I don't know how many folks have a Terramite TSS38, but if you do, you will certainly understand where I'm coming from. The way Terramite mounted the engine cover makes it a PITA to do anything in the engine compartment. Well, changing the air filter is fairly easy, that's about the only thing that is. The engine cover pivots backward, but in doing so all it now becomes is in your way to do engine service, and with the water tanks to each side you pretty much have to hop on top of the machine and stand on the deck plate between radiator and open engine cover. Then you figure out you need a wrench or a screwdriver, hop out, back in, repeat this 5 or 6 times you begin to start growling. View of engine cover tilted back Can't get to nothing from the rear, grille plate in the way Hood open in the "service position". I suppose one could do some service on it if their arms were 8 ft long Solution: fabricate some hinge pivots from flat bar, weld pivots to engine cover and machine cover directly behind operator seat.
Now to best part, a cab support gas spring from a G Series open cab Bobcat. I used the gas spring that has the safety latch to prevent gas spring failure from dropping hood on a person. Lower gas spring mount bracket welded to base plate of machine 3 x 3 x 1/4 steel angle welded to inside of hood, 9" pivot arm plate to attach top end of gas spring. Gas spring engine cover support mounted and in place Not THAT'S more like it! :drinkup