Just how strong is a ROPS?

JayC · Apr 9, 2004

As I was sitting here looking over a 4000 TEN series brochure, there was a little picture of a 4000 TEN series tractor that showed the protective area of the ROPS. I started to wonder how strong the ROPS really was. Will the ROPS keep from caving in, in the event of a roll over if the rear tires are loaded or lots of weight on the 3PH or wheel weights or a combination of the three? I know the ROPS is designed to keep the machine weight from squashing you in the event of a roll over, but what about any additional weight attached to the tractor?

Henro · Apr 9, 2004

That's a good question.

I would think if your tractor manual states that loading of tires is OK, then the ROPS should be designed to carry that weight.

Thinking further, if the 3PH is designed to lift XXX lbs of weight, then the ROPS should be able to support that amount of weight as well in a roll over, shouldn't it?

Back flip is a seperate issue I suppose.

Doubt that there are any published numbers on the rops, just like there don't seem to be any on the degree of side slope where the tractor will tip...

AndyMA · Apr 9, 2004

( Doubt that there are any published numbers on the rops, just like there don't seem to be any on the degree of side slope where the tractor will tip... )

No but there a standard that all ROPS need to comply with.

Andy

frank_f15 · Apr 9, 2004

i beleive the rops is strong enough to handel , filled tires or wheel weights or any implement that the particular tractor could handel on the 3 PT. if not they would open themselves up to mega lawsuits. Usually if and when a tractor rolls it does it quite slowly, not like dropping it off a 10 story building.

Henro · Apr 9, 2004

No but there a standard that all ROPS need to comply with. 

Andy,

Where might one find that standard? I would imagine OSHA has one...but not sure it that would apply to CUTs.

Does one standard apply to all manufacturers of CUTs?

I have not got a clue, but would like to read that standard... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

DUMBDOG · Apr 9, 2004

Please note that any standards that you read do not take into account any holes that are drilled into the ROPS. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

thcri · Apr 9, 2004

( That's a good question.)

I want you all to take note as to who was the first one to answer this questions?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Henro you continue to amaze us /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

AndyMA · Apr 10, 2004

(
Does one standard apply to all manufacturers of CUTs?

I have not got a clue, but would like to read that standard... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif )

A quick Google search using ASTM ROPS turned up hundreds of hits. A lot of CSA Canadian Standards and a bunch of US. Many allow either standard to be used and I think you'll find most if not all comply to both. the standards specify design standards and testing. They also specify permanent marking of standards met. One thing that also is required is that every ROPS be serialized. So Henro the one you drilled can be traced /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

16.21 Protective structures

(1) Operators of mobile equipment must be protected against falling, flying or intruding objects or material by means of suitable cabs, screens, grills, shields, deflectors, guards or structures.

(2) The means of protection must meet the requirements of the following applicable standard:

(a) WCB Standard -- G601, Standard for Log Loader and Log Yarder Backstops;

(b) WCB Standard -- G602, Standard for Log Loader and Log Yarder Raised Cabs;

(c) WCB Standard -- G603, Standard for Log Loader and Log Yarder Window Guards;

(d) WCB Standard -- G604, Standard for Light-Duty Screen Guards for Off-Highway Equipment;

(e) WCB Standard -- G605, Standard for Mobile Equipment Half-Doors;

(f) WCB Standard -- G607, Standard for Medium Duty Screen Guards -- Front End Log Loader;

(g) WCB Standard -- G608, Standard for Mobile Equipment Roof Structures -- Heavy Duty;

(h) WCB Standard -- G609, Standard for Mobile Equipment Roof Structures -- Light Duty;

(i) Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practice J231 JAN81, Minimum Performance Criteria for Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS);

(j) Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standard J1043 SEP87, Performance Criteria for Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS) for Industrial Machines;

(k) ISO Standard 3449:1992, Earth-Moving Machinery -- Falling-Object Protective Structures -- Laboratory Tests and Performance Requirements;

(l) Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practice J1084 APR80, Operator Protective Structure Performance Criteria for Certain Forestry Equipment;

(m) Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practice J1356 FEB88, Performance Criteria for Falling Object Guards for Excavators.

(3) A worker must not remain in the cab of a vehicle while loads are elevated over the cab unless the cab is protected by an adequate overhead guard.

[Amended by B.C. Reg. 312/2003, effective October 29, 2003.]
* See also section 4.4 of the OHS Regulation.

