Is the ROPS really needed?

[kbota]

I sure hope my post doesn't incite the wrath of the safety police, but I would like to get a few thoughts on removing the ROPS. Here is my situation; I have a Grand L with FEL that I wouldn't dream of removing the ROPS from. However, I recently acquired a BX2200 strictly for mowing. During routine maintenance this weekend, I even removed the lift arms, and toplink.

I'm finding the ROPS sure hits a lot of limbs mostly on fruit trees, and even creates a situation causing more trim work. Have also lost a number of peaches recently from the ROPS hitting them.

I know the BX is considered a tractor, and is equipped just like it's big brothers, but, on the other hand, it's not much larger than the JD riding mower I have, which did not even come with a ROPS.

In short, I'm thinking of taking it off. Give me a good reason why I shouldn't.

K

 

[teg]

It's your tractor... you know the risks. I would not let anyone else drive it. (too many lawyers out there)

I've disconnected my clutch safety switch... after looking at all the possibilities.

 

[bcp]

If you use no rear implements, no towing, no front implements, and your land is flat, it is probably as safe as a riding mower.

If you don't meet those conditions, get a folding ROPS from a BX25, and fold it down when mowing under your fruit trees.

Bruce

 

[Danner]

Raise your hand if you have tipped your Kubota over?

Not many will respond.

You decide.

 

[JDL538]

You don't need one if You don't roll it over. But that's why its there and that's why I keep mine up.

 

[WaxMan]

I know we all know this, but remember what would happen without it.


Tractor Rollovers - YouTube

 

[kbota]

Let me add that my BX does not have a FEL.

 

[kuboman]

Kbota, you are asking an unfair question that no one with any common sense would advise you to take it off. But I took the one off my GF1800 mower so I could get under trees.

 

[MasseyWV]

Is the ROPS really needed? I'd have to say no, it's not needed at all... unless you roll your tractor.

 

[ptgdigger]

I believe the primary argument for a rops on a "BX mower" vs a "lawn tractor mower" is weight, getting pinned by either won't be fun , but the BX would be much more likely to cause crush injuries or suffocation. That said if you don't wear your seatbelt with your rops on that is probably more dangerous than just removing it.


Ray

 

[RobertN]

Haven't you see the black helicopters since then? You better keep a better eye out for that... You did put aluminum foil up in all your windows, so the mind rays don't enter your house, right? Not to mention the chemical sprays.... So the guberment calls them con-trails... Mind chemicals, that's what they are...

It's your tractor... you know the risks. I would not let anyone else drive it. (too many lawyers out there)

I've disconnected my clutch safety switch... after looking at all the possibilities.

 

[troutsqueezer]

It doesn't matter to me if you take it off or not. :thumbsup:

 

[kbota]

It doesn't matter to me if you take it off or not. :thumbsup:

Whewww......thanks trout, thats had me worried.
I'll sleep better tonight. :drink:

 

[OrangeRidge]

The BX is very narrow in the rear . If I reverse mine and turn at the same
time , it can lift a wheel . This is why I put spacers on. The JD X700 stuff
is 2.5" wider , and that accounts for its stability . Buy spacers if you
don't want the ROPS

 

[LD1]

Yep, I dont think anyone on here is going to come right out and say...go ahead and do it. Too much liability

But as Teg said....its YOUR tractor, and you know the risks.

I will say that I dont have ROPS on my L3400. I have never operated a tractor with ROPS until I got it 6 years ago. First time back in the woods and catching every tree branch that I ducked under....only to have the ROPS snag and smack me in the back of the head with:confused2:, I decided right then that the ROPS were comming off.

Sure, some said I sould have got folding ROPS, BUT....why spend that extra money just to leave them on and folded down. Because I know I would never put them up:laughing:

Your tractor....Your decision. Some are comfortable enough to remove the ROPS, others arent

 

[Ken45101]

Raise your hand if you have tipped your Kubota over?

Not many will respond.

You decide.

It's hard for those killed to raise their hands.

It depends on the terrain and what you are doing. Some terrain, you don't need it. Our current place? I wouldn't even think of operating without it.

YMMV

Ken

 

[teg]

...depends on the terrain...

It's Louisiana, I don't think they have hills



(yes, I'm joking - lived in Pineville, la for a while).

.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

IF you take the rops off, keep it intact for the day you pass the tractor on to a new home. the liability of modifying safty equipment goes along with the tractor when you sell it. for that reason, dealers have to fix ROPS structures before reselling trades where they have been removed.

 

[Verticaltrx]

Personally, if I had a BX for mowing I'd take the ROPS off. I have seen several people around here with BX's with no ROPS (and our terrain isn't exactly flat.) I do have to say, once the ROPS is off they really do look like a garden tractor.

 

[oldballs]

Yes, I too have lost a few peaches and continually prune low branches over the years. There are plenty of peaches, apples etc for me, the squirrels, and deer, If I'm really concerned about the fruits, I just string trim every so often. But every now and then I'm suddenly in a shaky situation either mowing or lifting (FEL) etc and am glad the ROPS and seat belt (which I usually have buckled) are there. Good luck is everybodies' friend. Bad luck ain't.