[javjacob]

So I have been thinking about a cab for my 345. I doubt I will be able to find a Curtis or Cozy cab so I am thinking of the new options. There is the OTC and Bercomac. Does anyone have one of these on their 345 or similar machine and what do you think about them?

The OTC has a hard top and looks like a better quality build but not sure about installation time or hassle. I like the hard windows on the front and back. Not sure about visibility though.

The Bercomac is said to be very quick to mount and appears to have great visibility but not sure about the soft front and rear windows. Seems soft windows would have reduced visibility over hard windows. Also it appears to be a cheaper quality build but is light weight and quick/easy to install/remove.

I don't want to freeze my butt off this winter pushing snow like I always have in years past. Thought about a cab last year but didn't know where to start.
I also am curious how they mount and what they mount to ect. I don't want to have to modify anything. I want it to look like nothing was ever there after I take it off... as much as possible. Trying to weigh the pros and cons.

 

[javjacob]

If the OTC cab is solid enough and if I can just remove the doors and glass I would probably just leave it mounted all year around.

 

[Jimbochap]

I have a OTC Cab, it's sturdy, you could leave it on all year round with no problems mowing if you don't have any low trees around to mow under.

 

[javjacob]

Where all does it bolt onto the tractor at? Also how do you get to the gas cap? Are the doors hinged with a latch to open/close? From the pics it looks like it would be a fairly easy install. Thank you for the pics BTW! I had been trying to look up more pics of these but there isn't much to find. The OTC definitely looks a lot better on the tractor than the Bercomac does.

 

[Jimbochap]

Bolts to the foot rests and the 2 bolts that hold down the seat pan. It does not rest on the seat pan though because you will be using 2 spacers and 2 longer bolts for there.

Just open the doors and pour the gas in from side or lift up the the back vinyl panel and pour the gas in from the back.

It's pretty easy to install, just take your time and do it step by step. I store mine down in the basement. My son helps me bring it up and we just place it over top the tractor..........2 bolts on the back............and 3 on each foot rest. You have to take off the forward and reverse pedal to slip the framework under each plastic foot pad.

Don't go by the vinyl fit you see in my picture, I retro fitted this OTC Cab from a MTD Tractor......I only paid about half the price what OTC is charging for the one for a 345.

Keeps the wind off of me and that is what counts and that little propane camping heater I put in it keeps the chill out.

Mine has just the plastic windows and I have had no trouble seeing out the windows in any conditions so far that I have encountered.

 

[javjacob]

Looks very simple to install and doesn't interfere with anything. Thanks Jimbo!

 

[javjacob]

I am also thinking about getting something like a winch mount or something big enough that will hook up to my 2" receiver so I can put a battery on it. Get an electric heater that will work good. Maybe even just a battery powered heater or something. I still have to talk my wife into the cab first though.

 

[PEIDeerefan]

I have had both the Berco cab and OTC cab. The OTC cab is more money but it is worth it. The Berco cab is just too flimsy and doesn't fit very well because it is a universal fit for many tractors. If you can afford the OTC, buy it.

 

[NJJD]

Use"Search Tempest" and keep looking. I found a Femco and a Curtis Cab that way. The Femco is already mounted. I left it mounted on this year. Just took the doors off. Still waiting to mount the Curtis cab. Need mounting brackets. Having someone fabricate some for me.
BTW both were for the 345. If I could find them so could you!

 

[javjacob]

I have had both the Berco cab and OTC cab. The OTC cab is more money but it is worth it. The Berco cab is just too flimsy and doesn't fit very well because it is a universal fit for many tractors. If you can afford the OTC, buy it.

I will go with OTC if I go new. The Berco is ruled out.

Use"Search Tempest" and keep looking. I found a Femco and a Curtis Cab that way. The Femco is already mounted. I left it mounted on this year. Just took the doors off. Still waiting to mount the Curtis cab. Need mounting brackets. Having someone fabricate some for me.
BTW both were for the 345. If I could find them so could you!

I would like a hard cab like the Femco or maybe even the Curtis. What is "search tempest"? I have heard the term before but have no idea what it is.

 

[javjacob]

I did a search and found the search tempest website. Pretty cool. I didn't find anything there either though. Seems they are about non existent where I live. Nobody has a cab on their garden tractors around here, I have never seen one anyway. I really like the cab you have on your 345 NJJD!

 

[NJJD]

That's the Femco cab on the 355d. Was mounted on a 345 when I purchased it from the previous owner in upstate NY. The Curtis cab was in PA. Had to take a long ride for both cabs. As soon as I get mounts for the Curtis it will go on my other 355d.
Take a quick look every day. You would be surprised what you see. Good luck with your search

 

[JDGX355]

I have the OTC cab on my GX355. Love it. Last winter I could blow snow In a T-shirt. The cab fits reasonably tight and I installed a 28,000 btu heater so it is nice and toasty.

 

[Justy37]

Was thinking of making my own cab. But this thing is overkill. Could have a party in that thing. My wife would fit in there, and be calling the shots. Why didn't you go left and take that out first?

 

[javjacob]

Looks good JDGX355. I am in the process of preparing myself to spend the money.

 

[javjacob]

Was thinking of making my own cab. But this thing is overkill. Could have a party in that thing. My wife would fit in there, and be calling the shots. Why didn't you go left and take that out first?

That's... well... unusual to say the least. I wonder if it has AC since it would get hot mowing in that :ROF I guess it could have enough room to live in?

 

[JDGX355]

It took me a few winters to convince myself that I should get a cab. As I got older and less tolerant of the cold it helped speed up my decision process. Not to mention that I have a very understanding wife. I'm really glad I have one after the last two winters here in central NJ.

 

[Justy37]

Cabs are great, it just stinks to remove them. That's when you start buying dedicated tractors. But I think I will try something for the 1023E, make a cab that splits in half. Haven't decided on using wood, or piping. Humm, person probably could use pvc and glue it together.

 

[javjacob]

I plan on getting one. I just got my internet back today after lightning took out my tree in the back yard and fried my internet modem. It also fried one of my garage door openers. There goes some of my cab money. Temporary setback.

 

[gt275]

That thing looks like an outhouse.:sidelaugh I don't see why someone would need a cab for a zero turn machine and looks like it would be pretty hard to see out.