FROPS question for engineers and experienced fabricators

Luke'sScreenName · Nov 24, 2015

Has anyone built or seen a tractor FROPS without 'B' pillars?
I'd like to fab a cage for my MX4800 for working in the woods to protect me and the tractor. However, I'm concerned about visibility for loader/grapple work which I do a lot of.
I was thinking of a square/rectangular frame above the operator's platform supported with C pillars behind the operator where the ROPS is now and A pillars slanted down toward the grill.
Usually I see vertical B pillars at the front of the operator's platform too. I'm wondering if it would possible to engineer them out while maintaining structural integrity especially for a roll over.
I already fight for visibility and eliminating B pillars might help.

Rustyiron · Nov 24, 2015

Luke I think your biggest visibility loss will be from the front "A" pillars or limb risers (if I understand you correctly) not so much on the "B" pillars. Your current "fight for visibility", is that due to the hood/body being in the way? I don't find it hard at all to see around my A or B pillars that are 2x3 tubing, and looking at the 2" side.

dieselcrawler · Nov 24, 2015

My cage I'm in the process of building will have front post going down to the loader mounts, and I will likely add limb risers from the top of the grill guard to the top of the front post also.

Having used a cab equipped tractor for loader work with forks moving pallets, I understand the visibility issues, but am willing to make the compromise to have the added safety of a full cage and limb risers on my tractor.

How about some pictures of your tractor from the side, would help me visualize what I might suggest for you.

However, I'm not an engineer. But I'm no dummy, done alot of fabrication over the years, and more than happy to share my ideas.

Luke'sScreenName · Nov 24, 2015

Yes, by 'A pillars' I ment 'limb risers' (I couldn't remember the term.
The machine is well designed for visabilty but no getting arround that it is a tractor and not a skidsteer. So the hood certainly is in the way but there's no getting (seeing) arround that. The loader arm are the most likely thing that I might have to shift my head position to see arround and can well imagine that the limb risers would also be a potential obstruction. However, I don't see a way arround having them (pun intended). I did think there might be a way to exclude the suports that typically go to the loader mounts.
Ill see if I can find a picture from the side. And yes Greg, you and Rusty are exactly the type of people whose advice I'd appreciate. (even if I do have to question your judgement having a redheaded wife... My dad always said it's fun to date a readhead but always be ready to run :thumbsup

Luke'sScreenName · Nov 24, 2015

Best I could find of my tractor:

Picture of the intertubes:

dieselcrawler · Nov 25, 2015

On mine, I am only using 2x2x1/8" box tube, due to the smaller size/light weight, and will gusset the corners well. Yours being quite larger, and having alot more ability to smash stuff if you roll it, will need heavier material.

It is going to be a compromise situation. I also like my visibility but want added safety, so I'm willing to accept the restricted view from a cage, and added wheel bearing wear from wheel spacers.

I do seem to recall some one building a cage with only front limb risers, nothing going to the loader. On a kioti maybe? Think he then swapped it to his new tractor? Will try to find that thread, might help you.

dieselcrawler · Nov 25, 2015

Found this thread... might give you some ideas.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/172660-cage-kioti-lb1914.html

Luke'sScreenName · Nov 25, 2015

Thanks!

Rustyiron · Nov 25, 2015

Luke, you gonna tie the front sweeps into the grill guard somehow?
I built a grill/brush guard with mounting the sweeps, sorry, limb risers to it. My hood tilts up automotive style and that needed to be considered in the design also.

Luke'sScreenName · Nov 26, 2015

Yes the hood will have to be considered. Also access to the radiator prescreen. My back has gone to he!! at the moment so I'll have to wait on construction but will try to take some measurement and draw something up. Been meaning to try Google Sketchup.