Note: Information on the selection of guarding for mobile equipment used in various applications is provided in the WCB publication Standards for Operator Protective Structures (OPS).

16.22 Rollover protective structures

(1) The following types of mobile equipment, weighing 700 kg (1 500 lbs) or more, must have rollover protective structures (ROPS):

(a) crawler tractors, loaders and skidders;

(b) wheel tractors, dozers, loaders and skidders;

(c) motor graders;

(d) self-propelled wheel scrapers;

(e) compactors/rollers;

(f) self-propelled rock drills moved by an on-board operator;

(g) wheeled trenchers manufactured after January 1, 1999;

(h) pipe layers or side boom tractors manufactured after January 1, 2000.

(2) The board may require a ROPS to be installed on any mobile equipment if the design of the equipment or circumstances of use indicate the need.

(3) Mobile equipment listed in subsection (1) may be used without a ROPS if

(a) the equipment operates in a specific location where there is no significant hazard of rollover, and

(b) the surface in the area of operation is maintained free of ground irregularities which might cause a rollover.

Note: Where circumstances render compliance with the requirement for ROPS impracticable, alternative proposals designed to provide equivalent protection to workers may be submitted to the board for consideration.

16.23 ROPS standards

A ROPS must meet the requirements of one of the following applicable standards:

(a) CSA Standard B352.0-95, Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Agricultural, Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, Industrial, and Mining Machines -- Part 1: General Requirements, and

(i) CSA Standard B352.1-95, Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Agricultural, Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, Industrial, and Mining Machines -- Part 2: Testing Requirements for ROPS on Agricultural Tractors, or

(ii) CSA Standard B352.2-95, Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Agricultural, Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, Industrial, and Mining Machines -- Part 3: Testing Requirements for ROPS on Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, Industrial, and Mining Machines;

(b) Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standard J1040 MAY94, Performance Criteria for Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, and Mining Machines;

(c) ISO Standard 3471: 1994, Earth-moving Machinery -- Rollover Protective Structures -- Laboratory Tests and Performance Requirements.

(d) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 312/2003, effective October 29, 2003.]
* See section 4.4 of the OHS Regulation.

Note: Clause 6 of CSA Standard B352-M80, Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Agricultural, Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, Industrial and Mining Machines is a standard acceptable to the board under section 4.4(2) for the design of a ROPS for a one-of-a-kind machine.

[Note revised October 29, 2003.]

16.24 ROPS certification

(1) A ROPS must be certified by the ROPS manufacturer or a professional engineer as meeting a standard specified in section 16.23.

(2) Any addition, modification, welding or cutting on a ROPS must be done in accordance with the instructions of and be recertified by the ROPS manufacturer or a professional engineer.

16.25 ROPS identification

(1) The following information must be permanently marked upon a ROPS:

(a) the name and address of the manufacturer or the professional engineer who certified the ROPS;

(b) the model number or other effective means of identifying the machine for which the ROPS was designed;

(c) the serial number or other unique means of identifying the ROPS;

(d) the maximum weight of the machine for which the ROPS was designed;

(e) the standard to which the ROPS conforms.

(2) Modified ROPS must be permanently marked with the following information:

(a) an identification of the modifications effected;

(b) the date of recertification;

(c) the name and address of the recertifying engineer.

16.26 Effects of ROPS on visibility

ROPS and other structures required by this Part for the protection of the operator must be designed and installed to provide an adequate view for the operator to safely use the machine.

AndyMA · Apr 10, 2004

Henro

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

ISO 3741
ISO 3471:1994
Earth-moving machinery -- Roll-over protective structures -- Laboratory tests and performance requirements

Abstract
Establishes a consistent and reproducible means of evaluating the load-carrying characteristics of roll-over protective structures under static loading, and prescribes performance requirements for a representative specimen under such loading. Applies to the following seated design operator-controlled machines as defined in ISO 6165: crawler tractors and loaders, graders, wheeled loaders and wheeled tractors, wheeled industrial tractors, the tractor portion (prime mover) of tractor scrapers, water wagons, etc., rollers and compactors, rigid frame dumpers.

Have fun, maybe with a little searching you'll find a free one.

Andy

KiotiJohn · Apr 10, 2004

( Usually if and when a tractor rolls it does it quite slowly, not like dropping it off a 10 story building. ) When I was in grade school I saw a tractor roll over and the driver run over by the mower. That tractor went over in the ditch in about 2 seconds. John

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!