Resale of modified ROPS tractor

[JerryG]

With all of the talk of late about some members welding, drilling and or otherwise modifying their ROPS, has anyone traded in a tractor to a dealer that has had such a ROPS? I mean one where it is apparent to the dealer that it has been modified?

 

[Bird]

Jerry, when I had the '95 B7100, one of my brothers made a canopy for it just for the shade. He welded up a frame from 1" square tubular steel and stretched a canvas cover over it. Then we drilled 4 quarter inch holes in the ROPS to mount it on the tractor. In fact I guess you could say 8 holes since the four went through both front and back of the ROPS and we used 4 quarter inch bolts, washers, and nuts to mount the canopy. In '99, I traded that tractor back to the dealer for a B2710, and of course the homemade canopy was still on it, and the dealer never even mentioned anything about any modifications. I'm certainly not recommending anyone do something like that, and in fact, if I had it to do over, I've use U-bolts instead, and I don't know whether the dealer sold it as it was or replaced the ROPS, but I suspect it was sold as it was.

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue">I don't know whether the dealer sold it as it was or replaced the ROPS, but I suspect it was sold as it was. </font>
That is what I want to know. It is my understanding that, If the dealer is aware that the ROPS has been modified, that they must replace it. I just wanted to know how many dealers are actually doing this and if they are deducting the cost from the trade-in.

 

[mark777]

Jerry,

The reverse may apply to your question. I purchased my MF 1020 with an 18 ga. galvinized canopy that was obviously hand made. The original owner pan braked all the edges, installed front supports (1" conduit) to the tops of the fenders and over all did a very nice job. But he used self tapping tech-screws about every 2" across the top and sides of the ROPs. Probably 35 or 40 total.

Wonder what that might do to the resale value of my tractor?

***edit*** I forgot to mention that I bought it from a dealer.

Mark

 

[JerryG]

How long ago did you buy the tractor?

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Jerry, just to toss another twist into the mix. When my TC24D was delivered I told my saleman that I wanted to add ROPS lights to my tractor, he told me that on his farm tractors he just drills into the ROPS and he suggested I do the same. His final statement was "you gotta do what you gotta do."

I didn't drill, I came up with a light mounting bar and used marine epoxy to mount it, but . . .

 

[mark777]

I bought it April of last year.
From a Massey Ferguson dealer north of Houston.

 

[RobertN]

I do not think it is as much of an issue as is discussed often here.

My point is I grew up in Jeep's, and around oval track stock cars. Over the years, I have modified Jeep roll bars, added full cages on to existing roll bars, and either made or had made complete new roll bar and cage systems. I have never known a Jeep or Landcruiser that did not have an upgraded or modified ROPS. Some old rigs came without roll bars at all, a lot like my old Farmall-A has no ROPS.

Jeeps and Land-Cruisers, Baja Bugs ect are sold every day, to dealers and private parties. Have been for years. What is the difference between that and tractor/ROPS?

I would agree that not all roll bar mods are done right; I have seen some that I would never think of making. That has been the exception not the rule though.

The race car, drag car, dune buggy ect is a whole lot more on top of all the Jeeps and tractors ect.

 

[JerryG]

Robert,
Your points are well taken, but I want to know what dealers are doing about modified ROPS that are traded in.

 

[RonR]

I'm one of those that would like to have a folding ROPS for my BX2200. Since Kubota does not offer one, and I've checked some aftermarket ROPS builders and so far they don't offer them either, at some point I MIGHT mod mine to make it fold, buy a folding one that I can mod, or build my own. (I know, it is risky and we've discussed it ad naseum here.)

IF I do that, I plan buy a factory standard ROPS from Kubota and remount it to the 2200 at the point I ever sold the tractor. When it leaves my possession, it will be factory original.

Now I might sell the new owner a pile of iron that happens to look like a folding ROPS to fit the 2200, but the tractor I sell will leave my premises factory safe. What the new owner chooses to do is his decision then.

That's my plan anyway.

As far as Jeeps/dune buggies vs tractors, I think there has been more focus on making tractors safer than dune buggies. Not sure why, but manufacturers spend a lot of time/money designing and building ROPS and cabs that withstand roll overs, side impacts, front/back impacts, etc. Probably an OSHA standard they have to meet to have a certified ROPS/ cab.