ROPS and my apple trees

[starbrightsteve]

I had a John Deere 240 that I used to mow grass with . I sold it and got a Kubota BX2380 with a belly mower. The problem I now have is trying to mow under my apple trees. I can’t get within 4 feet because the folded rops hits so many branches. I was considering removing the rops, cutting it shorter and welding the pivot point back on. What do you folks think of that idea. Any other suggestions?

 

[Grouse09]

Less work to fire up the weed eater.

 

[oosik]

I don't like your idea of fiddling with the roll bar. Mow where you can - use the weed whacker under the trees.

 

[MossRoad]

I had a John Deere 240 that I used to mow grass with . I sold it and got a Kubota BX2380 with a belly mower. The problem I now have is trying to mow under my apple trees. I can’t get within 4 feet because the folded rops hits so many branches. I was considering removing the rops, cutting it shorter and welding the pivot point back on. What do you folks think of that idea. Any other suggestions?

Rear finish mower or brush cutter and back under the trees. Leave the ROPS as it is.

 

[Thomas]

If you trade BX good chance dealer give you less for ROPS being shorter.

 

[hube2]

I round up a space around the bottom of my trees so they do not need to be mowed. Not huge, maybe a foot.
When I got my new tractor I cut off the lowest limbs of the tress.
I can mow it all in I drive between the branches that are left, lots of forward and backward.

I would not modify the ROPS.

One of the reasons I went with the tractor I got was the height, or lack thereof, of the ROPS.

Maybe you can get a shorter one designed for the tractor that does not need to be modified.

 

[fishheadbob]

Look for an offset mower.

 

[KennyG]

Trim the trees, clear the ground under them, add about 6 inches of cheap mulch.

 

[Jchonline]

Please do not cut your ROPS. The height is usually specific for the dimensions of the tractor to protect you (with seatbelt on) if a roll were to happen. If you cut it, it will probably be useless. I would mow with it down (no seatbelt) if you dont care about safety (but you should), or use other options suggested in posts above.

 

[Smokeydog]

B26 has 4 post ROPS and canopy. 6’ Rear finish mower works good in our orchard, grapes, blueberries and landscaping. Wife does most of the mowing. Carefully backing up to trim where needed. Hadn’t started a weed eater in 10 years.