ROPS Program for Bolens Iseki

[NHmitch]

Thanks! I am working on re painting the tractor, and I just ordered new decals for it. It had been sitting outside for awhile when I bought it, so I have been restoring it, and it is about the most useful piece of equipment we have on our small farm. Below are some photos of how the ROPS mounts on the tractor. Excuse the grime, it needs a good cleaning. The underside is the last part that I am re-painting/restoring. I probably should gave done this part first. The ROPS were the most important piece of equipment I could have bought, and even if I did not have the ROPS program, I would have purchased them. It is a huge expense but you may be able to write it at the end of the year, and possible get reimbursed when they do get a ROPS program, or we ay still be able to find one that you qualify for. I kind of look at like my daughters child seat in the car, I wouldn't let her ride in the car with out it. We have a lot of hills in New Hampshire, but even on flat terrain, you can overturn, especially backwards, if you are towing or dragging something. I am glad to hear that you are interested in outfitting yours with ROPS. The main reason to go with the certified ROPS is that they have stress points, and they are designed to have some give in them when you roll over. I saw a bunch of articles, and photos of homemade ROPS that failed, and the operator was crushed, one case was a 14 year old. Anyways, I hope that this helps a bit! Take care,

Mitch

 

[JoeBuyer]

Very, very nice. I would never have guessed anyone would have made a ROPS for a tractor of this age. This and a wider stance are my top priorities for the Bolens. There isn't a grant package where I live but better safe than sorry. Besides, I really like this little tractor. It will take me a while to save up the money, but it will be worth it. The first time I nearly rolled it, it was on a simple ant hill under the right rear wheel that I didn't see while I was flail mowing in tall grass. The ants build them up to about 18" in height where I live and with this narrow and powerful of a tractor, you are at a tremendous angle in no time. Not to mention if I get too close to the slope near our creek, etc. Thanks for posting these pictures.

 

[creekbend]

I posted this info in another thread relating to ROPS. I thought that it might be useful here also. NCFB -

 

[NHmitch]

Joebuyer:

I hope that you can get the ROPS for your tractor, and I will keep looking for a program to help offset the cost. We had save for a while, and it was hard on on spending the money but I feel so much better now, and I even though I have been promised my check, I have not received anything yet. Still, even if I never get the money back, seeing my daughter grow up, will pay for it self over, and over again.It is very generous of the organizations who fund this, but why can't this be available everywhere? They started testing ROPS in the 60's. Has it not been long enough yet? We bail out the auto industry, and spend millions overseas, but helping keep people safe in a bad economy? Its really just a drop in the hat for the government. Anyways, I will continue to look for you guys, and I think that I am going to write congress, even though it may not do a whole lot, I will feel better than doing nothing in return. Anything I can do to help, please let me know. Take care!

Mitch

 

[Sideways]

NH, did you ever receive your check?
What is the part number for your Hercules ROP?

 

[NHmitch]

I did receive it quite some time ago. They actually usually get the funds right back to you if you do it at the right time of the year. I had done mine over the winter, when the funds were slower to arrive at NYCAMP. This is the link to the ROPS from the company that they had steered me towards. Roll Over Protection Structures / ROPS for Iseki & Bolens There are only two distributors in the US, and they were the less expensive option. Hope this helps a bit..are you thinking about making the purchase? I know that it has made me feel much safer, and I almost rolled the tractor a few weeks ago, and I was very thankful that I had installed the ROPS, because if I had, I know the outcome would have been very bad.

 

[Sideways]

Thanks NH!
Yes, I am seriously thinking about getting one and appreciate the link and info, we will be moving to PA in the near future so the ROPS program might be an alternative.

 

[freedomlives]

They really are a great piece of equipment as long as you use a seatbelt with them, if not they are actually more dangerous.

ROPS are 99% effective in preventing injury or death in the event of an overturn when used with a seatbelt.
ROPS remain 70% effective without the use of a seatbelt.

I don't see how they can be more dangerous without a seatbelt. It is a seatbelt without a ROPS that is more dangerous as there's no chance then of jumping out or getting lucky thrown off the right way.