Just how strong is a ROPS?

RayH · Apr 10, 2004

Not speaking from experience but just looking at it, I would say that my ROPS would not support the weight of my tractor, implements, me and fluids while upside down without bending or folding. I do believe that in the event of a rollover, it would keep the tractor from going completely upside down or would force the tractor to roll to one side or the other so it would land on its side and not on me. I believe this is its primary purpose, not so much to support the tractor but to keep it from becoming upside down. Does that make sense?

AndyMA · Apr 10, 2004

No, I don't think that what you are saying makes sense. I do believe that your ROPS can support your tractor weight with implements. I also don't think you have much of a chance of predicting on which side or totally upside down the tractor lands when rolled. It depends so much on the dynamics of the situation and the terrain on which the roll occurs. A few weeks back somebody posted pictures of a NH TN65 during rollover testing and it certainly did go all the way over. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

andy

RonR · Apr 10, 2004

Hey Henro,

Why don't you buy the standard, study on it for a year, and then report back to us with a 3 paragraph synopsis? That would give you something to do in your retirement!

Seriously, reading those standards and UNDERSTANDING what they meant would probably be like reading a combination IRS document, medical journal, and statute book all combined.........

And I'm sure it doesn't say you can drill holes in your ROPS /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Best wishes,
Ron (still with un-modded ROPS)

Henro · Apr 10, 2004

If you really want to read a standard heres a link to "buy" the ISO standard. 

Andy,

Not sure if I want to shell out $78 for a document that applies to so many different equipment types that it may not answer the simple question that JayC asked regarding a farm-type tractor.

And the SAE J 1040 version at $58 isn't much better of a deal... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Something interesting that I have noticed is that consturction/industrial type equipment seem to all call out to the potential buyer that they have ROPS/FOPS that meet the ISO 3471/SAE J1040 standards.

The Kubota literature says nothing about ROPS standards they may or may not meet, but the JD sheet I have says thier ROPS on the 4000 TEN series complies with ASAE and OSHA standards for ROPS, but does not site a specific standard number. But they don't mention ISO or SAE, unless ASAE =SAE.

Interestingly, the JD brochure does refer to an ANSI standard B71.4 for slope operation. .

Guess I will just put my faith in the Kubota engineers (or the JD if I had green...or NH if I had blue...or... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif ) My curiosity is waning... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Much easier to dig a hole with a pick and shovel than to dig up specifics on this subject!

Guess I will go do something easier, like try to find the serial number on my ROPS! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

It would be nice if the manufacturers [at least Kubota] said more about the ROPS than just "it is there." /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

RonR · Apr 10, 2004

Henro, if you are going to file off the serial number of your rops /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif, be informed that is is also listed on your INVOICE just like an additional implement, so the dealer also has a copy of the numbers and it is IN the computer systems, so it is everywhere!

You can run, but you can't hide.................. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Best wishes,
ron

GerardC · Apr 10, 2004

( I believe this is its primary purpose, not so much to support the tractor but to keep it from becoming upside down. Does that make sense? )

Yes. It is not a ROLLBAR . It is there to help prevent the tractor from a complete rollover. At least that is what I was told by several dealers. As for supporting the tractor and implements, I hope I never get to that point.

Bird · Apr 10, 2004

Bill, on your B2910, isn't there a data plate on the back lower right side of the ROPS that has some weight numbers on it? Personally, I believe the ROPS is strong enough to withstand a roll over without bending or collapsing.

Taylortractornut · Apr 10, 2004

Im not completey sure about compact utility tractors but im fairly sure it has to be like a peice of heavy machinery a rops/s fops has to be able to support the weight of the machine and attachments and twice that amount. Ive worked on alot of jobs where machines worer rolled over. Dad and brother worked on a job where they took 7 D8's and some D9's and had to dress the side of a 1200 foot tall mountain/steep hill. once the dozer broke over the edge it was committed. THey had to drive back up another less steep road to start over. Anyway a younger operateor made his 4th trip down and let a hardwood tree get under his blade and it caused him to loose any possibliy of stopping it ended up doing 14 full rolls. the operator survived but had several problem Dad said at the end of the day the D8 was going down the hill again. The OSHA man told him about the ROPS/FOPS rating now my brother is an accident investigator Ill ask him about the specifics on CUT's

JayC · Apr 10, 2004

Wow, 14 full rolls. That is horrifying to even think about! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I can't picture a big dozer rolling over 14 times. Glad he survived.

I thought about the ROPS being able to support the weight of the machine and then some. Here's another twist to the question. Couldn't the point at which the ROPS folds down, possibly become a weak point in the event of an emergency? Would it be possible for the ROPS to collapse at the folding point?

All these ROPS threads I have been seeing lately must be getting to me! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

frank_f15 · Apr 10, 2004

( Usually if and when a tractor rolls it does it quite slowly, not like dropping it off a 10 story building.
)

Granted it does happen quickly, but what i ment by that statement , was the forces applied in a roll(tip) over are not the same as dropping the tractor. take a glass full of water and tip it over on your countertop, chances ar the glass will not break, but take the same glass and DROP IT from 2 feet and it will most likey break. they both happen quick. Probably not explaining myself(as usual), correctly!