Enclosing

[banzo]

Have any suggestions on how to enclose an open air skidsteer cab? My 773 is going to get a little breezy this winter. I was thinking about just using simple plexiglass.

 

[coreya3212]

I was thinking the same thing. I was gonna go with that clear phemolic plastic, only cause its cheap and you can cut it with normal woodworking tools to shape of the window. I was gonna put some rubber bumbers on it and sort of 4 corner bolt it on, compressing the rubber bumpers and leave it that. No door so I dont need to get to fancy, just something to break the wind from the sides, front will still be open. Havent given it a ton of thought but might have to start before too much snow.

 

[banzo]

I was thinking the same thing. I was gonna go with that clear phemolic plastic, only cause its cheap and you can cut it with normal woodworking tools to shape of the window. I was gonna put some rubber bumbers on it and sort of 4 corner bolt it on, compressing the rubber bumpers and leave it that. No door so I dont need to get to fancy, just something to break the wind from the sides, front will still be open. Havent given it a ton of thought but might have to start before too much snow.

I don't get my skid steer for another 2 weeks, so I'm stuck until then. I was planning to install a door though (Having it -40*F with a windchill isn't a pleasant operating thought). I've seen enclosures online for around $800, but if its just simple Plexiglas, why bother? I saw some have a wiper, so I'll look into that. Putting hinges on the door, and latching it with magnets, that's my thought.

 

[coreya3212]

I don't get my skid steer for another 2 weeks, so I'm stuck until then. I was planning to install a door though (Having it -40*F with a windchill isn't a pleasant operating thought). I've seen enclosures online for around $800, but if its just simple Plexiglas, why bother? I saw some have a wiper, so I'll look into that. Putting hinges on the door, and latching it with magnets, that's my thought.

I do very little in the winter, just snow clearing when required, so mine would only be temp for the winter season. If you are goin all in with the door etc...Yah I can see Plexiglass being worth it. Are there mounting points on your unit already?? My 825 was never meant to be enclosed I dont think, so my idea is about as advanced as putting cardboard in front of you radiator in winter.....

 

[TriHonu]

I do very little in the winter, just snow clearing when required, so mine would only be temp for the winter season. If you are goin all in with the door etc...Yah I can see Plexiglass being worth it. Are there mounting points on your unit already?? My 825 was never meant to be enclosed I dont think, so my idea is about as advanced as putting cardboard in front of you radiator in winter.....

I have an enclosed cab with heat. The factory option is glass panels with aluminum frames that attach to the inside of the cab. I'm in Minnesota and having the sides enclosed is nice, however I rarely put the door on mine.
I have a 763C. The heaters for the C & F series do not put out a lot of heat. With the door on the cab tends to severely fog up. I just leave the door off. When I'm using the snow blower I just make sure not to blow in to the wind.

The G series and newer have really good heaters in them. They will cook you right out of the cab. Both my neighbors have newer machines and neither uses their doors. Maybe it's a Minnesota thing?

 

[skidsteer.ca]

I have an enclosed cab with heat. The factory option is glass panels with aluminum frames that attach to the inside of the cab. I'm in Minnesota and having the sides enclosed is nice, however I rarely put the door on mine.
I have a 763C. The heaters for the C & F series do not put out a lot of heat. With the door on the cab tends to severely fog up. I just leave the door off. When I'm using the snow blower I just make sure not to blow in to the wind.
The G series and newer have really good heaters in them. They will cook you right out of the cab. Both my neighbors have newer machines and neither uses their doors. Maybe it's a Minnesota thing?

Must be because here in Ontario, my door is going on shortly. As soon as backhoe season is done. They don't want to sell one I suppose?
Ken

 

[coreya3212]

Must be because here in Ontario, my door is going on shortly. As soon as backhoe season is done. They don't want to sell one I suppose?
Ken

Alberta here. I only clear my own drive, so to jump in for an hour, with the winter covies on, no heat, no prob. You guys who make a living in these things, hats off, I would have the door too I am sure. working a 12 hour day, after day after day....compared to an hour every week or 2 is not a apples to apples for sure.

