Ok to weld work light mount to ROPS?

[derecskey]

Ok, we all know we're not supposed to drill the ROPS for any reason. We've beat that horse. But I recently read someone's comment about not welding anything to the ROPS. Why not? Kubota did it for the SMV sign mount.

Opinions (expert or not) ?

[driver444]

Though I wouldn't do it, I don't think small tack welds would hurt anything (except your warranty). You're not getting the metal hot all the way through where it would lose its temper. I would not make any major welds on it though. The same applies to (for example) welding on truck frames. They are heat treated and getting them too hot can weaken them.

Again, I wouldn't do it. I'd just design some type of U-bolt bracket to attach to the ROPS.

[medicshawn]

You"re not supposed to modify your ROPS in any form. No welding drilling etc. Just get a bracket that clamps on.

[captjack]

Weld away !

Its not going to hurt anything or change the integrity of the ROPS. The steel that they make those out of is more than strong enough to hold a little tractor up off the ground if it would roll over, even after you have welded some brackets on it to mount some lights. Talk to any iron worker.

If anyone has a video or other confirmed data, beside a manufacture saying "not to do it" , please post it. I will humbly change my mind on this.

I added this top and 4 lights to mine.

[TripleR]

The only advisory I would have is be sure of the skill level of the person doing the welding, ie not a rank amateur. Good grief a folding ROPS is cut completely in two.

[jambx]

I wouldnt modify the ROPS in any way shape form if nothing else the liability if you ever go sell the tractor.

I used Trailer Stake Pocket clamps from TSC $3.99ea -its clean easy and removable!

[TripleR]

Originally Posted by jambx

I wouldnt modify the ROPS in any way shape form if nothing else the liability if you ever go sell the tractor.

I used Trailer Stake Pocket clamps from TSC $3.99ea -its clean easy and removable!

Looks like a pretty good setup; might use that for something myself.

As to the integrity of ROPS, my JD 2305 has pretty big holes drilled through both sides to mount the hazard flashers. The ROPS on SCUTS/CUTS have way more strength than needed, but if it makes you uncomfortable I agree you shouldn't do it.

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by derecskey

Ok, we all know we're not supposed to drill the ROPS for any reason. We've beat that horse. But
I recently read someone's comment about not welding anything to the ROPS.
Why not?
Kubota did it for the SMV sign mount.
Opinions (expert or not) ?

You haven't!
How'd you miss it ?
Welding the ROPS is as hotly debated as drilling it or any other form of mutilating it .

[bpattie]

Originally Posted by jambx

I wouldnt modify the ROPS in any way shape form if nothing else the liability if you ever go sell the tractor.

I used Trailer Stake Pocket clamps from TSC $3.99ea -its clean easy and removable!

I really like the trailer stack approach, looks really nice. I think the biggest reason I would not weld or bolt directly to the ROPS is on the chance I may want to change lights and the replacement had different mounting requirements

[radioman]

OH DARN IT! I love the trailer stake approach too! Last year I used square U bolts and bolted a peice of angle iron from bed frame to the rops. I beleive both approches is equally good. Better then welding and then get flamed about it from naysayers.