Backhoe bent rops

[Baby Grand]

I think you and your sister's beau need to have a behind the woodshed talk. The truth is out there. Any witness marks on the ROPS?

 

[KubieTwo]

Unless there is also evidence on the backhoe of some variation of backflip, one of the other theories is more probable, and I would more suspect backing under something while on the trailer since there is no mention of driver injury. To do the damage described would be a pretty serious and sudden stop while operating the tractor.

You have established his inability to tell the truth, and I suspect you will soon learn his equal inability to be responsible, if that isn't already evident. If you have any insurance on the tractor, had you checked whether it will cover any part of an accident if you are not the operator? Would HIS homeowners insurance help if he were willing to 'fess up?

 

[funwithahoe]

Quite frankly, I have a talk with your sister about ditching this guy. Anyone can make a mistake but to bring it back and lie and then not even make up a realistic lie? That rops will stop the tractor without bending at normal speeds. Maybe forgot to set the parking break and it rolled down a hill. I really doubt even flipping backwards would bend it - It is designed to save your life - 'Bota wouldn't design it to give like that. I agree wit pevious poster that maybe trailering it he hit a tree.

 

[TripleR]

I can't beat the speculation on possible causes, but I have taught my children that if you borrow anything, you return it with a full tank and if anything breaks while in your possession, you pay for it.

I personally don't borrow equipment, nor do I loan it to anyone outside my immediate family.

 

[radioman]

rops moved 30 degrees ? hmmm. forward means towards the operator ? I wouldnt be too concerned with the ROPS . Its pretty stout materail and it did its job. Just be thankful that it didnt kill him, in fact saved his life. I am not sure IF I would like someone killed on my BX. I would inspect the base where the rops bolts to. Exactly what is letting the rops be bent 30 degrees ? the folding joint ? rop frame it self? stretched bolts or bent bolts on base of tractor ?

Before jumping on him, I'd check where its bent. Go check his deck, his garage doors. Afterall - if your sister does marry him, you be stuck with a bad cloud as a future brother in law. SO go out and gather facts and put it together the best you can. Have him help you repair it, just point out what you see is bent or scratches and just pretend you wonder and mosey on the repair. chances are his guilt will cause him to fess up, otherwise its gonna be a tough relationship with your sister boyfreind.

 

[Big Bri]

this is probably a stupid question but was he pulling something from the ROP
i know that sounds stupid but if pulling from there it could slowly bend, and the drive wouldn't feel any huge forces. Just a thought

 

[ritschner]

Not familiar with the backhoe on the BX, is there anyway the backhoe itself will hit the ROPS? It would probably have enough force to bend the ROPS. Most transport the tractor with the backhoe elevated enough that backing in to anything would hit the boom.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Perhaps the part of the woodpile he hit wasn't quite cut to burning length yet? It could be that he parked it in the wrong place, and dropped a tree on it. there might be some marks on the BH boom if that was the case.

 

[radioman]

Not familiar with the backhoe on the BX, is there anyway the backhoe itself will hit the ROPS? It would probably have enough force to bend the ROPS. Most transport the tractor with the backhoe elevated enough that backing in to anything would hit the boom.

Not a chance. On my BX24, the boom doesn't even come close to ROPS, I'm sure its same as BX23. I'll have to measure but eyeballing its a good 2-3 feet away from rops in closest position. IF the boom does come to ROPS, I'd be crushed since operator has to sit underneath the ROPS area when operating the BH.

Another thought of how ROPS could be bent, like someone else suggested is tie a rope to ROPS and pull with it. BIG nono.

 

[IdahoTractor]

At least there we no apparent injuries; the situation could have been much worse.

This incident should remind us all to check our homeowners insurance policies to see what is and isn't covered by the policy as it relates to the tractor. I know that my policy covers property damages on another person's property caused by the tractor, but not any damage to the tractor itself. I could pay for coverage of the tractor, but it is ridiculously expensive. Nor does my policy cover medical if someone else other than an immediate family member (those living in the household) is injured while operating my machine off my property. Thus, I never let others "borrow" my tractor. There are plenty of places to rent similar equipment.