ROPS and my apple trees

[starbrightsteve]

Thanks to everyone for your comments, ideas and suggestions. I’ve decided to not modify the ROPS partly because it would require the most effort. My friend Bob the retired pipe fitter/welder would have to find the time to do the cut and fit. He’s retired now and just has a hard time finding the time. So, I’ll mulch, string trim a bit but I won’t trim branches. The trees are semidwarf and a lot of the fruit is down fairly low. I’m not buying another machine or implement.
I’m surprised folks brought up the issue of trade in value. I just sold a 14 year old L2800 for pretty close to what I paid when I bought it new. The Kubota dealers wanted to give me $4000 less than I sold it for. But.. I guess if I had cut the ROPS on the L2800 that would have been an excuse to offer me 3 or 4 thousand for the tractor. Dealers are always looking for an excuse to make more easy money.

 

[MossRoad]

We have a hydraulic mower on the FEL arms of our PowerTrac. It allows me to get 4' under things very easily. A rear finish mower would be nearly as good. A brush hog would reach even further.

I know you don't want to purchase another implement, however, if you run across a deal on one of those, you might reconsider.

 

[BORNIN1948]

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?

 

[BORNIN1948]

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?

If you live on flat ground and don't lift things that could tip you over you don't need it in my opinion. They unbolt.

 

[ruffdog]

Our newest local apple orchard has dwarf trees that are much lower than even normal apple trees. Even a garden tractor would be hitting branches, especially when laden with fruit. My old Yazoo mower sat real low and had a front deck too and was great under branches. Ferris now makes them and are called the Procut S.

ProCut™ S Front Mount Lawn Mower | Ferris

 

[Ghost River Retrievers]

Sickle mower.

 

[CoyotKid]

How about something like this?

Discussion of how it was built: https://simpletractors.com/forums/topic/26087-ditch-mower/

 

[prairiegirl]

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?

We just bought a small Kubota that had that done. If you are -or know- a good welder, it can be done. Make sure it is still tall enough to do something. Maybe the top-end of the ROPS needs to be extended.

 

[jeffgreef]

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?

Mulch under the trees with straw to knock down the weeds and build organic mulch.

 

[tbutman]

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?

I had to do the same when I upgraded from my 332 JD diesel to my 670 JD... and for the same reason. No Regrets. It's Yours, Make it work for YOUR situation. BTW my ROPS wasn't removable or I'd have just done that.