BX2200 ROPS

[sss]

The nonfoldable ROPS on my BX2200 is becoming a pain because of all the low lying branches on trees around my property. Would there be any warranty issues if I cut the ROPS in half, placed heavy duty hinges and fabricated/welded some sort of a pinnable latch system on it, thus making it foldable. Are there any problems with doing this that I'm missing - seems pretty straight forward assuming no warranty issues.

 

[BrokerBob]

Scott:
I raised a similar issue in an earlier post. The new BX22 is equipped with a foldable ROPS. Although it would not be cheap, I am trying to find out if it is compatible with the BX2200 and BX1800.

As to your warranty question, I think I can say with certainty that if you remove and/or modify the existing ROPS, the warranty on the ROPS becomes null and void. I would think, though I am not certain, that the warranty on the balance of the tractor would remain in force. A call to a dealer may shed some light on the issue.

Bob

 

[sss]

If the tractor, engine, etc. warranties wouldn't be compromised, then I would just modify the existing ROPS. The call to the dealer concluded with "I'm not sure - I'll have to research that". So I thought I'd research myself while I wait for a response. Do you have a price on the BX22 folding ROPS although I know I could modify the existing one for next to nothing. Any pictures of the folding ROPS would be handy though if I find out there won't be warranty issues.

 

[sss]

Another thing - I'm assuming since there are folding ROPS available that if properly modified, my ROPS can/will be as structurely strong as a prefabricated folding ROPS. I'm in S. Texas and my property is all flat except for a small ditch running against the main road (about 10-15 degree slope on both sides)

 

[Jeff396]

Here's another avenue for you to possibly pursue. Recently I had looked into putting a 4 point lid on my tractor. To do this I was going to have to either get a high rops or a foldable one to replace the standard one on my B7500. I bought it at Carvers and he offered to take my Rops in trade for $350 and sell me the new one for $425 with an out of pocket of $125. You might want to approach your dealer an see if something like this would be possible. That price did not include labor.

Jeff

 

[Old_Wanker]

Dont you forget that the ROPS is there for when you flip backwards as well as to the side. Ive done a wheelie on my BX many times. One culprit is pulling something that doesnt want to move from a point too high on the hitch. The other culprit for me was my post hole digger screwing itself into the ground.

If you can find a way to leave it on then I strongly recommend you do.

 

[BrokerBob]

Scott:
I spoke to one dealer who claimed to have no parts information yet on the BX22. This conversation took place around a month ago. Things may have changed since. Looking at a photo in the BX22 brochure, the ROPS on the BX22 is taller and it flares out on the sides to permit more unrestricted movement when operating the backhoe. It seems to me, though, that the attachment points are the same and so it may be compatible with the BX2200/1800.

I think it a very safe bet that no manufacturer would ever authorize or sanction an owner modification to a safety device. It can only cost them a fortune in judicial awards with no benefit.

Bob

 

[BX22Captain]

Looking at my new BX22, I don’t think it will be compatible with the 2200. The ROPS is an integrated part of the reinforcement structure for the Backhoe. It goes from the 3pt. area up to the folding mechanism without any break. It also has a cross member that connects the two posts together where the reversible seat ties in.

If your dealer figures out a way to do it, I bet it will be expensive. Lots of steel attached to this ROPS.

I think your best bet is to buy an extra one and have hinge plates welded to it. Keep the original one just in case you ever decide to sell the tractor, you can put it back on.

 

[Crazykansasan]

I don't know if this will help. I traded my BX2200 in on a BX22 a couple of weeks ago, attached are photos of ROPs onBX22. The first photo shows ROPs folded. I don't know how other ROPs fold but this only folds to about a 90 deg. angle. I don't think tractor was to be used with ROPs in this position. I belive it only folds to allow tractor to go thru low doorway.
Second photo is of ROPs to tractor attachment. On the BX2200 the ROPs is attached on each side with 4 bolts thru a square mounting plate. On BX22 both sides of ROPs are connected with heavy steel plate. 4 bolts are still present , a 5th bolt is also there. It goes down to backhoe attachment (A in photo 2 & C in photo 3). B in photo is where seat attaches when facing back. D in photo is top mounting point of backhoe 4 point attachment.
It appears that bottom of ROPs is part of the strenghtening that was done to allow backhoe to be attached. Hope this sheds some light on the subject.
Wish I could say more about the tractor, haven't had the time (work & taxes) to do any work with it. Gett'in kind of lonely in the garage the last 2 weeks.

 

[Crazykansasan]

photo 2