order a canopy last night but decided to do a little more looking around. Does the canopy sit on top of the ROPS or can it be mounted level? With my ROPS up I clear my barn door by about one inch.
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
I'm checking with "Canopy Don", the guy that invented it to see if it can be mounted level and I'll let you know.
@donmccoy5940
6 жыл бұрын
This is canopy Don: you can mount in front of the ROPS at any desired height above or below the Rops hinge if you have one.
Hi Mike, is there a way to put it down somewhere on the tractor, then step down and then take it from the ground, it nearly look if you could easily trip because of no hands to hold on to the rails
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
That's the challenge. I'm pretty clumsy, I can see ending up with a face plant into the canopy on the ground. You might be able to take it off then lay it over the three point area and get down. Makes more sense than how I did it in the video. I'll have to try it to see if it works. It would have to go in at an angle because it's wider than the roll bar. You might be able to turn it around and lay it over the steering wheel which might be a better idea. Probably the best idea is to have a second person to hand it to, it's so light it could be a kid and they'd be able to handle it. Good point.
@donmccoy5940
6 жыл бұрын
It’s tough enough you could just toss it upside down to the ground: Canopy Don
Hey Mike this is Clayton From Macon ga. Iam thinking about buying that canopy that you have on your tractor. They are two different prices one is $225 and the other one is $265. And will it fit a 2017 John deer 3025e tractor. Love your videos keep them coming thanks.
@TractorMike
5 жыл бұрын
Should fit the Deere just fine, the $40 difference is for quick attach. If you don't ever plan to remove it, order the $225 version and save some money, but if you plan to take it off get the $265 one.
@claytonpeters66
5 жыл бұрын
Hey Mike this is Clayton from Macon. Thank you for responding back to my question I will probably order the $225 one. I don't plan on taking it off. I was thinking about getting a John Deere canopy but they are high. So I think I'm going to go with this one since you like it so much. Thanks for your videos and keep up the good work thanks.
Sure wish I'd have waited until now to get a canopy. I bought one that was way too expensive, came in two pieces that you had to stick together. It was a nightmare! And of course, I didn't get it the two pieces lined up exactly flush with each other. It was advertised to be able to remove it. Yeah, if you're 6'6" + tall and a young man, MAYBE. I'm 4' 11 1/2" and 64 years old. It is a total B**** to remove. But what is done, is done, I'm sad to say. This one looks like the ticket Mike!
Does it mount the top of the ROPS or just below? I store my BX inside thru a std. garage door and the ROPS just barely brush the door weather seal.
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
I'm checking with "Canopy Don", the guy that invented it to see if it can be mounted level and I'll let you know.
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
Here's the answer. I'm a little worried that if you put the fixed one on it's going to be too low and you'll hit your head on it every time you get on and off the tractor and you'll hate me, and we don't want that. With the removable one you'd have to take it off each time you went in the garage and I'm not sure you want to do that. So, the long answer is, what you want can be done but I'm not sure how happy you'll be with it. Here's the answer: To get it tru the door you would mount in front & below the ROPS top on the stationary model. On the easy off you would have to make sure the bracket pins were below the top when you removed the shell.
@dtd216
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I was looking at the one in the video and looks like it mounted just in front of your ROPS. And another issue is the shed I keep most of my implements in is low enough I have to lower my ROPS to back in to attach them. And if I had the canopy I would have to have the loader on to reach in an pick the pallets I keep them on and pull them out. Keep up the good work I enjoy your videos! I grew up in an IH dealership and been around tractors all my life and majored in Ag Mec. in college. And every now and then you hit on something I had forgotten or had just been doing it the way I always had. And might not have been correct! LOL But yours and TTWT videos are great for people just getting their first tractor or things to look at without being leaning to a brand. All of them have good and better points. And the local dealer relationship is most important! A good dealer will ask questions and do their best to match what you need with your budget! In fact when I was looking to buy one I was looking at the BX and a "green" one. I was at the show in Louisville and stopped by the "green" booth. I asked the rep. to "sell me this tractor. And keep in mind I am 40 miles in any direction from any of your dealers and drive by my Kubota dealer twice a day. I appreciated his honesty when he said "enjoy your Kubota". When I bought my BX2380 my wife just figured I was buying a "new toy" but now she realizes what a handy valuable tool they are. Projects I could never do before or would take days or weeks can now be done in a very short time! And don't know I got by a couple of years on my property without it!
what was the name again of the canopy guy?
I ordered one and it does not have the knobs to take off easy. Is that a modification that you added?
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
If it has the removable option it should have come with those. If you'll e-mail me your order details at mike@asktractormike.com, I'll look into it.
That canopy will not keep you dry in a heavy rain storm or when it's snowing.
Can Black top be painted orange
@TractorMike
2 жыл бұрын
No, paint doesn't stick to that material.
Want one for my x595 🤣
does drilling your roll bar void the warranty of the roll bar???
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
The way I said that was misleading...the holes go in the brackets, not in the roll bar. You are correct, drilling holes in a roll bar is a no-no.
Thought you were a mahindra guy
Hey Mike I tried to purchase a canopy and it didn’t go thru.
@TractorMike
6 жыл бұрын
Michael, e-mail me at mike@asktractormike.com and I'll get in touch with you and we'll figure out what's wrong. Sometimes the dang website is a little difficult and all I know to do is yell at it and that doesn't seem to help.
Mike where can you purchase these?
@TractorMike
Жыл бұрын
Hi, Robert. You can purchase these in the Tractor Fun Store on my website. Here's the link: asktractormike.com/product/tractor-caddy-tool-box/ Thank you for your inquiry!
@robertlambert4881
Жыл бұрын
I was referring to the canopy ,couldn’t find it in the link
My tractor has a cab with heat/AC and a radio with sound guard. Should I get a canopy?
Ok I found the canopy sorry
Skin cancer to late 4 me I'm 35