FOPS for my DS3510

[Teachu2]

I was inspired by a few members here http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/172572-roll-cage-new-steel-roof.html and decided to avoid some of the bloodshed when operating under the oak trees at home. I wanted to use basic shade-tree engineering (aka TLAR) and not weld or drill the factory ROPS. With a little effort, I managed to avoid making any permanent changes to the tractor at all. I built a cage using 2" square .120" wall tubing, a scrap of 3" angle, a scrap of strap, four 5/8" Grade 8 bolts, and a 4x8 sheet of heavy expanded. Rattle-canned Rustoleum Pro.

 

[gladehound]

Cool!

 

[Teachu2]

It's simple, plain, strong, effective....and I didn't need it to fold - I built my garage with 8' tall openings.

 

[coobie]

Great job,looks good.

 

[ksbrdmkr]

Looks like it will save you from getting a lot face slaps.

 

[gladehound]

I like how you utilized the extra hole on the ROPS as a mounting point. I never thought about that as an option when designing mine but it's a good idea. I went with a clamp style attachment on mine. It clamps directly to the top of the ROPS.

 

[Teachu2]

I like how you utilized the extra hole on the ROPS as a mounting point. I never thought about that as an option when designing mine but it's a good idea. I wont with a clamp style attachment on mine. It clamps directly to the top of the ROPS.

View attachment 427287

I like yours a lot. Mine was designed on the fly, from the bottom up. I was looking for attachment points that were solid, yet minimized any compromising of the factory ROPS. Once I realized I didn't ever need to fold the ROPS, those brackets became the least intrusive mounting point. I went wide at the top, so I can use it as a platform to stand on while trimming trees. I may add expanded on the back, along with a chainsaw holder.

I was going to make the top level, but didn't like the look. I may still add a couple 1" sq bars up front to guide low limbs up and over (or just trim the trees higher!).

 

[gladehound]

I was going to make the top level, but didn't like the look. I may still add a couple 1" sq bars up front to guide low limbs up and over (or just trim the trees higher!).

Something to guide branches is a good idea. The way it is now the front post could pull them back just enough to smack you in the face. When I had a version of this same FOPS on a smaller tractor the front uprights angled from the grill to the roof. That was the best design for the woods because it just pushed everything up and over. The way mine is now I sometimes get some branches springing back at me but the side shields stop them before they can get me.