ROPS Tubing: Drilling Holes

[EMB5530]

Speaking of which, are you allowed to fold other than on the perforated edges?

That depends, if you are almost out and it is a dire situation then the manufacturer states it MAY be done

 

[RoyJackson]

I agree that in general it's not a good idea to drill holes in the ROPS, and I avoid drilling into the ROPS if at all possible; but I've drilled a couple of holes for 1/4-20 bolts, and the amount of material removed is next to nothing. If you're going to drill into your ROPS, use common sense and keep the holes to a minimum in number and size.

The lawyers are the prime reason for the "no drilling the ROPS" warnings from the manufacturers.

Agree 100%!

Any holes drilled in the ROPS should be deburred and chamfered both inside and out to reduce any chance of cracking. Holes should be away from radii (internal and external) and spaced far enough apart to eliminate potential stress risers.
A manufacturer has no control over the consumer's actions, thus a total prohibition on drilling the ROPS. I believe the ROPS must pass certain standards for certification. Any change in the ROPS (those extra holes) would require recertification of the ROPS design.

So, as mjncad wrote above, if you must drill the ROPS, use common sense...and if it fails, realize that you are on your own.

 

[TCBoomer]

I drilled my rops to mount a couple Hella lights and the dealer had no issue when I traded it for a new tractor other than I had to leave the lights in place.

 

[RoyJackson]

I drilled my rops to mount a couple Hella lights and the dealer had no issue when I traded it for a new tractor other than I had to leave the lights in place.

Some dealers won't have a problem, some will

 

[TomSeller]

I also use U bolts for things like this so you can move them if you don't like where you initially put them or want to add something. Holes are permanent and also create more of a rust spot, for entry of water etc. My ROPs have a closed bottom so I think they would gather water in time, given I work in the rain, etc.

Like as been pointed out, if you were a manufacturer and you didn't say not to drill holes, you will eventually be sued by some genius that drilled and cut his ROPs up so bad and then rolled his tractor and the ROPs failed. Lawyers look for things like this. Even if you said small holes can be drilled, but didn't say many small holes couldn't or didn't define "small".

 

[KennyG]

A comment above made a good point about stress. Any bending member has lower stress in the center. Drill the hole at the centerline of the member and it will have a minimal effect.

 

[RoyJackson]

Good lord people get a grip, they will be printing instructions on toilet parer for some of you next!

Well, I must admit...I have used the wrong side now and then...

 

[MBTRAC]

If you're concerned a few small neatly drilled holes may weaken your ROPS, consider also the ROPS structure is only rated for the weight of the tractor & not any extra weights/ballast you may have added nor attached 3PL implements or that FEL...............

 

[dfkrug]

I've noticed in quite a number of discussions on the TBN forum that it is a unanimous no-no to drill holes in ROPS tubing but rather accessories such as lights should be attached with other means such as u-bolts.

Unanimous? Not even close. I will bet that it is not even 10% of TBN members think that way. But some are quite
vocal about it. In my case, I prefer welding over drilling, and drilling over U-bolts. (I also shortened and re-welded my
ROPS.)

 

[TomSeller]

A comment above made a good point about stress. Any bending member has lower stress in the center. Drill the hole at the centerline of the member and it will have a minimal effect.

A hole in the center one direction is at the edge in the other direction. So as long as everyone knows if they are going to roll it to the side or flip over backwards in advance, you are all set. Seriously, I doubt small holes will make a hill of beans of difference. I just like U bolts for things like this, but to each his own.