BX2200 ROPS

[ToolDad]

I noticed the newer models with backhoes come with a fold down ROPS. This has been a desire of my since first purchasing my BX. It would make my storage situation much better if the ROPS folded down.

It looks like the fold down version would be compatible with the older BX2200. My dealer says not. Does anybody know any different??

 

[SeymourBota]

ROPS for the BX22 and BX23 are not compatible with the BX2200/BX2230- your dealer is correct.

 

[Av8r3400]

Why? How are they not compatible? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[RonR]

I'm not sure the bolt pattern is the same (I might be wrong), but I do know the BX22/23 has a cross member that attaches to the differential housing. The 2200/2230 does not. The BH model ROPS is also taller to provide more head room.

This has been discussed several times before; if you search, you will find several threads about it.

Ron

 

[rlw]

Attached are the 22 and 2200 ROPS side by side. Note the 2 extra bolts on the 22 ROPS. I believe the 4-hole bolt patterns in the fenders are identical between the two tractors since the fenders share the same part number. The spread between the 2 bolt patterns may or may not be the same (but likely are).
I did not research the previous discussions on this question to see if anyone actually tried it or not or contacted Kubota directly to ask, but it looks like it may actually fit - you just wouldn't be able to put bolts in the 2 innermost holes on the ROPS.
It's questionable if anyone would sell you one to try it out; and take it back if it doesn't fit. It may be cost prohibitive too.

 

[KirkMcD]

A ROPS from a BX23 costs $650.

Based on the first page of this thread it won't fit. Someone took measurments between the two and they aren't the same.

 

[Av8r3400]

I would be willing to bet that the two, four-bolt patterns are the same, as are their spacing and the additional two bolts (#40 in the picture) attach to a piece of the BH sub-frame which could also be added if you wanted.

I would agree that the cost would be prohibitive to do a retro-fit, when a better/stronger ROPS could be made by an independent Fabrication shop with the features and size required for less money.

 

[SeymourBota]

When I bought my 2410, I wanted a fixed ROPS, as it was low enough to fit through the garage door where it would be stored. Most available units already had foldable ROPS, due to the benefits if you decided to mount a BH.
I asked the dealer about just switching the ROPS (getting a new/fixed unit sent and swapping) and was told by the dealer that the tractor and ROPS VINs are mated in the Kubota system and they cannot be changed.
True?- I can only attest to what I was told.

 

[Junkman]

I would believe that this would be true, because they need to be able to notify you in the event of a recall situation on the ROPS. With the liability issues today, they must protect themselves against the hoard of lawyers that will try to take a piece of their hide at every opportunity.

 

[ToolDad]

I read the related thread from KirkMcD. Sorry, guess I did not search hard enough before posting. Anyway, I also had the idea of fabricating a mid-point hinge, but I also had the idea of simply cutting the ROP towards the bottom end, welding some tubing (~1ft lg) inside the remaining lower section such that the upper part of the ROP would slide down over the new tubing. It would then be secured by some type of pin. This would work for me since it is simply a storage issue.

I now starting to believe the best idea is to fabric a new one from scratch as has been suggested in the other thread. Making it taller would not be a bad idea either for us taller guys (6'3"), which would improve auxiliary light positioning (which I also plan to add). /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif