Anyone experienced problems with sun roof?

[bullebak]

My wife always worries that this heavy sunroof might collapse one day and fall on my head (the black steel tubes alone weigh 7kg (14lbs) due to faillure of the U-bolts to the ROPS - and off course it lifts the centre of gravity increasing the risk of rollover under critical circumstances.

I was thinking of replacing the steel tubes with aluminium ones. Any comments would be appreciated.

Since this picture was taken I have refitted the sunroof with the bolts going up, and the short channels have been omitted.

 

[depratt_equip]

never had any problems with them.... we have towed them down the road 75 mph and they don't blow up... so im not to worried about them collapsing. I think the 14lbs of increase in centre of gravity would be offset by the 150+ lbs in the seat.... not something i would worry about either...

 

[tractorhill]

My wife always worries that this heavy sunroof might collapse one day and fall on my head (the black steel tubes alone weigh 7kg (14lbs) due to faillure of the U-bolts to the ROPS - and off course it lifts the centre of gravity increasing the risk of rollover under critical circumstances.

I was thinking of replacing the steel tubes with aluminium ones. Any comments would be appreciated.

Since this picture was taken I have refitted the sunroof with the bolts going up, and the short channels have been omitted.

The only problem we have is with Tree limbs and Roofs that are to low.

 

[RedRocker]

I wouldn't worry too much about the CG, if you're so close to laying it over that the weight difference between aluminum and steel tubing will make a difference, then you're already in a world of hurt.

 

[DieselPower]

Hmm, sure doesn't look very sturdy does it. If it were mine I think I might install some other support brackets. Just a pair of angle brackets from the up/down part of the ROP to the mounting bars on the underside of the roof. They wouldn't need to be very large, just something to sure it up a little. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Dk45_Jeff]

If the U-bolts are loose I'm sure the rattle would get very annoying long before it loosens enough to rotate. Not that I've experienced it, Tractorhill did a good job assembling it. Actually those bars have proven to be a good place to mount lights.

 

[wallace]

never had any problems with them.... we have towed them down the road 75 mph and they don't blow up... so im not to worried about them collapsing. I think the 14lbs of increase in centre of gravity would be offset by the 150+ lbs in the seat.... not something i would worry about either...

We deliver with a Chevy and we are able to get up 85 mph and never had a problem

 

[Dodgeram]

We deliver with a Chevy and we are able to get up 85 mph and never had a problem

Yeah Right...Going down hill with a 40 MPH Tail wind
Tom

 

[MotorSeven]

Bull,
I've got the same set up. What bugs me is "if" you roll, where is the roof going to end up?.....i think we may be wearing it like an apron . I am planning on doing what Diesel suggested, framing it in with heavy duty(1/4" thick) supports that go down to the loader frame & back to the ROPS. Besides that should keep the thing from rattling around as i go across my bumpy pastures

BTW, make sure you drill 2 small holes in the front corner lip of the plastic for drainage. If you don't ya get a lap full of water as soon as you move after a light rain....welcome in the summer, but not when it's in the 30's

RD

 

[bullebak]

If the U-bolts are loose I'm sure the rattle would get very annoying long before it loosens enough to rotate. Not that I've experienced it, Tractorhill did a good job assembling it. Actually those bars have proven to be a good place to mount lights.

I'm not concerned they come loose (but they do), it's just the enormous leverage those heavy long tubes have on the bolts and the possibility of snapping. Those tubes can work like bolt cutters, same principle.

When my friend took it to the property on the back of his truck, driving behind I saw the run roof flapping about considerably (at only 30 mph...) expecting it to come off any time!!!

Ahh MotorSeven, good idea about them holes. It sure accumulates water on top! The front support is a good idea and that way it will stay up.

I managed to force the roof down due to tree branches a couple of times. A radar detection system on the roof would be nice, as an early warning system... preferably automatically stopping the tractor...

In addition a rear radar system as I habitually flatten newly planted trees and their guards (against rabbits) when reversing.