Best canopy option for Kubota L3800?

[Cubetta]

I've been looking to add a canopy to my Kubota L3800 and trying to figure out what's worth the money. I've seen fiberglass, metal, and even fabric setups. Are there any clear pros or cons between them? I'm in a hot, sunny climate, so shade is a must, but I don't want something that rattles apart.

 

[Goodzilla]

I've tried a metal one before , super durable but it got crazy hot and rattled a bit on rough ground. I switched to fiberglass and its been way better for shade and no rattling. Costs more, but worth it in the heat.

 

[sn0wpatr0l_7]

I added a fiberglass canopy to my 2012 Kubota L3800 last year after trying a fabric one that didn't hold up to our summer storms. Fiberglass is quiet, durable, and doesn't fade like fabric. Metal's great too, but it can get hot to the touch and sometimes rattles more unless well mounted. If you're in a sunny spot, fiberglass might be the best choice.

 

[smartways_09]

I added a fiberglass canopy to my 2012 Kubota L3800 last year after trying a fabric one that didn't hold up to our summer storms. Fiberglass is quiet, durable, and doesn't fade like fabric. Metal's great too, but it can get hot to the touch and sometimes rattles more unless well mounted. If you're in a sunny spot, fiberglass might be the best choice.

Did you go with a universal fiberglass canopy or one made for the L3800? And how's it holding up in strong wind, does it flex much or stay solid?

 

[0ldhag]

For your climate and your concern about rattling, a fiberglass or aluminum canopy is likely your best bet. They offer a good balance of durability, low weight, and cost. If you're going to be working in heavily wooded areas with a lot of low branches, a steel canopy is probably worth the extra cost for the added protection. Regardless of the material, the quality of the mounting brackets is what will prevent rattling, so be sure to get a canopy with a sturdy, secure mounting system that fits your L3800's ROPS

 

[Humphrey_Mintz]

Fabric (canvas, vinyl) is lightweight and cheaper, but it will degrade fast in sun, flapping, cracking. I’d only use fabric for a secondary shade or temporary setup, not full canopy.

 

[AR Rhodes]

For your climate and your concern about rattling, a fiberglass or aluminum canopy is likely your best bet. They offer a good balance of durability, low weight, and cost. If you're going to be working in heavily wooded areas with a lot of low branches, a steel canopy is probably worth the extra cost for the added protection. Regardless of the material, the quality of the mounting brackets is what will prevent rattling, so be sure to get a canopy with a sturdy, secure mounting system that fits your L3800's ROPS

Appreciate this. I’m in northern Georgia and mostly use my L3800 for clearing brush and hauling firewood, so low branches are a thing. Do steel canopies add much weight up top or affect balance on slopes?

 

[CubDieselFan]

I have a canopy on my L2502. Not sure what brand it is but it is an aftermarket one. I have a lot of low branches too and it has not hurt it so far. I am not sure if it metal or what. I will check sometime today. It was 299 when I bought the tractor last year. I am in Middle Tn so basically the same climate as you, I will agree, a canopy is a must for me.

 

[jbeech]

I have a home brew canopy/cab on my L3010. Simply consists of a blow molded plastic golf cart canopy and some alloy angle screwed together, even has a piece of plexiglass as a windscreen to keep bugs out of my teeth. Last guy is responsible, so not my creation, but proving great minds think alike, I have a brand new plastic golf cart lid, which I purchased for my zero turn due to being tired of the sun (Central Florida). Anyway, you don't have to get very far off your wallet if you don't want to because whipping one of these up is not beyond the skills of an enterprising farm boy, trust me.