ROPS chatter...

Typhoon · Jul 2, 2004

Hello. Since I have owned my TC29D, the ROPS chatters at the hinge point when I hit bumps (which is constantly). It is pretty loud and annoying. I just wondered if anybody has noticed the same thing, and what you have done to prevent it..
Thanks!

Glenn9643 · Jul 2, 2004

I had a similar problem with my FEL frame rattling while bush-hogging at PTO rpm. The dealer fixed it by welding some thin "shims" to the brackets on each side of the tractor that the FEL frame rests on. This tightened it up enough to stop the rattle, but makes it a little more tedious to remove or put back on. You might do something similar with the joint on the rops? If you don't want to weld it you might find some poly or nylon sheets to press in there to tighten it up.

JerryG · Jul 2, 2004

In addition to Glenn's suggestion, try putting o-rings on both ends of the bolts and pins. The o-rings will tighten them up and stop a lot of rattling.

Typhoon · Jul 2, 2004

To be more specific, its not actually the pins that are making the racket. It is actually the two parts of the ROPS banging together that is so loud. They are not held tightly together so they slam together constantly and its really loud. So loud that I almost need hearing protection because the hinges are about ear-level. I am thinking about possibly pinching some rubber between the two pieces or something similar.
-Brad

spencer200 · Jul 3, 2004

If you do not fold your ROPS tighten the bolts so they are tight and the rattling should stop.

davcon · Jul 4, 2004

My TC29 doesn't chatter. Surprised mine doesn't. I looked at the connection this morning and the right side is too tight to turn by hand and the left is very loose. I can see about 3/8" between the nut and the frame. I'll have to tighten it up today. Then it will probably rattle!

PineRidge · Jul 4, 2004

Had the same problem with my TC-40D but my fiberglass canopy aggravates the situation. Since I don't need to fold my ROPS to get it in my pole barn I eliminated the removable pins and replaced them with grade 8 bolts and nuts. I then tightened it all down and that promptly eliminated my noises.

DavidJ · Jul 5, 2004

I use a thin piece of rubber gasket in the joint. It makes it a bit harder to insert the pins but it sure stops the rattling. I cut the rubber a bit larger than the square tubing of the ROPS. You could even cement the piece to one side so it wouldn't come off when folded.