4shorts does full service on my bx and repairs axle leak

   / 4shorts does full service on my bx and repairs axle leak #41  
Without referencing any particular comment here's three pictures that give some idea about clearances with the new ROP dimensions (on my BX). There is one foot clearance between top of my head to inside top of ROPS while in the "driving" position. I'm set pretty far back from the ROPS while in the backhoe position. It all feels good.

View attachment 391692View attachment 391693View attachment 391694

Thats all that matters, what you like, I do things to my tractor what feels good for me. Nothing wrong with that.

In these pictures it doesn't look as close as it did in the video, maybe it was because you were on a hill.
Its possible the backhoe on a Bx doesn't move the tractor around like my larger backhoe can.
If it feels good and you like it thats all that matters. I have no doubt its plenty strong enough, he is a good welder.
I like your horn too! that's classic.
 
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   / 4shorts does full service on my bx and repairs axle leak #42  
If you modify your own ROPS, then who is going to sue who. You couldn't very well sue yourself. Someone who modified an ROPS at the direction of the owner would only face limited liability for the work done should it break at the reworked area which is highly unlikely since even a bad weld is usually stronger than the steel it is welded to. I just don't see the lawsuit angle as being a reason not to modify and ROPS if it makes it usable vs not using it at all.
If your theory is correct, one could sue the manufacturer if you didn't use it and had a roll over because it was not raised due to garage door height. One might file a suit like that (as you say anyone can sue for any reason) but it wouldn't make it past the judge. Similar to not using a seat belt and suing the auto maker because you were injured in a crash, not going to happen.


This is what scares me, Here in the US we have so many rules and Regulations to follow if you're going to be modifying Rops.
It has been made too big a deal here in the US not for people to sue. It would be like messing with seat belts or air bags. It would be hard to sue a homeowner doing what he wanted to with his tractor but if a Kubota dealer started customizing Rops?
Can you just picture the ambulance chaser asking for your test results that you did on the Rops modification. Just look at the test procedures at the bottom of the link.

c) Labeling.
Each ROPS shall have a label, permanently affixed to the structure, which states:

(1) Manufacturer's or fabricator's name and address;

(2) ROPS model number, if any;

(3) Tractor makes, models, or series numbers that the structure is designed to fit; and

(4) That the ROPS model was tested in accordance with the requirements of this subpart.


29 CFR 1928 : OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS FOR AGRICULTURE [ 29 CFR 1928 ] : (LABOR [ 29 CFR ])


Does this mean if you're a homeowner without employees you can do what you want to your Rops?
Maybe, but I would not want a few modified tractors for profit under my belt out in the field.

I think these regs are for if the tractor was used in agriculture with employees. Can a home owner do what they want to their own tractor?
I believe they can.
But the homeowner paid a busness to do it. Then a video was made to show others how to do it.
Lawyers today sue for a lot less then death from a tractor rollover.

We all know that it is as strong or stronger then the original and no one will ever die because of it failing. but look at the regulations about Rops. on tractors.
 
   / 4shorts does full service on my bx and repairs axle leak #43  
True... just look at a seat cushion tag or any ladder at Home Depot to instill fear...

And people wonder why we are falling behind...

I actually let the kids ride in the back of my pickup on the farm the other day and they thought it was the greatest thing ever...

As with most things... when you modify it... you own it.
 
   / 4shorts does full service on my bx and repairs axle leak #44  
tractorgp, Paul (4shorts) as usual did an excellent job for you. You're very lucky to be so close to him. Enjoyed the video. Stanley
 
   / 4shorts does full service on my bx and repairs axle leak
  • Thread Starter
#45  
In defence of Paul (4shorts) there is a secure paper trail (emails) clearly showing that I requested the ROPS modification and also shows Paul's reluctance to do it. The paper trail also clearly documents my reason for the modification (more dangerous hardly ever using it as ultimately my garage and/or tractor will get damaged). Also, I have lots of Youtube videos showing me using the tractor with the ROPS folded down. In one video even my Grandson is shown using the BX with the ROPS down (that was clearly my fault but it was pretty well an ingrained habit at the time).

Also, Paul makes no bones about his reluctance to do the modification in at least one of the associated video.
 
   / 4shorts does full service on my bx and repairs axle leak
  • Thread Starter
#46  
tractorgp, Paul (4shorts) as usual did an excellent job for you. You're very lucky to be so close to him. Enjoyed the video. Stanley

Yes I am lucky to have such a great resource close by. Good for me and anyone one I know who needs special work done.
 
   / 4shorts does full service on my bx and repairs axle leak #47  
Yup. One of the major differences between Canada and the US. In fact, the US is well known in many countries for how often people sue each other. And I'm just not sure why.

If one's legislature is fulll of lawyers, they'll word things just right in the laws they fabricate where you'll need a lawyer as much as posible. Then there are the TV ads advocating "If you're hurt in an accident, we'll get you all the money you deserve". This sets up a "sue crazy" culture that feeds the lawyer even more.
 
   / 4shorts does full service on my bx and repairs axle leak #48  
Absolutely quality work on Mr. Short's part. I know too well the problem with raising and forgetting to lower a ROPS. My barn's gutters still bear scars. Luckily, the door beam was quite stout, and no harm done before I realized something was wrong. Anytime I venture off flat ground, I stop and raise it. At least, that's the plan.

The seatbelt story reminded me of my first Austin Healey- a 1962 3000. No seatbelts. My dad had some WWII quick release forged buckle aircraft seat belts, and I thought it would be good to have them in the Healey. I installed them, and was showing them off to a sports car guy; he replied, slowly and thoughtfully, "well, if you roll it, at least you won't have broken legs" which pretty much summed it up.
 
   / 4shorts does full service on my bx and repairs axle leak #49  
tractorgp, Paul (4shorts) as usual did an excellent job for you. You're very lucky to be so close to him. Enjoyed the video. Stanley

Absolutely quality work on Mr. Short's part. I know too well the problem with raising and forgetting to lower a ROPS. My barn's gutters still bear scars. Luckily, the door beam was quite stout, and no harm done before I realized something was wrong. Anytime I venture off flat ground, I stop and raise it. At least, that's the plan.

Thank you both very much. I appreciate your kind comments. Now that Bob has his BX back it's so nice to see him using it with the ROPS in the upright position all the time and to me that's all that matters. :cool2:
 
   / 4shorts does full service on my bx and repairs axle leak
  • Thread Starter
#50  
Thank you both very much. I appreciate your kind comments. Now that Bob has his BX back it's so nice to see him using it with the ROPS in the upright position all the time and to me that's all that matters. :cool2:

Paul, I'm still adjusting to the luxury of no flat tires, confidence in the engine and hydraulics, no front axle leak, solid ROPS with garage clearance, and a good looking machine with personalized graphics!
Making good progress on the latest homemade attachment. Have company now so will be a few days before I give it a real test.
 

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