Brackets for ROPS

[wakeshredder]

Hey, does anyone know of a bracket for the GC series (or any similar sized) ROPS that is made of rubber or plastic? I want to find something to put attachments on the ROPS like lights or tool holders. I do not wish to drill into the ROPS or use metal as it may encourage rust. That and it could chip the paint encouraging more rust and compromising the ROPS. Thinking something that clamps on... Thoughts? Links? Thank you!

 

[Roadworthy]

These aren't EXACTLY fitting all your specs but they won't break down over time, either: Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<ROPS Clamps>>

 

[cglaser104]

You can sleeve a U hook bracket with rubber, nylon or vinyl hose to prevent wear. Just know that they potentially trap moisture behind them and promote what you're trying to prevent in the first place

 

[WranglerX]

Magnets with vinyl face....

Dale

 

[Nacademus]

When I first got my tractor, I used a u-bolt with steel backer plate. Those didn't seem to scratch up my paint. I used a wooden carpentry shim between the metal surfaces because I was worried about scratches, too.

I recently purchased the aluminum ROPS Clamps from Ken's BOH. Those are my mainstay, right now.

Long ago, I 3D printed some clamps just to see if I could.

Interestingly enough, my prints were somewhat similar in design to the aluminum version that I purchased from Ken-that being a split rectangular shape and through bolts to draw them in.

Biggest drawback was that they had to be a good bit larger than I liked in order to be strong enough for the job. My plastic version have always been modified to better suit my janky light mount hardware and I added recesses for captive bolts. I've since gotten rid of those lights and with them the need to use the plastic clamps.

I plan to revisit the idea of printing them but haven't the needs now that I have the aluminum clamps.


Note-If you decide to try and go the u-bolt route, if you only happen to come across 4 inch wide bolts, they work fine when clamped across the ROPS diagonally.

 

[Diggin It]

In the lumber section of Big Box stores, usually near the PT lumber, you'll find structural steel brackets in various shapes for tying joists, rafters, beams and posts together as well as mending plates and other materials. In that area are longer straight straps about an inch or so wide in different lengths. Those are thin enough to easily bend into whatever shape(s) you want and strong enough to hold anything you'd want to mount to these bars. They're steel so they're prone to rust if left exposed, but can easily be painted or coated. A piece of rubber or weatherstrip under will protect the painted surfaces.

The stuff is inexpensive enough that you could make several for $20 or less including SS or galvanized bolts and nuts.

This one is 25" - 16 Gauge for $4.00, but many in 18 Gauge are priced lower.

If you were careful enough, you might even be able to weld tabs or ears onto them to mount accessories at different angles.

Lowes Item # 140729 Model # KRPS28-TZ

 

[irvingj]

I had a local metal shop cut me some pieces of mild steel strap (1/8" x 2") and welded them together to make a clamp affair to mount the ROPS lights on the inside. Easy to do and they work well. I used existing "mickey mouse" light bolt holes, but they could be placed almost anywhere with some cushioning grip surfaces installed. Primed & painted afterward.

 

[FTG-05]

What rust?

 

[kennyd]

These aren't EXACTLY fitting all your specs but they won't break down over time, either: Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<ROPS Clamps>>

Thanks for the shout out RW,
We developed these ROPS Clamps because there is NOTHING else like it them the market.

Here is the intro post about them:

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/415430-new-rops-clamps.html

 

[irvingj]

So, Ken -- they'll work on our mini-tractors' 1-3/4" x 3" ROPS?

 

[kennyd]

Every "mini" tractor I measured at the National Farm Machinery show was 2x2 or 2x3 except for the new gen2 JD 2025R, it had a 2-3/8" square ROPS. If yours is indeed 1-3/4 then yes it will still clamp on but you'll have a 1/8" gap on each side of the 2" dimension.

 

[PJohnson]

Every "mini" tractor I measured at the National Farm Machinery show was 2x2 or 2x3 except for the new gen2 JD 2025R, it had a 2-3/8" square ROPS. If yours is indeed 1-3/4 then yes it will still clamp on but you'll have a 1/8" gap on each side of the 2" dimension.

Kenny

I have a GC2310 and plan on purchasing your ROPs Brackets.
Is it acceptable to mount 2 lights on each bracket?
Do the mounting bolts that come with light kits fit the bracket, or do you advise purchasing additional mounting bolts from you?

Below are the lights I am considering.

Nilight 2PCS 18W 1260lm Spot Driving Fog Light Off Road Led Lights Bar Mounting Bracket for SUV Boat 4" Jeep Lamp

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G620ZVU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_NeOODb1MGRYMR

 

[irvingj]

Yes, it's 1-3/4" wide... I suspect it's because the 2310 has a foldable ROPS. Don't know about the newer 2410/2610/1710/1715 backhoe models.

 

[kennyd]

Kenny

I have a GC2310 and plan on purchasing your ROPs Brackets.
Is it acceptable to mount 2 lights on each bracket?
Sure, look at some of the pics on the website and the intro post I linked, some have even mounted 3.
Do the mounting bolts that come with light kits fit the bracket,
Yes, they are M8-1.25 thread, but they are probably to long, and since they have a hex (10mm) head they will not turn in the bracket they will be difficult to use.
or do you advise purchasing additional mounting bolts from you?
Well as stated they come with 2 each already so they may be enough for your project.

Below are the lights I am considering.

Nilight 2PCS 18W 1260lm Spot Driving Fog Light Off Road Led Lights Bar Mounting Bracket for SUV Boat 4" Jeep Lamp

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G620ZVU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_NeOODb1MGRYMR

Those are fine, pretty much what we used on the underside of our display and in the one picture on the website.

See responses above in RED