I like the looks and obvious strength of that one!
Elton

Hi, Elton.
ANY canopy is only as good as the 'base' to which it is mounted. D4s of that vintage were not designed to have canopies fitted to them and so there is not a lot in the way of solid mounting points for them. This is why I suggested adding support brackets to the fenders if you choose to mount to the fenders.

Just my 0.02.

Good morning Deas,
I understand and totally agree that the fender alone will not take a huge punch, but they are much stronger than the top of my head! As I get closer to the project (over the winter) I will seek out ways to support the underside of the fender. Again, suggestions or even pictures would be appreciated! Thanks to all!
Elton

Hi, Elton.
May I suggest that you try to have a look around a genuine earlier Cat ROPS to see how things were braced there - may give you some clues.

If you can figure a way to mount the rear of your canopy to the the drawbar swing frame mounts, that would be stronger than mounting to the fenders, even the later heavier fenders.

Just my 0.02.

Thanks Deas!! Our local dealer is Carter CAT, perhaps they have something old in their yard that could be useful.

Elton

The cabs shown are plenty heavy enough for in the woods for when a random limb or small tree may fall. Now if your going to be stupid and park your tractor next to a two foot Bur Oak and drop it on the tractor then you can fab all the braces and supports you want! And dont try to tackle a tree thats way to big for the tractor! Like this clown!....

Here is a photo of my D4D.  Canopy was on it when I bought it.   Limb risers are out of a 20ft piece of 2 inch tubular steel.  Risers have a piece of rubber belting where they attach to hood and canopy.  Black color or risers and screen wire reduces eye strain on the operator 

Hi, Rome K/G.
It'z not the little ones that you really need the protection from. Yes, they can hurt you but are seldom widowmakers. The ones that I think I would be worried about are the ones that you often don't see and that snap off with little 'provocation' - - - and DO have the potential to be widowmakers.

I haven't worked in your woods but the Australian 'woods', the eucalypts and the gum trees, have a habit of sending out branches and limbs that get to be quite substantial and then, for NO discernible reason, just let them die. These can be REAL widowmakers.

For that reason, I would rather have crookedwrench's canopy that any of the others but with some extra bracing under the mounts.

Just my 0.02.

I have only seen one true ROPS on a 9u D6 it's mounting blocks welded to the main case. The front mount was just ahead of the fender. I am not remembering the rear, but think it was welded to the case as well. Even thought there are some 3/4 inch threaded holes in the case. So never fool yourself. If it attaches to the fender no way is it close to a true ROPS.

Thank you Rome for the very good example of what to not do. And the fact that local conditions make a world of difference. I was shocked at how fast the tree went over. With much drier conditions a tree that big needs much more in the way of roots here.

always look up when working in the bush never know when a dead limb will come down.
gums are notorious for it. the vibration from a chainsaw can be enough to break off dead limbs.

while you are thinking of your safety dont forget a belly pan to protect the machine particularly the sump and radiator. if your pushing trees or sweeping up dead fall a sharp root can ruin your day pretty quick. this part of why many machine that do a lot of clearing work are fitted with tree spears 1. its give a bit of distance protection and 2. it gives more leverage as you contact with the tree is up higher