ROPS Changeout - Folding to Fixed

[gusg]

I got a B7510 with a folding ROPS and decided that I didn't like it (problems with alignment and hassle of folding each time to put the tractor in the garage) and I do not intend on ever getting a BH. Called the dealer and he came out with a fixed ROPS and had it changed in 15 minutes. Only had to replace the top portion. Four large bolts, rear lights to get access to the bottom of the emergency lights, and emergency lights to get the four bolts out had to be removed. I have read a few threads where dealers have said that this cannot be done. My dealer says there is no difference and he changes them frequently (usually fixed to folding). In fact a thread mentioned that the ROPS is matched to the tractor and that the bottom portion also had to be replaced becasue they are different sizes.

Fits perfectly. I would think that anyone who wants a folding ROPS after getting a fixed ROPS should have no problem if the dealer will do it.

 

[Junkman]

The only problem that I see is that the ROPS is serial numbered to the tractor. If the dealer reports this "modification" to Kubota and they approve of it, there is no problem at all. If Kubota doesn't approve of the change and anything ever happens where there is an injury, I can see Kubota saying that they have no responsibility since the tractor isn't as delivered. What are the chances of this happening..... my guess 1 in 10,000, but you just don't want to be that one. If it were me, I would have kept the old ROPS in the event that I sold the tractor and the new owner wanted the folding ROPS and a backhoe. That is why my garage is full......... I save everything for the future, which is now the past.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue">The only problem that I see is that the ROPS is serial numbered to the tractor. </font>
This has been mentioned several times. I'm not saying that it isn't or that they don't or anything, but I am just curious. Does anyone know for sure or has any one ever seen anything in print that this it true.

 

[Junkman]

It is on my BX22 and it must be on the JD tractors also, otherwise, JD wouldn't be able to do the present recall on the ROPS....

 

[JerryG]

Thanks Junk. Either I have been reading these posts wrong all the time or there has been some kind of miscommunication. (More than likely something on my part.)
Each ROPS has a model number and a serial number. The tag with this information is attached to the ROPS of every tractor sold which requires a ROPS in this country. The tag also states what model of tractor the ROPS is allowed to be installed on. I think that we can probably agree on everything that I have said so far.(?) But what I am not connecting with is why can’t a fixed ROPS that has a tag showing that it is to be installed on a BX22MLB not be replaced with a folding ROPS which also states that it is designed for a BX22MLB? If both ROPS are designed for the same model as designated on the tag, why can’t either one be used? There is no tractor serial number, just a model number on the tag. Like I said, I maybe missing something or it is miscommunication somehow.
/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I don't see where it is matched SERIAL number set.

 

[Junkman]

You are correct in all of your statements as far as the ROPS being designed for a particular make and model. The problem arises when the ROPS is removed and reinstalled on another machine. The manufacturer no longer has complete and full knowledge that the ROPS has been installed with the proper grade of nuts, bolts, etc. It is assumed that if it were installed originally at the factory or by the dealer as the original package of the tractor that it does conform to the original standard that it was tested to. Once someone else does the R & R on it, the manufacturer no longer has the ability to know if it were properly installed a second time. I would have no problem with the change from folding to fixed, but I also don't have the liability that goes along with this. As I said originally, if Kubota approves of the change and the change is made by a authorized Kubota dealer, then there is no problem. If the change isn't authorized by Kubota then the dealer is assuming all liability for the ROPS from that day forward. I am in no way questioning the safety of the change, but pointing out the potential liability of the change. It is like drilling a 1/4" hole in the ROPS or welding on the ROPS. In all probability, it will never effect the safety of the tractor or the ROPS system, but it might let Kubota off the hook if something ever happens as a result. Only when that event happens and the lawyers for all sides get involved will the outcome be known for certain. Even then, it will be up to a jury that might not be knowledgeable enough to understand all the ramifications involved. Is there a Jurist in the house that would care to comment on this?????

I liken ROPS changing to the chain of control of evidence in a police investigation. Once the chain has been broken, there is no way to know if it has been tampered with. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[JerryG]

Junk,
Thanks for the detailed response.
This many be one of those times when we will have to agree to disagree. The reason that I say that is because ROPS are routinely removed and replaced at dealers by the dozen daily across the country. During repairs such as internal brake jobs, axle bell replacement, seal replacement, some internal transmission repairs etc as well as the installation of backhoe components the ROPS has to go through R & R (at least the bolts or nuts). If they are routinely R&Red and any dealer has the ability to order for installation, I can't see where any authorized dealer doesn't have the ability to do this without the warranty and the liability still being intact from Kubota or any other tractor manufacture.
Once again, thanks for the response.

 

[Junkman]

Jerry...... I believe that you misunderstood part of my post. It isn't the removal and replacement of the original ROPS that creates the problem, but the substitution of the ROPS of one kind for another. I am certain that dealers R & R ROPS daily, but they don't swap them from machine to machine, like they might do with tires. If they are removed for service and replaced, that doesn't cause a problem. If it is done by a "certified" factory mechanic, that is better, but not necessarily required. The dealerships franchise agreement give the dealer permission to do repairs. If you read your warranty, they specifically exclude any repairs that are done outside of an "authorized" dealer facility.

 

[gusg]

Junkman,

You are right. The switch out of the ROPS was done by my dealer in my garage. I asked the dealer if there were any warranty issues and he said no as long as he changed it.

 

[RonR]

On my BX2200, the ROPS serial number is listed on the bill of sale, just like the BX and all the other implements I purchased. There is a paper trail back to Kubota.

If you model tractor has a foldable and fixed that are both options for it, switching would be less of an issue IMO. For we BX2200 owners, there is no factory authorized foldable ROPS, so anything we would do to mod a BX22/23 ROPS or build our own would be a no-no to Kubota.

For what its worth.
ron (wanting a folding ROPS!)