ROPS Folding

[lzicc]

I am waiting for my B2650 to get delivered this Wednesday. I will have to fold the ROPS down in order to get it in my garage. Does anyone have any ideas on how to modify the ROPS where it folds to make it easier to raise and lower? I know from previous Kubota's, you had to unscrew the ROP bolts to fold it then screw them back in to raise it. I would be nice to have some kind of pin I could put instead to make it easier. Any idea's?

 

[Lilguy]

I just bought a 2601 TLB. The ROPS is pinned.
What's different on the 2650?

 

[TMGT]

Shouldn't be any, just a pin. The only screw portion on it would be the anti rattle knobs but my tractor didn't come with them and I wouldn't use then anyways if it did.

 

[wagne223]

I have an L2501 and the foldable ROPS has threaded bolts with hair pins.

Only part of the tractor I don't like!

Have not had time to modify it to a pin style.

 

[wagne223]

My plan is to remove the welded on nut or drill it out so I can slide a pin through.

 

[TMGT]

I have an L2501 and the foldable ROPS has threaded bolts with hair pins.

Only part of the tractor I don't like!

Have not had time to modify it to a pin style.

Can you post a picture? The last L2501 I looked at had the same pins for the ROPS as my B2620.

 

[RjCorazza]

I replaced the oem pins on my Kubota zd mowers with AviBank style quick release ball bearing pins. They are equally effective, and convenient.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Simple pins are as functional as the OEM threaded ones if you can put up with the rattle. I had to tap wooden shims in the yoke to silence it on my L3010. I used 1/2" scaffold pins which have a pivoting tab on the end that folds down to hold them in place. Due to the hassle, I gave up the pin idea on my newer machines and stayed with the OEM setup. Unlike the OP though, I only have to fold the ROPS when putting it up on the lift for service.

 

[lzicc]

It will be coming today. I know my previous Kubota's had a pin with threads which is a pain to undo every time.

 

[wagne223]

Can you post a picture? The last L2501 I looked at had the same pins for the ROPS as my B2620.

I can later today.

 

[wagne223]

Can you post a picture? The last L2501 I looked at had the same pins for the ROPS as my B2620.

 

[lzicc]

My B2650 arrived yesterday and they are only pins holding the hinge. That makes my job easier.

 

[ray66v]

Simple pins are as functional as the OEM threaded ones if you can put up with the rattle.

I have used "O" rings on the pin, to take up the slop.

If you have to push the pin a little, to get the retaining clip on, it will be tight enough that it won't rattle.

 

[smstonypoint]

Any ideas as to why Kubota doesn't choose to standardize on either pins or bolts across models?

Steve

 

[psvines]

Not to rub it in, but I'm so glad my Bx2660 ROPS doesn't fold and clears my garage door by an inch. I know it's always up and doing its job. And the tree branches in the way get removed soon after they are in the way.

 

[clarky711]

I just ground the threads down on my 'bolts' and use the same cotter pin. No need to buy something new.

 

[mdhughes]

Any ideas as to why Kubota doesn't choose to standardize on either pins or bolts across models?

Steve

Steve,
I think it has to do with the weight of the tractor and the need for the clamping pressure of the bolt compared to a pin just holding the ROPS in place. I don't think it is a good idea to replace the bolts with pins. The ROPS was designed and tested with the bolts. Replacing the bolts with pins will change the structure of the ROPS and lessen the chances that it will protect you if the tractor rolls. It will also remove any responsibility from Kubota if you are killed in the roll-over.

 

[TMGT]

Steve,
I think it has to do with the weight of the tractor and the need for the clamping pressure of the bolt compared to a pin just holding the ROPS in place. I don't think it is a good idea to replace the bolts with pins. The ROPS was designed and tested with the bolts. Replacing the bolts with pins will change the structure of the ROPS and lessen the chances that it will protect you if the tractor rolls. It will also remove any responsibility from Kubota if you are killed in the roll-over.

Is it that or maybe just how they approach the anti rattle issue?
I've seen heavier tractors with just pins for the ROPS and with the kubota design i don't see where it would need the clamping action otherwise.

 

[John Fitzgerald]

I'm always concerned I will forget to fold down the ROPS and tear up the garage and ROPS. I leave it folded down if I am doing some routine task on flat ground.

 

[wagne223]

I just ground the threads down on my 'bolts' and use the same cotter pin. No need to buy something new.

I was thinking that! Since you did it, I think I will too!
Thanks for that.