enclosing an M816 operator gondola - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

ZiggyO · 01-23-2012, 16:17

Hello all,

Has anyone ever tried to make a hard enclosure for the m816 crane operator cab? Looking at the gondola itself, the ridges and predrilled holes on the upper edge would lead one to think that there may have been a hard enclosure kit available at one time (sort of like whats on the m819).......

I needed to do some lifting today at the new LZ and found that the wind took off the tarp I had over the gondola resulting in a few inches of slushy snow on it. Needless to say, after getting both cold and wet, I have a renewed interest in enclosing the operator cab.......

Ziggy

Derrickl112 · 01-23-2012, 17:09

I dont know if there was an official kit. but I have seen 1 or 2 with an encloser like the m819.

73m819 · 01-23-2012, 17:46

The operator tub is the same as the 819, there is no CAB for the wreckers just for the tractor wreckers (246,819), these cabs should bolt on to the 816/543 tub

Marinawreckers · 01-23-2012, 17:48

I would think that it would make it that much harder to get in and out. I don't use any roof on mine, and mostly don't even bother to get inside to operate. I've found that it is much easier for me to just stand behind the compartment and just reach over to the controls. Of course my lifting is generally in short bursts. I'm actually thinking about how to eliminate the compartment altogether. I know that this isn't keeping with the thinking of keeping things original, but then again, how original is a hard top?

doghead · 01-23-2012, 17:57

A totally remote control, would be nice.

5tondeuce · 01-23-2012, 18:12

I recently bought an 816 with a custom enclosure. The guy used cut down school bus doors,did a great job,I can take some more pics if you would like
Chris

73m819 · 01-23-2012, 18:36

A real nice job

ZiggyO · 01-23-2012, 19:17

Marinawreckers,

I agree that the cab would leave something to be desired in terms of entrance/egress and operating (I am guilty of reaching over to the controls while standing in front of the gondola as well). However, my biggest issue right now are the unpleasant side effects of keping it outside (IE a wet and cold butt, and snow covered controls, not to mention deteriorating seat covers). Unfortunately, it will have to live outside for some time yet (ask 73m819-- he has seen how full the building is).................

5ton,

would you be willing to sell that cab enclosure?

Or for that matter, is there anyone out there with an enclosed m819 thats willing to sell the enclosure off of it?

Ziggy

Hooty481 · 01-23-2012, 19:40

i saw gl sell a m936 with a cab enclosure a few weeks ago. it was one of those down at Camp shelby. I would say if you went through the past bid results you could find it. i think the cab enclosure was yellow. dont think it had doors. i'll look and see what i can come up with.

5tondeuce · 01-23-2012, 19:43

Sorry ZiggyO i am not willing to sell, but good luck with your search