Drilling hole in ROPS of 425 for lighting wire?

[dragoneggs]

Guess I will go against most comments regarding drilling into the rops. It should be no big deal as we have various other rops on different machines that come with rubber grommets inserting into holes in order to route wires. These rops are also made lighter than the PT. a quarter inch or three eights hole or even bigger should not affect the performance and safety issue.

I've probably said this before... It is not so much the static strength that is compromised but rather fatigue (cracks) and corrosion issues that can evolve over time. Sure if you feel you have to drill on your own equipment go for it. If it was me... and it was... I chose to mount my LED lights, 4 of them, using adhesively bonded studs and cable tie mounts. No holes and I can remove them and restore to original if desired. If I was doing this commercially, I also would not drill holes on someone else's ROPS when there is no need. To each his own though.

 

[cqaigy2]

Wow, nice and bright!

 

[Marks481]

I've probably said this before... It is not so much the static strength that is compromised but rather fatigue (cracks) and corrosion issues that can evolve over time.

I am betting that the ROPS on the power-trac is made out of steel twice the thickness of the ROPS on the machines you have listed under your name. The factor of safety on these things is insane.

Also, the holes where they are drilled (at the top of one tube and in the mounting plate) do not compromise the strength where it matters. I am an engineer; I have no concern about any weakening of the structure.