Anyone make their own foldable ROPS?

Dieselmh · Jun 18, 2007

I'm kicking myself for not buying my new Kubota L3400 with a foldable ROPS. I only have one pasture that I mow where the ROPS is needed, and the others I mow have trees where the ROPS becomes a real pain in the butt. I was wondering if anyone had ever made their ROPS foldable. The foldable option just seems to be a standard ROPS that is connected with a hinge/latch system. I'm thinking that if I could get ahold of that hinge/latch mechanism, I could have one of the numerous certified welding shops around here cut the original ROPS with a bandsaw so that the heat doesn't affect the temper, then have them install the foldable option. Anyone done this, or seen it done? I'm tired of having limbs hang on the ROPS and attempt to knock me off the tractor. *kicks self for not buying the foldable option*

Kendrick · Jun 18, 2007

I would be leary of any mods to the rops. there are specific tolerances that MUST be adheard to for it to be usefull in any way. last thing you need is for it to be in use and snap off in your general direction.

kennyd · Jun 18, 2007

Cutting the limbs higher is a more viable option than cutting your ROPS!, and cheaper too!

And finding a welder that will make that modification to your ROPS will be very hard I bet. Any good business or welding shop would not want to assume the liability of such a modification.

PBinWA · Jun 18, 2007

I'm not going to pass judgement but round these parts, "modifying your ROPS" questions usually end up as long heated discussions.

Brace yourself, depending on the mood of the membership this could get long.

RoyJackson · Jun 18, 2007

Maybe you can trade it in to your dealer...
That would be the first place I'd try.

jsborn · Jun 18, 2007

PBinWA said:
I'm not going to pass judgement but round these parts, "modifying your ROPS" questions usually end up as long heated discussions.

Brace yourself, depending on the mood of the membership this could get long.

Amen !!!

IMHO

Some people act like a ROPS is something magic . It is just a roll-bar to help protect the operator in the event of a rollover. I understand manufactures liability and all but you know NASCAR and other race sanctioning bodies build, weld on , cut , bolt to and modify roll cages every day using standard Mig welders or sometimes Tig with no special heat treating or other magic materials why do we as tractor operators feel that a ROPS has to be blessed by some all-powerful being ??

Just a thought before the line gets too long .

machmeter62 · Jun 18, 2007

Dieselmh said:
I'm kicking myself for not buying my new Kubota L3400 with a foldable ROPS. I only have one pasture that I mow where the ROPS is needed, and the others I mow have trees where the ROPS becomes a real pain in the butt. I was wondering if anyone had ever made their ROPS foldable. The foldable option just seems to be a standard ROPS that is connected with a hinge/latch system. I'm thinking that if I could get ahold of that hinge/latch mechanism, I could have one of the numerous certified welding shops around here cut the original ROPS with a bandsaw so that the heat doesn't affect the temper, then have them install the foldable option. Anyone done this, or seen it done? I'm tired of having limbs hang on the ROPS and attempt to knock me off the tractor. *kicks self for not buying the foldable option*

I think you are facing a "no win" situation; if you decide to modify it yourself, the liability will follow the modifier, (YOU) for the life of the tractor if/ when you decide to sell or trade. There are attorneys lurking for liability issues; don't become one! Also, if you, or family members are the ones hurt in the future because of the mod; your insurance company may balk too? I would have a foldable added, or sell or trade out? I would also talk to your dealer, and maybe he will help you for a minimum cost as goodwill; if he won't help, check with others!?

RoyJackson · Jun 18, 2007

An addition...
If you modify your ROPS, you may have to replace it if you ever trade your tractor or subtract the replacement cost from the trade value.
a private sale, machmeter62's statement would apply.

I trim any branches...this is an annual event, but after the first time, it's no big deal.

Dieselmh · Jun 19, 2007

Thanks for all the advice so far. Trimming all of the trees really isn't an option, since I don't own all of them, and since some of them are fruit trees, it really isn't optimal to cut off the limbs. I know a professional welder that can and will do the work. He makes roll cages for a living, and caged my old K5 Blazer. He's been building cages and roll bars for over 40 years now for local racers, and has never had a single serious injury due to cage/bar failure. I trust him with my life, as do hundreds of others every day they race. I'm not real worried about selling the tractor, since I have a habit of keeping things until they turn to dust.

I was mainly wondering if anyone had ever seen it done, or knew if the components could be purchased. If it weren't for that one pasture, I'd be thinking about removing it altogether. If anyone has ever seen a hay field in East Texas, you'll know what I mean when I say it's flat! If it weren't for one drainage ditch, the ROPS would probably already be gone.