Removing ROPS for dedicated mowing BX

[OrangeRidge]

....... my BX for mowing only, I have been considering dispatching with the ROPS. Thoughts? ...

Have you got rear wheel spacers ? Although my BX2360 is able to keep
all 4 feet on the lawn (where mowers I've used lift a front tyre ) I
wouldn't remove the ROP , since I couldn't clear the tree branches even
with a ride-on mower. The ride-ons NEEDED ROPS . They both nearly
rolled ( JD345 & T2380 ) and couldn't maintain traction on much of a
slope. If you have to remove the ROP , then get spacers and air the
rears down to 12lb for stability on grass. I'm installing JD 1" spacers
on the 26:12:12 rears . These are made for JD snow chain fitment
on X series , but fit BX too. If you're running 60" MMM , then many
makes of 2" spacers are available , as you are probably aware.

 

[Tom_H]

John Deere sells sub-compact tractors through its tractor dealers. These machines all have ROPS. John Deere also sells garden tractors through other dealers, machines which do not have ROPS.

Now the interesting thing is, you can buy a diesel powered JD "Garden Tractor", with no ROPS, that is bigger and more powerful than some Kubota BX models. At least that was the case the last time this same subject came up on TBN about 3 years ago and I looked on the JD web site.

I am going to see if I can find that JD, and will post a link if I do.

O.K., found it. Looks not quite as much like the sCUT as it used to, BUT: 24 hp, 3 cylinder, liquid cooled, diesel, 4x4, with a three point hitch, MMM as wide as 62", and NO ROPS:

http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductC....ProdCatProduct?pNbr=SKU22282&tM=HO&link=enav

Now here is their smallest sCUT. The biggest garden tractor used to have the same sloped hood as this sCUT. In fact, the only way to tell them apart was the presence or absence of the ROPS. (The sCUT doesn't have to have FEL nor FEL mounts.) Now there are two ways to tell them apart: ROPS and hood shape. Note the sCUT is cheaper than the garden tractor.

http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductC...ts.ProdCatProduct?pNbr=0140LV&tM=HO&link=enav

Is there any difference between having the JD big "Garden Tractor" and a mowing dedicated BX with the ROPS removed? I don't claim to have the answer, but think the question is valid.

 

[r0GuE]

Well, let me tell you from experience, you can find my posts in the Owning \ Operating and Kubota Owning\ Operating forms this evening, the only reason I am able to type this now is because of my ROPS, I rolled my tractor this evening and I don't have a scratch because the ROPS kept the tractor from coming on over on top of me, I was not operating on steep ground, just a freakish situation where everything came together at the wrong time, if you fold your roll bar down to get it in your garage, I would suggest you take you take the few minutes it takes to raise it up even on flat ground, strange things can happen when we let our guard down for just a second, I am now a believer in ROPs.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti ROPS. I know when I had the loader on that I was VERY glad to have the ROPS above my head. I would never do loader work without it. In fact, if I had a big wheel larger tractor that sat higher, I would never take it off either. The BX is a very different machine though. And even then, the terrain is in my calculation. Good input from everyone though. Love to hear everyone's considerations on the matter and appreciate it. I'm stunned by your story. Just amazing that it would run on it's own oil. I've got my fingers crossed that the synth lube protected during the fuel exhaustion period.

 

[OrangeRidge]

Is there any difference between having the JD big "Garden Tractor" and a mowing dedicated BX with the ROPS removed?

Here in Australia , the 2001 legislation regarding ROPS is a category
requirement . The JDX### equipment is classed as riding mower ,
not SCUT or CUT , but can be just as/more unstable as a BX . I'm sure
I've spotted JDX equip with a ROPS in the field
I think the Cat 1/2/3 hitch maybe the defining feature for ROPS compliance .....

 

[Tom_H]

Here in Australia , the 2001 legislation regarding ROPS is a category
requirement . The JDX### equipment is classed as riding mower ,
not SCUT or CUT , but can be just as/more unstable as a BX . I'm sure
I've spotted JDX equip with a ROPS in the field
I think the Cat 1/2/3 hitch maybe the defining feature for ROPS compliance .....

Perhaps the hitch is the "defining feature for ROPS compliance" in Australia. That would make a lot of sense in that an implement on the 3ph changes the center of gravity. Even though that big JD is classed as a riding or garden tractor, it is sCUT sized, does come with a 3ph, and does not come with a ROPS (though I think it probably should).

 

[sw03]

Has anyone removed the ROPs when they were confident that no roll over protection is needed? I would keep it for the day when I sell it, or if I were to get a FEL again someday I suppose.

Thoughts?

Yes, on my Bx22 and now my BX24..Unless the FEL or BH is on the ROPS is off..Just like all the safety switches too.

 

[smstonypoint]

They might require the MFG to install them on new tractors, but there is no law that says you have to use it, like there is for seatbelts.

to the OP: When you do remove it, follow these 10 simple steps

1. Make sure tractor is parked on level ground, PTO disengaged, tractor off, keys in your pocket, brake set, and wheels chocked.

2. have someone there to help you, ROPS are heavy. Bend at the knees and not the back.

3. better yet, use a chainhoist, but make sure it has a saftey factor of about 100x's. This would require at least a 5-ton.

4. Make sure the beam that said chainhoist is hooked to is about the size used on bridges that clear span 100+ft.

5. Wear heavily padded gloves, that way when the bolts break loose, you save your knuckles. No sense in getting a recordable insident or lost time accident removing the ROPS.

6. Have a phone handy to call for help incase of injury

7. Once it is removed, lay it flat. Don't stand it up or it might fall over.

8. Put up barriers or cones around it so someone doesn't trip over it.

9. Put warning lables all over stating the dangers and that you removed the rops.

10. Call befor you DIG.



If I forgot anything, feel free to chime in.

11. Be sure to read, understand, and follow all the safety rules that come with your power tools. Knowing how to use your power tools properly will greatly reduce the risk of personal injury.

12. And remember this: there is no more important safety rule than to wear these safety glasses.

Steve

 

[timswi]

11. Be sure to read, understand, and follow all the safety rules that come with your power tools. Knowing how to use your power tools properly will greatly reduce the risk of personal injury.

12. And remember this: there is no more important safety rule than to wear these safety glasses.

Steve

Ah, Norm Abram from the Old Yankee Workshop

 

[Johndeere3720]

I found this on my simplicity tractor which has never had ROPS until i recently installed them. all i need is a seat belt. Anyways, if you feel safe without them and since you live on mostly level ground, go for it. I am the kinda person that likes the ROPS as a safety thing since i live on hilly land and dont want to take any chances.

 

[sw03]

I found this on my simplicity tractor which has never had ROPS until i recently installed them. all i need is a seat belt. Anyways, if you feel safe without them and since you live on mostly level ground, go for it. I am the kinda person that likes the ROPS as a safety thing since i live on hilly land and dont want to take any chances.

I remember my old John Deere 455, that did not state anything even with FEL on it...Just saying all this is not need with common sense...Oh, the common sense is not common..