Roll over protection and sunshades

[e.myers]

I think I need the foldable roll over protection for working around some trees. I also think I'd like some sun screen for working out in the field. If I have a sunshade attached to my foldable roll over protection, what happens when I fold it?

 

[greg_g]

Well the sunshade issue may be academic if you can't find a folding ROPS. How old is your tractor? Cuz since Oct 1976, most tractors (over 20hp) made for use in the USA are sold with ROPS installed. After-market ROPS for pre-76 tractors are rare. And every one of them I've seen - was fixed (not foldable). Or are you planning to fabricate this yourself? If yes, you might want to read this: Roll-over protective structures (ROPS) for tractors used in agricultural operations. - 1928.51

//greg//

 

[jenkinsph]

I would trim the trees with a chainsaw and pole saw about 10 ft high for the larger trees. One is to reduce the chance of tractor and operator injury and second to reduce the fire danger risk. I was amazed how well this polesaw works, I was dreading the job but it was much faster than I ever imagined.
Maxi Long Handle Saw - Florian Saws - Florian Tools

After trimming add on the hard canopy top to your tractor. I think it is a 400 to 500 dollar option which should be available with your tractor order. I purchased one for my older 820 tractor with the front and rear lighting and it bolts to the existing rops on the tractors.


Steve

 

[e.myers]

Have not purchased tractor yet. Tractor already has foldable ROPS. Just wondering if I get a sunshade for it, how it works with the folded ROPS (when it's in folded position).... or if I have to take it off to use the ROPS in folded position.

Older tractor I have has the exhaust that comes out the top middle front of the tractor and it's gotten mangled on numerous occasions. I do use a pole saw along my drive but there is WAY to much property around here to pole saw everything. My boys ride dirtbikes and I need to be able to groom trails, polesawing all that is impossible or at least doesn't seem feasible to me (or worth doing).

Really just want to know if a canopy AND foldable ROPs can make sense. I need both options.

 

[jenkinsph]

I don't think you can have both, skip the canopy idea.


Steve

 

[lungdoc]

My advice is something you might not like becuse it's a lot of work. We have a lot of trails on our property. We have found by far the best solution is to make them wide and smooth enough for a tractor with a bush hog to go down - usually means a fair bit of chainsawing and some work with an excavator to get them smooth. Advantage though is once this is done you can go through the trails quickly and safely. I would be very concerned about going through close enough to trees that a ROPS is a problem - mostly about dislodging a widowmaker branch that then hits you. We use our fibreglass canopy on our 4320 Deere partly for that protection (not perfect but some safety). Can't fold ROPS with the canopy on, there are umbrella shades if sun protection is all you need.

Pole saw is handy - we use a Stihl one. Can ride in back of a vehicle like pickup or (carefully!) a UTV to increase travel speed and reach. Eventually once you get the trail right the canopy is high enough and covers enough that little new will grow - you end up with branches over the road/trail up say 15 feet.

Please ignore if I got wrong what you were trying to do!

 

[greg_g]

Have not purchased tractor yet. Tractor already has foldable ROPS. Just wondering if I get a sunshade for it, how it works with the folded ROPS (when it's in folded position).... or if I have to take it off to use the ROPS in folded position.

Ah, your opening post didn't read anything like that. I understand now. And my answer is that it depends upon the ROPS. Both mine are folding, both have fiberglass canopies. Both fold back with no interference at all. But that's cuz the ROPS hinge stops before the back side of the canopy hits anything.

So I'd go back to the tractor you're considering, and actually fold the ROPS back as far as it'll go. Measure the clearance when it can't move anymore. Then see where the canopy mounts, and how much hangs over the back of the ROPS. If the clearance is greater than the overhang, you're good to go. If not, keep shopping till you find a canopy that works.

But also consider that even if you find a canopy that won't hit anything with the ROPS folded back, it's going to be sticking out behind you like the tail on a wren. In open ground that's not a problem. But maneuvering amongst trees.......?

//greg//

 

[countrybumpkin]

I've been thinking about a canopy to , but had the same thoughts about being able to fold the ROPS with it on. Anyone have pics of a folded ROPS with a canopy attached?

 

[lungdoc]

I'd wonder about the weight as you try to fold it down - might be dangerous and hard to control.

 

[e.myers]

OK. Doesn't sound real functional with a hard shade.
How difficult are they to remove/install.... A couple bolts? 15 mins?

So, what about the umbella types. Yes, sun shade is all I'm really interested in. Don't think Kubota has one. Any aftermarket types people would recommend?

FWIW, I really want to keep the trails as tight as possible. More technical type riding to keep things slowed down. Wide enough for a tractor is really too wide for what I'm trying to accomplish, but narrower means another piece of equipment that I can't afford.