Backhoe bent rops

[dodge man]

What ever it was, it took a lot of force to do it. I agree with the others that it doesn't look as if it was rolled. I don't think backing into anything at full speed would bend it that bad. Its time for the rest of the story.

 

[keyman1808]

I'd be concerned if it happened while it was being trailer. I would look at the anchor points on th etrailer and tractor carefully too. Might explain what happened. May have driven under something too low. If that was the case I would be concerned about damage on the tractor where it was anchored.

 

[TheGoose]

Torque = Force x Distance. In other words, the amount of force at the top of the ROPS would be lower than at mid-way.

My bet is that he either caught the very top under his deck while moving fast or had it on the trailer and misjudged the height while backing. My bet is on the trailer. A truck/trailer/tractor weight is at least 5-10x the weight of the tractor itself so the truck would not have to move very fast to bend that ROPS plus you would not feel it as much in the truck. By the time you could stop the damage was already done. Driving the tractor you immediately feel when the rops hits something.

 

[keyman1808]

I have seen someone drive pretty fast with a BX into a garage and smack the Rops on the header and no damage. So I would guess it was strpped on a trailer when it happened. Maybe didnt read the clearence sign at the coffee shop drive thru. Check his laundry cuz I bet he s#@* himself when it happened.

 

[beenthere]

And maybe it is just easier to bend the ROPS than we realize.

I'm thinking if it was backing into a deck that there would be considerable damage to the deck (unless it was a concrete lintel in which case there would be some serious scratch marks on the back of the ROPS).

I'm thinking more (after seeing the pics posted by the OP in the opening post) that backing under a large tree limb might have caused the bend.

Am wondering if just the lower section of the ROPS can be purchased? And put on by the OP or sis's BF, rather than the outrageous $175/hour dealer charge. Haven't heard a rate like that.

 

[beenthere]

............ Check his laundry cuz I bet he s#@* himself when it happened.

I see this comment posted often. But don't think it ever happens. Just an expression ??

I think mythbusters should take this one on.

 

[CBW1999]

Bottom Line- The boyfriend is being dishonest.

I cannot believe for an instant that someone would not notice being hung up on something. On or off a trailer- If you are not able to move, increased throttle is NOT the answer. Doesn't matter if it is hard and fast or slow and gentle- even someone with little experience should be able to figure it out.

The amount of force needed to bend that ROPS as it is- had to be great. Whatever happened, the event HAD to have been noticed. In his defense, if it was someone else/not witnessed by him, I might understand ONLY if he was up front about it. Very wrong for the owner to have to ask for the answer you already know you have to provide.

Hard thing though- asking to pay for repairs in retrospect. As suggested, his homeowners policy may help....... so many things in the fine print... Even harder....splitting a family over this. Almost a no win situation at this point, and truly the exact cause is moot. Something happened while he was responsible for it. If he helps pay great, if not- your choice as how to pursue it further.

Sorry that you are in this position. Good luck- and I hope you are able to establish trust again.

 

[DiezNutz]

I'm thinking more (after seeing the pics posted by the OP in the opening post) that backing under a large tree limb might have caused the bend.

well, technically a tree is a large pile of wood... you might be onto something.

I see this comment posted often. But don't think it ever happens. Just an expression ??
I think mythbusters should take this one on.

If I was Jamie or Adam, I'd have to complain that these weren't the kind of skidmarks the contract outlined...

I cannot believe for an instant that someone would not notice being hung up on something.

Probably the same mentality that thinks the OP won't mind his ROPS bumping him in the head now & then, and that this is acceptable. :confused2:
It's like the scene from A Christmas Story where Ralphie tries to put his broken & twisted glasses on...
"Maybe they won't notice."

 

[TalonDancer]

well, technically a tree is a large pile of wood... you might be onto something....."

.... maybe it wasn't before he hit it, but it is now :ashamed:

Talon Dancer

 

[rjkobbeman]

Well... if the operator backed into something that "wedged" the ROPS, down pressure could have been applied to the rear end causing traction to increase. From there it is a matter of tractor gearing and HP to slowly bend the thing.

From an impact standpoint, I think it would take a lot... but if you wedge it in there in low gear, it could probably bend.

If not that, I think the "on the trailer" theories work.

I think if something happend like a rollover or if backhoe operation cause something to happen, the operator would be beat up... and other signs would be visible.

My biggest concern here is... no matter the cause, I am betting there was a LOT of force exerted down between the front and rear axles... trying to break the tractor in half.