RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2001
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- 23,144
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- Bethel, Vermont
- Tractor
- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
Yep...U-bolts for lights and most hardware, wire ties for any wiring.
ROPS Tubing: Drilling Holes
- Thread starter npalen
- Start date
- Views: 34901
Yep...U-bolts for lights and most hardware, wire ties for any wiring.
Baby Grand
Elite Member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2007
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- 4,649
- Location
- Windsor, CT.
- Tractor
- Kubotas: L3240GST B2320HST B5100D & G5200H
For a bending load, I'm with you.
At right angles to the applied load it will see a very small stress as it's centered on the neutral axis.
Spin it 90 degrees and it will at the "furthest fiber" location and seeing either max tensile or compressive load.
This is assuming simple beam loading.
If there's torsion - twisting - then it will be loaded in any load orientation.
Drilling the ROPS is going to be a crap shoot, as you never know how it's going to be loaded while it's in the act of keeping the tractor from crushing you.
Baby Grand
Elite Member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2007
- Messages
- 4,649
- Location
- Windsor, CT.
- Tractor
- Kubotas: L3240GST B2320HST B5100D & G5200H
Small holes can create higher stress risers than large holes, so making a hole smaller doesn't necessarily make it less of a threat to the structure. If you're going to drill it anyhow, I'd suggest a smooth hole with a chamfer on both sides and no threads. If you need to thread it, then consider drilling a larger hole, blending/chamfering it, and using a Rivnut, PEM clinchnut, or similar, to get the threads you need. More hassle, but much less damaging to your safety gear.
Arc weld
Veteran Member
Came across this thread and it occurred to me that no one must have ever looked at the certification tag on their ROPS. They always have a maximum weight rating. I was watching a show about the Cat D11R and they were driving over a steep bank letting it slide sideways a little bit, not enough to roll it, but they said not to worry, the ROPS is designed for 1 1/2 times the weight of a D11R. So, yes they are designed so that loaders, backhoes, implements and weights can be added without compromising the integrity of the ROPS. I've also seen tags that say this ROPS was designed for roll over protection but was not tested. Apparently testing ROPS to get the certification is a very costly process, ie/ a cash cow like most things that need certification.
As far as holes, a couple little holes for lights in the top corners aren't going to affect the structure of the ROPS. I think a bigger concern would be getting water in the ROPS if it is welded solid. I say this because one of the square tubes on the ROPS on my Cat is expanded and split along one corner. I don't know how water got in there but that's about the only way it could happen. I also have a factory installed quick attach backhoe. For the backhoe they added extra grab handles onto the ROPS. They didn't drill through the ROPS though. They welded short threaded round bar pieces for bolting the extra grab handles to. Welding something like that or a mounting tab might be a better option than drilling into a ROPS. If putting a couple holes in steel is such a bad thing and causes all this stress, how come there aren't millions of low boy trailers being impounded because of the holes in the main frame?
As far as holes, a couple little holes for lights in the top corners aren't going to affect the structure of the ROPS. I think a bigger concern would be getting water in the ROPS if it is welded solid. I say this because one of the square tubes on the ROPS on my Cat is expanded and split along one corner. I don't know how water got in there but that's about the only way it could happen. I also have a factory installed quick attach backhoe. For the backhoe they added extra grab handles onto the ROPS. They didn't drill through the ROPS though. They welded short threaded round bar pieces for bolting the extra grab handles to. Welding something like that or a mounting tab might be a better option than drilling into a ROPS. If putting a couple holes in steel is such a bad thing and causes all this stress, how come there aren't millions of low boy trailers being impounded because of the holes in the main frame?
bandaidmd
Platinum Member
Came across this thread and it occurred to me that no one must have ever looked at the certification tag on their ROPS. They always have a maximum weight rating. I was watching a show about the Cat D11R and they were driving over a steep bank letting it slide sideways a little bit, not enough to roll it, but they said not to worry, the ROPS is designed for 1 1/2 times the weight of a D11R. So, yes they are designed so that loaders, backhoes, implements and weights can be added without compromising the integrity of the ROPS. I've also seen tags that say this ROPS was designed for roll over protection but was not tested. Apparently testing ROPS to get the certification is a very costly process, ie/ a cash cow like most things that need certification.
As far as holes, a couple little holes for lights in the top corners aren't going to affect the structure of the ROPS. I think a bigger concern would be getting water in the ROPS if it is welded solid. I say this because one of the square tubes on the ROPS on my Cat is expanded and split along one corner. I don't know how water got in there but that's about the only way it could happen. I also have a factory installed quick attach backhoe. For the backhoe they added extra grab handles onto the ROPS. They didn't drill through the ROPS though. They welded short threaded round bar pieces for bolting the extra grab handles to. Welding something like that or a mounting tab might be a better option than drilling into a ROPS. If putting a couple holes in steel is such a bad thing and causes all this stress, how come there aren't millions of low boy trailers being impounded because of the holes in the main frame?
And did you happen to notice that that safety info plate your talking about is riveted on.
Arc weld
Veteran Member
Maybe that's why it costs so much to get them certified??? They're worried the rivet holes will cause cracks.:laughing:
They're worried the rivet holes will cause cracks.:laughing:
PlumCrazy814
Bronze Member
I'm surprised no one suggested velcro to stick stuff on rather than drilling...(heh heh)
I love that stuff! I just wish I was the person the developed it.
pap71
Silver Member
I really don't think that drilling a couple of holes in the ROPS will weaken it enough for it to fold up or bend over and collapse. For sure not on the smaller BX tractors.
PILOON
Super Star Member
Structurally speaking a round hole (clear of burrs and nicks) will not weaken a structural component.
Example is an aircraft wing spar that they drill all sorts of holes to lighten the structure.
Naturally not to exaggerate. A 1/4" hole in a 2" tube would be negligent but a 1 3/4" in that 2" would be a disaster looking to happen.
Example is an aircraft wing spar that they drill all sorts of holes to lighten the structure.
Naturally not to exaggerate. A 1/4" hole in a 2" tube would be negligent but a 1 3/4" in that 2" would be a disaster looking to happen.
