Which Top Is Best For A 3010 Trans??

[jonesj65@hotmai]

Hey guys, I am in the market for a top to keep out the rain and the sun. I am in Florida so I do not need or want a full cab. I have looked at a few tops but they look like overpriced steel or plastic. I like the looks of the ESSEX top if it did not have the front quarter windows. Any suggestions? Maybe a "mom and pop" shop that makes a custom that doesn't advertise?? I rather spend money with the little guy than the Mega stores.
Thanks
John

[RCW]

I have the Kawasaki unit (which is identical to the Curtis Cabs) with the large swing out front window. But, it still has the quarter windows down in front of the doors in order to allow the doors to hinge out squarely and not flop off in some oblique direction.

Knowing what I know now, I would order the Kawasaki parts in mixed component selections from a dealer that is willing to sit down and go through the options with me, and have the fold out gas assisted windshield and front side glass, then get the plastic non-rattling top, and the fabric and plastic rear curtain and doors.

What I find is that the doors are always removed as is the rear window and back cab structure. Maybe if it were 40 below, and I were hunting I would want those installed, but I am either in the rain or a snow storm and want the doors and rear open. The front section with the windshield and the strange looking lower front quarter windows are really necessary to keep a person dry when it is raining hard, and those stupid looking knee windows keep brush out of your lap.

The Kawasaki front windshield will open only as much as you want, and if you duck or goose hunt you can flip a 10X10 camo netting over the top and it falls across the windshield as it is flipped up, and you have a good instant blind.

I had the Essex top, split just below the center windshield (that leaked in really hard monsoon rains), and front quarter panels on my last year's Mule, and it worked very well. On that one I tossed the rear window unit and doors in the shop after the first hunt, and just used camo nylon tarps on bungee cords hung over the sides when it got really nasty. The front window was still not as useful as the Kawasaki full sized version that opens so you can get to the front trunk and get air easily.

There is a major cost advantage with the Essex unit, as you do not need to go to heavier front springs with it, and you do with the full Kawasaki top. But, I think by mixing Kawasaki components between fabric and metal you could avoid the suspension upgrade expense too.

I have a friend with the Tommy Topper fabric and plastic window cab on his trans, and it works well and was very affordable. The only downside is that he has to remove the top when he trailers his Mule or it blows away along the highway somewhere. But, it rolls up easily and is quiet.

Another has a cab from a firm called Mammoth Designs. It is pretty much designed along the lines of the Tommy Topper and has the soft plastic windshields and windows. Again, it was half the cost of the big name cabs.

I once had a Moose cab, it was a vinyl type deal, but it hit a tree in a rainstorm. I just happened to be along for the ride. The problem with it was it had as much rain on the inside of the windshield as it did on the outside and then the windshield wrinkled excessively and I could not see a thing, but thought I could.

On one of my Gators I had a Femco cab. I do not know if they make a Mule cab. It was a simple design and strong as an ox.

[jonesj65@hotmai]

I know that it sounds crazy, but I really don't want a winshield unit. I guess that I need the top more for shade. Today, I was out for about 6 hrs hanging stands, bow season is next saturday here, and the temp was 95. Shade would have been nice on the long rides. The only rain protection that I am really looking for is a plac to run to when it stars raining. My Major problem is that I do not live near the farm where I help out or near my hunting property, so everywhere that I go I need to trailer my machine. I am not much of a fabricator, but I was thinking of maybe the black diamond plate aluminum with turn down edges?? Do you know of anything like that maybe??

Thanks
John

[RCW]

If all you need is a top, get the rigid plastic version from the dealer. It has rain guides and extended curved edges that keep it from draining on the people below. The plastic is similar to what is used on ATV body parts and is pretty tough so it will not blow off.

The aluminum and steel tops bang and rattle like BB's in a tuna can when they get whacked with branches or really heavy rain, and rattle and squeak when you drive on rough ground. I do not like the noise.