JD 3005 full cage ROPS/FOPS build

[dieselcrawler]

The saga continues... a brush cage is in the works, across the back, most of the right side, and likely some on the left side as well.

I've been puzzling out how to fit the pieces of wire mesh panels together best, I finally started cutting a few today.

 

[ovrszd]

Anxious to see the result Greg. I have no suggestions to offer.

 

[dieselcrawler]

I've been working on the top mounting brackets.

Cut 4 pieces of 1x1x1/8" angle and drilled holes to fit some square u-bolts around the top ROPS tube. A paper template to get the angles right was easy enough.




Hole saw thru a piece of 1x1/8" flat made a nice end against the pipe, template gave me the size and angle.




Added a flat piece to act as a gusset, and welded them up...




I'm happy with how they turned out, will likely swap them side to side from how this picture is... easier to access the nuts on the u-bolts, which are too long.






Not much... but it's progress! More than I can say for my truck motor swap project.

 

[dieselcrawler]

No pictures, but i spent a short time this evening running the grinder/wire wheel over the 2 larger screens for the back section and welded them together. Im starting to get the order-of-events of assembly together in my head. Im also trying to work out how to incorporate the use of some existing holes in the orange tubing to allow side panels to attach to the back section.

 

[ovrszd]

Glad to hear someone of your technical expertise actually has to struggle a bit with the design of things. Sometimes I spend more time thinking than building.......

 

[dieselcrawler]

Thanks Richard.... I think I do best at designing on the go, I often have little more than a vauge idea at the start, but fill in the gaps as I go.... I make it sound fancy and refer to it as 'Design-Build' *grin*

Think time often equals work time.

 

[Rustyiron]

I couldn't agree more with those last 2 posts!
Sure do wish I could work a computer better for a little CAD help, especially with parts that pivot, swing or otherwise move:laughing:

 

[ovrszd]

Rusty, I think we all three are similar. I think Greg has an edge on you and I in the "brain design" area. He can think thru an issue and come up with a design that works. Usually the first time. I on the other hand, have to add a couple failures before I get it right. And I agree with you on the CAD thing. Wish I could drive that concept. I guess if I spent some quality time researching and educating myself I might get closer. Sounds like a good focus for the upcoming Winter/Shop time.

 

[dieselcrawler]

I wish i had access to a good CAD program and computer to use it on... That would be great for designing from scratch. However, inputting the base line data (existing ROPS, fenders, etc) is the hard part on projects like this thread involves.

 

[dieselcrawler]

I got the 2 screens tacked to the top tube tonight. Remembered to take pictures too!