Grip Strut steps

RoyKing · Sep 29, 2020

I'm planning a skid plate for my M7060 cab tractor. The two things to protect are the plastic fuel tank and the FEL valve both are easily damaged by sticks. While I'm at it I'd like some bigger steps into the cab. Right now I'm looking at Grip Strut 7.5" deep step material. One step would be added to skid plate covering the tank bottom, next up I'd use the existing hanger as the cab floats above frame.

The advice part is I want add one more step below the tank that needs to fold or latch up after your in the cab.

Right now I've got a small wood stool on rope I pull up into the cab.

All ideas welcome

oosik · Sep 29, 2020

I added a lower step to the OEM arrangement. It lasted about half an hour and I was lucky. It didn't fold back and engage the rear tire. It sure as H*LL folded up though.

Fold up or latch up - that would DEFINITELY be the way to go.

RoyKing · Sep 30, 2020

As I was searching the net for ideas I came up with this, will measure to see if I can get this much width in, and call the company to see if any way to open it when your in the cab, the 12v ones are triple the price

oosik · Oct 1, 2020

That's a great looking collapsible step system. Roy - look at the first picture when it's collapsed and then the third picture when it's extended. That visible side bolt and arced slot show that it will extend forward. Perhaps you simply grab hold of something( so that you don't "extend" also) and step on that top step.

My questions would be - is it heavy duty enough to last as long as the tractor AND how is it going to attach to your tractor. Also how do you "open/extend" it to get up into the cab - how do you collapse it once you are on the ground.

RoyKing · Oct 1, 2020

Normally you grab the bottom step and pull up and out, so you could probably close from the cab but don't know how to open it. I plan to remove factory steps, and will extend the skid plate that I'm adding to cover the tank like this guy did

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...n-toolbox-passenger.html?highlight=skid+plate

They got them with 12vdc motors way more expensive.

jonsstihl · Oct 1, 2020

i've seem step extensions that are bolted on with the sides being heavy rubber straps. It would be a simple way of eliminating the complex retractable requirement but you may not like the wobbly feel when you step on the bottom step. i have seen some of them with chains also instead of rubber straps.

Engineer42 · Oct 1, 2020

. Something similar to that.

CoyPatton · Oct 2, 2020

jonsstihl said:
i've seem step extensions that are bolted on with the sides being heavy rubber straps. It would be a simple way of eliminating the complex retractable requirement but you may not like the wobbly feel when you step on the bottom step. i have seen some of them with chains also instead of rubber straps.

I have seen RailRoad and electric utility trucks with heavy cable between steps. Should be more sturdy than chain or rubber straps but still free to swing if bumped. But probably still a bit wiggly to climb.

3Ts · Oct 2, 2020

RoyKing said:
As I was searching the net for ideas I came up with this, will measure to see if I can get this much width in, and call the company to see if any way to open it when your in the cab, the 12v ones are triple the price

Those look to the the stairs for an RV. They're quite sturdy but do wiggle some. If you want to see them in person, just go to an RV dealer and look at the camping trailers.

RoyKing · Oct 3, 2020

We'll see, the first welding shop was not interested in doing the skid plate, sent some email and photo's to a second shop.

Only need the bottom step to fold up, seems a decent shop should be able to fab one.

My old ford 3000 was less vulnerable than the M7060.

oosik · Oct 3, 2020

My concern would be stepping DOWN onto the last step when you exit the tractor. It's gotta be stiff enough to hold and keep you from falling. Getting UP on that first step would be easy.

I've got bum knees ( RA ) and wiggly things make me nervous.

Smokeydog · Oct 8, 2020

On my old M5030 cab tractor needed a better step. Used an existing mount and made custom 1/2” brackets to fit a bolt-in 8.5”x24” steel bar grate, galvanize industrial safety stair tread. McMaster or ZORO. Made entry and exit safer and helped having a platform for refueling. Very strong.
Maybe some bar/bracket off your skid plate?

Sportsman762 · Oct 8, 2020

The rubber strap ones are nice, however it is difficult to find rubber that is thick enough. Most large equipment manufactures use a rubber strap. The advantage of a rubber step is that it will fold easily when hitting an object parallel to the machine travel, yet not move perpendicular to machine travel as well, when you get on a tractor the force on the step is perpendicular to machine travel.

On my friends drill rig we have one that has 1" or larger cable going between the steps. It is stout and does not move much any direction. If using this type of step you need to make sure it is mounted very securely as it transfers quite a bit of force to the mounting. On the drill rig it is mounted to the drill platform and the drill platform is hinged off the back of the rig so there is no concern of damage.

A fold down step seems like a pain as it is one more thing to do before you get on or off the tractor. Leave it down on accident and it gets ripped off. Forget to fold it down after a long day and you might fall off the tractor.

RoyKing · Oct 8, 2020

Been to two fabricators one said not interested, the other said we can cut the plates if you have a drawing, but not interested in making the frame work to hang it, wants a $100.00 a hour. So now trying to find some small shop. Too bad my helper got his regular job back, I'd build it myself. I made an offer to the kids in my neighborhood $15 hr and no interest.