JoeL4330
Platinum Member
Size matters — Canopy on top of too-tall ROPS doesn’t fit into garage. That’s my problem and here’s my fix. I want to be able to pull my Kubota L4330 into my garage, especially in the winter. I don’t mind folding down the ROPS, but my TufTop is/was mounted on the ROPS, so it meant taking it off. In the winter, this is problematical because I throw a golf-cart cover over it for a poor man’s cab. So, how to keep the TufTop in place and still be able to fold the ROPS.
The first picture shows the problem …and, incidentally, the new acquisitions that were the real reason I tackled the fix myself: the passport welder (A); the 375XT plasma cutter (B); and the Evolution steel cutting circular saw. Hadn’t glued metal in 25 years, time to modernize.
The second image shows the result of all that hardware (and a few mis-measurements, along the way). The brackets are a simplification of the ones that came with my SXL TufTop …I emailed them to try and just buy an extra bracket, but they never replied …and, what the heck, that’s what plasma cutters are for. The simplification is to reduce the angle options (holes in the rear of the bracket) to just two since I only have to account for my tractor. The stanchions and cross pieces are 1/8” angle and the plates mounted to the fenders are 1/4" plate. (I have heard complaints about Kubota’s fender strength, but I stand on mine frequently and know they can support the weight)
The third image shows that it seems to be working out; the top is fitted in the forward slots/holes, the first step in mounting it (or, a transport position when trailering so the the top doesn’t catch the wind and sail off.) Don’t comment on my welds, or I will fix them with Photoshop.
The fourth image shows success: top on, tractor in.
The fifth shows just enough clearance for when I have chains on (thought I forgot, huh?). It also shows how I had to chew away the corners to ensure that the ROPS would raise.
The sixth shows that the ROPS still goes up, so the ROPS police can rest easy.
The last shows my view from under the canopy, which makes the seat time doubly pleasant. As a footnote, I should mention that I am quite short, so maybe this fix isn’t for everyone. Next plan is to make vinyl curtains that roll down and Velcro themselves at the bottom—fitted around the fenders on the side and the cowl in the front— to make the cab with a zipper door …but, that’s another day.
The first picture shows the problem …and, incidentally, the new acquisitions that were the real reason I tackled the fix myself: the passport welder (A); the 375XT plasma cutter (B); and the Evolution steel cutting circular saw. Hadn’t glued metal in 25 years, time to modernize.
The second image shows the result of all that hardware (and a few mis-measurements, along the way). The brackets are a simplification of the ones that came with my SXL TufTop …I emailed them to try and just buy an extra bracket, but they never replied …and, what the heck, that’s what plasma cutters are for. The simplification is to reduce the angle options (holes in the rear of the bracket) to just two since I only have to account for my tractor. The stanchions and cross pieces are 1/8” angle and the plates mounted to the fenders are 1/4" plate. (I have heard complaints about Kubota’s fender strength, but I stand on mine frequently and know they can support the weight)
The third image shows that it seems to be working out; the top is fitted in the forward slots/holes, the first step in mounting it (or, a transport position when trailering so the the top doesn’t catch the wind and sail off.) Don’t comment on my welds, or I will fix them with Photoshop.
The fourth image shows success: top on, tractor in.
The fifth shows just enough clearance for when I have chains on (thought I forgot, huh?). It also shows how I had to chew away the corners to ensure that the ROPS would raise.
The sixth shows that the ROPS still goes up, so the ROPS police can rest easy.
The last shows my view from under the canopy, which makes the seat time doubly pleasant. As a footnote, I should mention that I am quite short, so maybe this fix isn’t for everyone. Next plan is to make vinyl curtains that roll down and Velcro themselves at the bottom—fitted around the fenders on the side and the cowl in the front— to make the cab with a zipper door …but, that’s another day.
