I think I'm Removing the Foldable ROPS...

[EricBX2200]

I think I\'m Removing the Foldable ROPS...

I recently traded up from a BX2200 to a BX23. I was surprised at how gi-normous the foldable ROPS was compared to the old 2200. I'm sure it is due to the need for operator space to run the BH.

We were accustomed to navigating through our lawn with the non-fold ROPS. Now, even with the ROPS folded we are banging into obstacles that we didn't before. Especially when backing up.

Eventhough I am sure we would adjust in time, I am thinking of removing the upper half of the ROPS all together. I am not big on defeating safety devices, but I think the risk is low due to our 0% grade on our property. I am not sure about the likley hood of flipping using the BH though.

What do you guys think?

 

[JerryG]

Re: I think I\'m Removing the Foldable ROPS...

Good insurance policy?

 

[EricBX2200]

Re: I think I\'m Removing the Foldable ROPS...

LOL /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif My wife made me get disability and life insurance when I got my dirt bike.

 

[JerryG]

Re: I think I\'m Removing the Foldable ROPS...

Eric,
No one ever thinks that it can happen to them, but it can. I have a neighbor that has a Kubota B6100(?) and he rolled it breaking his collar bone. He didn't have a ROPS.

 

[GerardC]

Re: I think I\'m Removing the Foldable ROPS...

To bad you didn't think of this problem before you traded /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif. G

 

[SCB]

Re: I think I\'m Removing the Foldable ROPS...

Eric,
I have to agree with you that on 0 % grade it would be tremendously difficult to roll the bx. Having an overloaded bucket and running over a large rock would change the grade to however high your tire was off the ground though. If you are mowing and doing small tasks I wouln't worry too much about it. But if you are going to be moving yourself with the hoe while digging, that's another story and I would put it back on. It's your call and only you know what is safe for your conditions. I have zero grade also and have had a few times I thought it was going over, but it has always stayed up. Guess if I had installed a tilt meter I would be able to know the angle that it remains safe.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Re: I think I\'m Removing the Foldable ROPS...

Eric I almost flipped a B2910 on its side while working on flat asphalt with a FEL. Many people think that a ROPS is there to keep you safe if you roll down a hill. It is there to save you life in all sorts of conditions, even on flat ground. Any time you use a ground engaging implement on the 3pt you risk flipping. There are a lot of conditions where you may not think you are at risk, but you might very well be at risk.

 

[ges]

Re: I think I\'m Removing the Foldable ROPS...

Sent you a PEM. George

 

[Mrwurm]

Re: I think I\'m Removing the Foldable ROPS...

After reading the many posts about drilling ROPS, I can imagine this thread will generate some heated debate /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Henro]

Re: I think I\'m Removing the Foldable ROPS...

<font color="blue"> Eric,
I have to agree with you that on 0 % grade it would be tremendously difficult to roll the bx. </font>

It may not be as difficult as you think...if the operator makes a mistake.

I remember someone reporting that they were carrying a bucket full of something and it was elevated a bit. I don't think it was all the way up. I wish I could remember the thread/post I am thinking about. Maybe someone else will...

Anyway, what I remember is the tractor hit a rock as it was moving on a relatively flat surface, and that along with the bucket being up in the air, was enough to tip it on its side. The rops was there to stop it from rolling. I want to think this was a BX tractor, but I might be wrong there.

You just never know when an accident might happen...they do happen in situations where you think they won't.