ROPS low clearance warning

[rekees4300]

My JD4300 has a foldable ROPS. The top of the storage shed door is 6" too low for the ROPS unless it is folded. Unfortunately my aging mind is incapable of remembering to fold before entering. This results in damage to the shed's metal exterior and door trim. Did it again today for the 4th time in 10 years! :duh: Thinking there should be a way to mount an alarm on the ROPS that will sound before collision? :bullhorn: Anyone have any experiences, suggestions, or product recommendations for an alarm or other method?

 

[foggy1111]

Mine clears with an inch to spare.

If I was in your shoes I would put the door down when I took the tractor out. That should remind you. :thumbsup:

 

[smstonypoint]

Just an idea for a distinctly "low-tech" solution. Could you mount a small PVC or similar pipe on the tractor somewhere forward of the ROPS? If so, adjust the height of the pipe to match the ROPS.

Steve

 

[Zebrafive]

Just an idea for a distinctly "low-tech" solution. Could you mount a small PVC or similar pipe on the tractor somewhere forward of the ROPS? Adjust the height of the pipe to match the ROPS.

Steve

Or a bicycle flag, old fishing pole, fiberglass driveway marker (spring base), snowplow blade marker.

 

[rekees4300]

Mine clears with an inch to spare.

If I was in your shoes I would put the door down when I took the tractor out. That should remind you. :thumbsup:

I like this low cost, simple solution. :thumbsup: Maybe also put a reminder sign on the door?

 

[rekees4300]

Just an idea for a distinctly "low-tech" solution. Could you mount a small PVC or similar pipe on the tractor somewhere forward of the ROPS? If so, adjust the height of the pipe to match the ROPS.

Steve

That is a concept to consider. Not sure where to mount a pipe without it being in the way. Perhaps some sort of reminder thingy attached to the ROPS would work? Going to give your suggestion some thought, thanks!

 

[Willl]

One of those pet containment systems would work here.

Mount the boundary wire on the door, a switch on the ROPS to turn the thing off and the electrodes in the operator seat.

That should do it.

 

[bcp]

Hang a 4 inch PVC pipe across the top of the doorway, but in front of it a bit.

Clearance Bars | Overhead Clearance

Bruce

 

[tractchores]

I did the same with my car and bikes on the roof rack (ugh). My solution was the put a sign that said 'look up' at the entrance. You could also just put something out every time the tractor leaves the shed to remind yourself to fold it down before going in.

 

[sunnyside360]

Don't feel bad. Many of us have done the same thing. I wound up hanging a bright red tennis ball on the overhead door lock/unlock handle near the door center. Ball hangs down about 24 inches when the door is up --- right in my face at about eye level when I'm on the tractor. Haven't forgot to lower the ROPS since installing the tennis ball.

 

[Steve IA]

That's one of the 1st things I did after getting my 3032e 2 yrs ago. I wired a piece of 1/2" pvc pipe to the grill guard and adjusted it to work as a telltale for upcoming tree branches and door ways. I even spray painted it JD green!

Steve
southiowa

 

[kebo]

Get an old bell and rig it up somehow so it is suspended several feet in front of the doorway, but at the right height to hit the fully raised ROPS. The idea is for the ROPS to hit it, and ring the bell to remind you to lower the ROPS.

 

[roush9799]

I'd hang a pvc pipe across the inside of the door entrance. High enough to clear the folded rops, but it will probably still hit you in the head as you pull in.

 

[aczlan]

Hang a sign from the inside of the door (if a garage door) or from the ceiling inside the door (if a sliding/swinging door) that says "Fold down ROPS before entering"

Aaron Z

 

[Gator6x4]

Young people hang a tennis ball in the center of the door where it will hit them in the face as they are driving in to remind them. Us old folks use a basketball instead of a tennis ball.

 

[ray66v]

I never have to put my ROPS down, because the door to my barn is high enough. However, recently I did have to temporarily move my tractor into my garage, which has a door that is not high enough.

I was backing it in, and right when the hoe went in the door, I remembered that I had to put the ROPS down. I stopped and realized at that moment, how easy it is to forget. I credit this save, at least partly to the fact that I have read so many posts by members who forgot. :alert:

By the fourth hit, I would have to seriously consider just leaving it down.

I lieu of that, how about a sign that says: Wanna Try For #5?.

 

[MoKelly]

You are not alone. I put a tool box in the middle of the door opening that forces me to get off the tractor before entering. Then, I always remember.

MoKelly

 

[foggy1111]

I would think that some enterprising electronics engineer could design an alarm beeper and warning light (installed on your tractor) that would activate when your tractor was within about 30 feet of the door - kinda like a back-up alarm.

I think such an alarm could be sold to LOTS of tractor owners...and maybe quite a few roof-top bikers too.

 

[meburdick]

I like this low cost, simple solution. :thumbsup: Maybe also put a reminder sign on the door?

Don't even need the reminder. Since you'll be getting off of the tractor to open the door, you'll see the ROPS as you turn around to walk back to the machine. Zero dollar investment.

 

[rekees4300]

Young people hang a tennis ball in the center of the door where it will hit them in the face as they are driving in to remind them. Us old folks use a basketball instead of a tennis ball.

Okay hung a tennis ball (don't have basketball) on the door and also will close the door after exiting. With those 2 reminders, hopefully there wont be a 5th time! Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. :thumbsup: