Backhoe Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L '30s

[glennmac]

Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L \'30s

Some related questions on the ROPs options for the Grand L '30 series and the new BH90 backhoe.

1. I understand that there are both a folding ROPs and a non-folding ROPs available. The folding is about 91 inches high; the non-folding is about 85 inches. Every tractor I see on lots and discussed here seems to have a folding ROPs. Why? Has anyone ordered the non-folding ROPs? That would fit in my garage. The folding ROPs probably wouldn't fit, and is a pain to fold and raise. Is everyone just accepting the folding ROPs because it is more available, or are you deliberately choosing it for reasons that are not apparent to me.

2. As to the BH90, can it be installed without having to remove the 3ph arms (as a Bradco can)?

3. I'm sure the folding ROPs is "specified" for the BH90 because it is taller. That still doesn't convince me to get it. For those who have actually sat on an installed BH 90, would there be any significant interference problem with your head bumping if the ROPs were 6 inches lower? From the pictures in the Kubota brochure, it appears that with the BH90 the operator sits significantly rearward of the ROPs and wouldnt bump his head on it. It also appears that a 6 inch lower height would still clear the head of an average size man even if he were seated directly under it.

 

[Bird]

Re: Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L \'30s

Glenn, I don't have answers, but I seem to recall Steve Carver posting a message about a young man who was crushed and killed by his backhoe and ROPS. Everything I've seen indicates it can be quite dangerous to use a 3-point backhoe with a non-folding ROPS; i.e., one that isn't tall enough. I would assume it's not as critcal when using a backhoe with a subframe, but don't even know that for sure. Just be careful, and good luck with whatever you do.

 

[icat]

Re: Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L \'30s

Well, I can answer the folding vs. non-folding ROPS question. This year, on the new Kubota's, the folding ROPS is a no cost option. Most, including myself, will order the folding ROPS just in case. I do not anticipate ever having to fold it, nor do I want too, however if need be the option is always there. I agree though - it's a pain to fold. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif My dealer indicated that they are ordering all of the new units with the folding ROPS as it seems to be the prefered option.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L \'30s

I've got a 3130 with the bh90 hoe and folding rops. I'm 6' tall and the rops is less than 6 inches above my head, I think I would bump the back of my head on a shorter rops. You are not the first person that thought the folding rops was a pain to put up and down. There is a post somewhere on this site (sorry I can't remember what forum) that had a good fix for the problem. The guy got tired of the screw in bolts so he drilled out the welded on nut and used a spring loaded pin.

I personally like the folding rops, after I take the tractor out of the garage I just fold up the rops while the tractor is warming up, it only takes a minute. My only concern is that I will someday forget that the rops is up and tear my garage door off! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
I also folded my rops down when I was brush cutting under trees, the rops kept grabbing the lower limbs and I got tired of pine needles down the back of my shirt.

I have to take the 3pt arms off when I mount the backhoe, that involves some work, but the way that the bh mounts to the subframe I don't think there is any other way. I just leave the wrenches and sockets in the toolbox of the tractor. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong about the 3pt hitch, but I think the manual tells you to remove them before installing the bh90.

 

[glennmac]

Re: Questions: ROPs Options and B\'Hoe 90 on L \'30

Thanks for the responses so far. Bird, thanks for the reminder on the safety issue and it was always in my mind. I dont think it changes the ROPs safety issue any, but the new BH90 is not 3ph mounted but frame mounted.

Apparently on the Bradco hoes, you can just loosen the 3ph arms and move them out of the way--by spreading them apart, or together, or downward ... I forget which.

Folding ROPs have two significant issues that to me outweigh their benefits. First, they may not fit through your garage or shed door on the larger tractors. Second, they either rattle, or are screwed on so tightly to prevent rattle that they require a wrench and testosterone to loosen and tighten. I chose the fixed ROPs for my 2910 and have only regretted that decision when working in the woods. There, a tall ROPs can present a number of dangers, and I have wished at those times I could fold it.

I changed the title on this post to make it clearer that I am referring to the Kubota BH90, and hope some other BH90 owners can chime in.

 

[Bird]

Re: Questions: ROPs Options and B\'Hoe 90 on L \'30

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Folding ROPs have two significant issues that to me outweigh their benefits )</font>

For me, those two, plus another even more important one. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif In my part of the country, I didn't consider a canopy as a luxury; in this sun it was a necessity. And I didn't think a folding ROPS would work too well with my canopy. And since I couldn't afford a backhoe anyway . ..

 

[hayden]

Re: Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L \'30s

At the risk of taking this off track (like it would be the first time THAT happened), I saw that Woods now has a Bradco-like frame for the Grand L30 models. I saw one at my local dealer. The frame is permanently tractor-mounted like the Bradcos and like the BH90 frame. It's a pretty clean setup. I'll take a look next time I'm at the dealer, but I recall seeing the 3PH arms removed to accommodate the BH.

To me this is a huge improvement in the Woods design adn makes them a much more viable alternative. You might want to take a look at a Woods 9000 in this config.

None of this addresses the ROPS question of course.

 

[_RaT_]

Re: Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L \'30s

That is pretty much all my local Kubota dealer is putting on the Kubota L30 series he sells. Woods 9000 model looks very well built. I have yet to see a Kubota or Bradco. The subframe looks like a snap to install.

Other then cost, why would you not opt for the folding ROPS? The rattle you mention is not an issue with mine. How difficult or easy it is to fold, I don't know. I haven't and may never need too. If ever the need arose, it woud be nice to have that option. Even my local dealer has sunshades mounted on the folding ROPS. He actually stocks the folding ROPs and will special order the non folding. The issue for me was a non issue since thats the way it came.

 

[glennmac]

Re: Questions: ROPs Options and B\'Hoe 90 on L \'30

The folding ROPS is not a cost issue. It is in fact the same price. It's a garage issue, and I dont want to be bothered folding it.

(Hey, I only have three tractor eccentricities: my subjective view that folding ROPs, boxblades, and R4 tires are overhyped scams. Which all happen to objectively true, by the way. :>))

Interesting news re Woods. I'll inquire about that. There are no BH90's to be had in this area, probably not until August. Indeed, there are virtually no Kubota tractors available. The BX's, 7800's, and Grand L's are almost all sold out. I've never seen anything like it. Last year, the dealers couldn't give Grand L's away.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: Questions: ROPs Options and B\'Hoe 90 on L \'30

Hey Glen your profile says that you have a b2910 do you now have a grand L 3010 I saw my dealer install a backhoe on a b7800 with a fixed rop's they installed black foam pipe insulation on the back of the rops to bump your head aginst.?
I personally thought it looked very dangerous I asked the dealer why the tractor owner did not want to order a taller rop's the dealer said he did not want to spend the money. On the folding rop's I think this is foolish I would go with the taller folding rop's. just my opnion David.