So the glass gets mounted on the inside huh.that does make sense. I supposed the arm clearance on the outside might be a problem. I havent measured anything up, was just one of those ideas that maybe a guy would get to one day.

 

[skidsteer.ca]

Alberta here. I only clear my own drive, so to jump in for an hour, with the winter covies on, no heat, no prob. You guys who make a living in these things, hats off, I would have the door too I am sure. working a 12 hour day, after day after day....compared to an hour every week or 2 is not a apples to apples for sure.

So the glass gets mounted on the inside huh.that does make sense. I supposed the arm clearance on the outside might be a problem. I havent measured anything up, was just one of those ideas that maybe a guy would get to one day.

Yes just bolt or zip tie to the inside of the cage. Does not have to seal real well, just stop the wind.
Ken

 

[jerry]

The cheapest way to enclose on the sides is the heavy clear vinyl sold at Wal-mart in the fabric section. I bought 3 yards today 54 inches wide about 18 thousandths thick.It cost less than 12 bucks for three yards. I had it on my Bobcat for three years and it was still good. Just go around the edges with gorilla or duct tape. Of course here our summers have been so cold I just left it on.

 

[coreya3212]

The cheapest way to enclose on the sides is the heavy clear vinyl sold at Wal-mart in the fabric section. I bought 3 yards today 54 inches wide about 18 thousandths thick.It cost less than 12 bucks for three yards. I had it on my Bobcat for three years and it was still good. Just go around the edges with gorilla or duct tape. Of course here our summers have been so cold I just left it on.

ooohhhh. I like cheap stuff. Thats a good idea for what I would need....I might even do this little mod now instead of putting it off forever. Thanks Jerry

 

[coreya3212]

ooohhhh. I like cheap stuff. Thats a good idea for what I would need....I might even do this little mod now instead of putting it off forever. Thanks Jerry

And...just a heads up to anyone using clear plastic. When i bought a tent trailer some time ago, you have those clear soft windows that are plastic, the guy told me to never clean them with glass cleaner. the ammonia in the glass cleaner makes them go cloudy white after some time. Just a heads up, use mild soap and a little water and soft cloth to clean clear plastic.

 

[jerry]

And...just a heads up to anyone using clear plastic. When i bought a tent trailer some time ago, you have those clear soft windows that are plastic, the guy told me to never clean them with glass cleaner. the ammonia in the glass cleaner makes them go cloudy white after some time. Just a heads up, use mild soap and a little water and soft cloth to clean clear plastic.

Corey, the only problem is that all wal-mart stores do not have a fabric department. They put up a super store in Superior Wis and did away with it so call ahead if you have more than one in your area chances are good that one will have it.

 

[coreya3212]

Corey, the only problem is that all wal-mart stores do not have a fabric department. They put up a super store in Superior Wis and did away with it so call ahead if you have more than one in your area chances are good that one will have it.

10-4. Will check it out. Thanks again, good tip.

 

[dozer]

10-4. Will check it out. Thanks again, good tip.

http://www.skidsteercabenclosures.com/ try this site. I purchased one for my old JD 250 and it fit very well. He said the bobcat ones fit even better since that is the one they sell the most of. Easy to deal with and fast shipping. I added up the costs and this was as cheap as making my own. It also comes with velcro sides so you can just rip them off in the summer. I am not a spokesman I just had good luck with them for the price. thanks, DOZER

 

[slmullen]

http://www.skidsteercabenclosures.com/ try this site. I purchased one for my old JD 250 and it fit very well. He said the bobcat ones fit even better since that is the one they sell the most of. Easy to deal with and fast shipping. I added up the costs and this was as cheap as making my own. It also comes with velcro sides so you can just rip them off in the summer. I am not a spokesman I just had good luck with them for the price. thanks, DOZER

I got a cover (with door) for about $300 off of ebay for my 610 - I still see the company has the product on ebay. The company is out of the Dakotas. Best investment I've made yet - the heat from the engine and the hydraulics bring the temp inside up to 60 degrees or more when it's 10 or 15 degrees outside (minnesota). I still need heavy pants and boots on, but I end up going without a coat because it's so warm in there.