ROPS Height

[foggy1111]

Why is it....that the non-folding ROPS on the "economy" Deere tractors are lower than similar models with the folding ROPS?? For example JD 3032e, vs JD 3320.

Seems to me both models would have similar needs for safety....no? (I prefer the lower ROPS, as it would be easier to get through the woods and into the shed.)

Why the disparity in ROPS height?

 

[kevinj]

Kubota does the same thing, folding is 4" taller than a fixed. I have a folding the same height as a fixie.

 

[RoyJackson]

I've noticed the same thing, especially since height is a thing I've got to consider when buying a tractor.
As far as the difference, my guess is the engineers wanted as much solid ROPS as they can get (for rollover protection), yet still be practical for use. Even if the ROPS is folded (or the erected ROPS fails during a roll-over), the operator still wouldn't be crushed (assuming his neck isn't broken during the roll-over).

Kubota does the same thing, folding is 4" taller than a fixed. I have a folding the same height as a fixie.

What do you mean by that, Kevin? Did you modify your fixed ROPS?

 

[kevinj]

What do you mean by that, Kevin? Did you modify your fixed ROPS?

Don't tell the rops police!!!!!!!!! I shortened the top section and then welded all the hardware back on to fresh metal. It is still nearly a foot over my head and I am 6'1" so I feel plenty safe.

 

[RoyJackson]

Don't tell the rops police!!!!!!!!!

Uhhhhhh, I am the ROPS police, and you are BUSTED!!

Worst case is, if you trade your tractor in, you may have to replace that modified ROPS.

 

[VitaBene]

Uhhhhhh, I am the ROPS police, and you are BUSTED!!

Worst case is, if you trade your tractor in, you may have to replace that modified ROPS.

LOL!!:thumbsup:

 

[kevinj]

Uhhhhhh, I am the ROPS police, and you are BUSTED!!

Worst case is, if you trade your tractor in, you may have to replace that modified ROPS.

If I ever trade it I will deal with that issue. It would only need the top piece.

My dealer has seen it and did not believe me when I told him it was shortened. It looks factory in all aspects except the welds are a whole lot better!!!!:thumbsup:

 

[foggy1111]

Nice job on the shorter ROPS. I really dont think its a big deal to modify this stuff. Its your life.....and if you feel safe with it....go for it. Just send me a few bux and I will certify it as safe. :thumbsup::laughing:

After measureing a few 3320's.....I beleive I would need to take a few inches out of the ROPS to be safe with my 8 foot door.......or at least tighten up the springs that hold the door open....lol.

 

[kevinj]

Nice job on the shorter ROPS. I really dont think its a big deal to modify this stuff. Its your life.....and if you feel safe with it....go for it.

I feel plenty safe. It is the same height as the fixed ROPS Kubota offers.

The dealer said I could trade it for a fixed even though I got the tractor used but sometimes I need to fold it mowing around the trees.

I have most of my stuff up over 8' so I can get the 3940 with cab through but the little guy has to go through a 7' door while the other building has a 10' door.

 

[Cidertom]

I think that one of the items on the JD series is the use of a BH. To maintain rops clearance while in the BH seat, it has to be taller. But that make it too tall for a lot of other uses. So folding is one way to solve that problem. If you don't need the additional height, the fixed rops is plenty high.

There is a certain brand of German car that in the rag top model has a explosive deployed ROPS. The roll bars are in the seats and when the car senses a roll over, it deploys fast enough to be in position before impact. That way you look cool until you need it. Perhaps someday it will be offered on a tractor.

I just added a folding aftermarker FEMCO ROPS to the wifes 2305. Makes mowing the orchard much easier. She agreed not to drops the rops except when mowing flat ground. She has seen me come back from enough tractor roll-overs, emergiencies I think she will do it right.