ROPS Modification and Lights

[Gomer]

Hey, Cool I don't have a backhoe!

 

[Glowplug]

Hey, Cool I don't have a backhoe!

Too funny!! I'm glad you're still here and didn't go crawl off into some corner like I would have.

 

[tydp]

...I kept saying I wasn't going to intrude into this thread, but in the end I guess I couldn't resist. It's been said that by shortening the ROPS Gomer's tractor is less safe that it was. It makes for interesting reading, and I'm not complaining at all - but Gomer has taken a fair amount of grief over his ROPS modification. So I felt that a counterpoint was in order.

According to the Kubota specs, the fixed ROPS version of the 2630 is 11.56" shorter than the folding ROPS version. By looking at the picture, Gomer's ROPS still looks taller than a fixed ROPS version. And he is still using the original material that was designed to carry the rollover load. So if the fixed ROPS is sufficient at 11.56" shorter than the folding ROPS, then why is Gomer's modification so unnacceptable if it's as tall or taller than the fixed ROPS? ...not intended as kindling - just trying to offer a view that hasn't been mentioned.

Amen. I sure couldn't get worked up over this one....it is dangerous just to get on a tractor (or step into a bath tub for that matter) ya'll need to relax.

 

[LBrown59]

1*It is my understanding that the B2630 or B3030 needs to have the taller, folding ROPS if the tractor is equipped with a Backhoe.
If a BH is not going to be used then the shorter, non-folding ROPS is sufficient.
2*I don't believe the extra height is any safer, it just gives the operator more headroom when setting on the BH seat.
3*I prefer the shorter ROPS on my B3030. It fits thru all my doors and I don't have to trim the trees around my yard as high. It is a factory, stock unit so I have confidence it will work as designed if needed.

``````
1*This is correct. As a matter of fact there was a thread about a Kubota dealer having to make good by replacing a short ROPS on a Kubota with the taller ROPS because the tractor was sold with a BH.
2*The taller ROPS certainly is a safety issue / especially with 3 point back hoes. People have been crushed to death with a 3 point hoe and short ROPS combination.
3*I would hope you aren't using a BH on your B3030 with a short REPS. especially a 3 point hoe!

 

[LBrown59]

See page 7 of 22 in the PDF file here - contains dealer order sheets for Kubota B-Series http://www.dot.state.mn.us/equipment/contracts/tr_cpt_utl____shrt%20version/k%20b%20series.pdf

Came up blank on this.

 

[ehchvac]

who knew I was missing another rops cutting paranoia fest.
here is a pic of my cut rops.
I only cut 9 inches out of mine.

 

[Gomer]

who knew I was missing another rops cutting paranoia fest.

best description I've seen.LOL

 

[rdsaustintx]

The more I look at BX's the more I wonder if tall ROPS are a lightning hazard

 

[Ozzphest]

Just an FYI. When my dealer delivered MY BX-2350 I was told that any mods made to the ROPS system (drilling, cutting ) would void the warranty and the dealer would not pick up the tractor for servicing.

 

[Taiser]

What does drilling a hole in a ROPS have to do with a powertrain failure???

I looked through the entire manual and specs before putting lights on mine, aside from not recomending it for safety reasons it never mentions anything about a warranty problem. In my previous life I was an aircraft technologist, specializing in airframe repairs. I can assure you that putting a couple 1/8" hole in the straight areas of the ROPS (not the bent areas mind you) to mount a light will not affect it's strenght! Now if you're putting a dozen 1/2" hole to mount a shotgun rack or something, that's would be a different story, but even then it would be hard to compromise the ROPS just by putting holes in the straight areas. Welding is a different thing altogether because you would be affecting the structure of the steel from heating it, but even then, what would that have to do with an blown valve train for instance???

 

[WayneB]

Just an FYI. When my dealer delivered MY BX-2350 I was told that any mods made to the ROPS system (drilling, cutting ) would void the warranty and the dealer would not pick up the tractor for servicing.

Where in Upstate New York are you located. I can understand a dealer saying you shouldn't do something to the ROPS system, but telling you it would void the warranty and he would not pick up the tractor for service, I think you should of told him just to not unload the tractor and refuse shipment.

I realize that would not ever happen, but I agree with the fact that drilling one or two small holes should not effect the ROPS system. Just look at the size of the holes they (someone) drills in the fold-down ROPS.

I agree with Taiser, he certainly has more knowledge of metal structure than I will ever have. I drilled holes in mine in the straight area and didn't worry about it.

Wayne

 

[Sully2]

What does drilling a hole in a ROPS have to do with a powertrain failure???

I looked through the entire manual and specs before putting lights on mine, aside from not recomending it for safety reasons it never mentions anything about a warranty problem. In my previous life I was an aircraft technologist, specializing in airframe repairs. I can assure you that putting a couple 1/8" hole in the straight areas of the ROPS (not the bent areas mind you) to mount a light will not affect it's strenght! Now if you're putting a dozen 1/2" hole to mount a shotgun rack or something, that's would be a different story, but even then it would be hard to compromise the ROPS just by putting holes in the straight areas. Welding is a different thing altogether because you would be affecting the structure of the steel from heating it, but even then, what would that have to do with an blown valve train for instance???

I guess if a guy wanted to get REALLY hairy with them...drill the hole and then use a standard washer with the identical sized hole in it and have it BRAZED to the surface of the ROPS...thusly making the metal thickness TRIPLE what it was and giving the "hole" that additional re-inforcement. Extreme..sure...but sometimes ya got to fight fire with fire..

 

[ehchvac]

in the case of a folding rops like mine all I would have to do is go and buy the part above the hinge to make it "safe" again.
thats what I would do if I was worried about it.
I am not worried about it.
in fact I am having the urge to go outside right now and drill some more holes in it just to spite the nay sayers.

 

[bialecki]

I always thought they ate their young.

What do you have when you have two lawyers up to their neck in sand?





Not enough of sand!

 

[rdsaustintx]

Now if you're putting a dozen 1/2" hole to mount a shotgun rack or something

Oh Lord. Gonna be pics of ROPS shotgun racks on here by springtime.

(Come to think of it, I'd buy one)

Russell in Texas

 

[Taiser]

Not a doubt in my mind that somewhere, somehow somebody out there has a shotgun rack mounted in his tractor...has to be!

 

[whodat90]

Ah, the warranty scare, one of my favorites. I suggest that anyone that purchases any vehicle or equipment with a warranty familiarize themselves with the magnusson-moss warranty act, and in fact may want to print it up and have laying about whenever you talk warranty with the dealer. Also, whenever a dealer says anything about warranty coverage being void, demand to see it in writing immediately. It's not the dealer's warranty, it's yours, so make sure you know exactly what your rights are.
whodat

 

[Ozzphest]

I believe the dealer was referring more to cutting the top couple of feet off the ROPS, than just drilling holes in it. I agree drilling holes int the ROPS would not change the integrity of it. Not that I would ever cut off the ROPS as the benefits having it outweighs taking it off.