Rear and Top Windows for a 4XX / S70

[SkidRoe]

My 440B does not have any windows in it currently. On a whim, I called the dealer today just to see what they are worth. The ones listed for my machine are about $180 each (cough!) plus seals.
For the heck of it, he looked up the same parts for an 463 / S70 - they are about $40 each.
Does anybody know what the differences are? Will they fit or can they be made to fit in my machine?
TIA,
SR

 

[SkidRoe]

I answered my own question today. I took a risk and ordered the parts. The rear window fit like a glove, but the roof window, not so much. Turns out the S70 window is about an inch wider and about half an inch narrower. So I made a template and cut a plexiglass window to fit. I was able to use the top window seal, although I had to cut a piece out of it. Hope the dealer will take the top window back, but if not, I'm only out about $30, not the end of the world.

 

[Tazza]

I answered my own question today. I took a risk and ordered the parts. The rear window fit like a glove, but the roof window, not so much. Turns out the S70 window is about an inch wider and about half an inch narrower. So I made a template and cut a plexiglass window to fit. I was able to use the top window seal, although I had to cut a piece out of it. Hope the dealer will take the top window back, but if not, I'm only out about $30, not the end of the world.

Well done, always good when a plan actually works out.

 

[SkidRoe]

Well done, always good when a plan actually works out.

Thanks. Talked to the dealer, I can return the window. Yay!!

 

[mahans7]

Thanks. Talked to the dealer, I can return the window. Yay!!

Is there a similar way to save $ on rear and top windows on a 743?

 

[SkidRoe]

Is there a similar way to save $ on rear and top windows on a 743?

The simplest way to get them cheap would be to make your own. You can buy the seal material from Bobcat for about $3.75 per foot. Trace you window opening onto a piece of cardboard, then offset the traced line inward by 1/4" to allow for the seal. Use a compass to do this (the kind with a pencil on one side and a point on the other, used for drawing circles). Cut out your template out and trace it on to a piece of 1/4" plexiglass or lexan. I cut mine out with a bandsaw and smoothed the edges with a sander, putting a small chamfer all the way around both sides. There is a post on the forum about a guy who did the same thing for his 743, try searching for it. Another way would be to take your template to the dealer and see if you can match it up to a new machine sitting in the lot. I doubt that you will get that lucky with your 743, as new machines in that size range are very different than yours. I got lucky, the S70 still shares a lot of common parts with my old 440B.

 

[mahans7]

The simplest way to get them cheap would be to make your own. You can buy the seal material from Bobcat for about $3.75 per foot. Trace you window opening onto a piece of cardboard, then offset the traced line inward by 1/4" to allow for the seal. Use a compass to do this (the kind with a pencil on one side and a point on the other, used for drawing circles). Cut out your template out and trace it on to a piece of 1/4" plexiglass or lexan. I cut mine out with a bandsaw and smoothed the edges with a sander, putting a small chamfer all the way around both sides. There is a post on the forum about a guy who did the same thing for his 743, try searching for it. Another way would be to take your template to the dealer and see if you can match it up to a new machine sitting in the lot. I doubt that you will get that lucky with your 743, as new machines in that size range are very different than yours. I got lucky, the S70 still shares a lot of common parts with my old 440B.

Thanks SR. I found the 743 window post and it was outstanding. Here it is: http://www.skidsteerforum.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=54&frmView=ShowPost&PostID=22117

 

[SkidRoe]

Thanks SR. I found the 743 window post and it was outstanding. Here it is: http://www.skidsteerforum.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=54&frmView=ShowPost&PostID=22117

Seeing as the top and rear windows were not too badly priced, for giggles, I called about the side windows - $1000. The glass alone is $400 per side, not including all of the slide hardware and seals.
I guess this is one that I will be building myself from scratch. I can get a sheet of 1/8" plexi for $70.

 

[mahans7]

Seeing as the top and rear windows were not too badly priced, for giggles, I called about the side windows - $1000. The glass alone is $400 per side, not including all of the slide hardware and seals.
I guess this is one that I will be building myself from scratch. I can get a sheet of 1/8" plexi for $70.

SR, if you do it please take pics and show us the process. Now that I have a bandsaw on the way it may be possible for me to give it a try. Ed

 

[SkidRoe]

SR, if you do it please take pics and show us the process. Now that I have a bandsaw on the way it may be possible for me to give it a try. Ed

Sure, I will post them when I get going on them. I am not planning anything fancy: they will be fixed, no sliders. I am also trying to come up with a door design. I have seen a few that I like, just have to source the parts.