ROPS RECALL BY JD

[Cheyenne]

I think you need to get out your Physics 101 textbook. It's not about the strength of the ROPS involved in a rollover---it's all about cantilevered loads that were NOT involved in the design stress calculations. Also, weldments that have 100% penetration with no inclusions are generally not considered weak welds. What is weak (weaker than the parent metal) is the heat-affected zone surrounding the weld.
Incidentally, a 200 lb distributed snow load on a canopy would be over limits on my 4520, which is limited to a 100 lb canopy (ref page 2 of 4120, 4320, 4520, 4720 Operator's Manual).
This post is not intended to offend anyone.

 

[RayDiers]

I also received that recall. My leter said to place a supplied sticker on the rops that warned of the canopy problem and to get the rops replaced if you intend to add a canopy.

Ray

 

[Johnagain]

Stuart,
When did you recieve your recall? I have still not gotten a letter from John Deere and I just installed a canopy last night. I couldn't find anything on their website either.

 

[joecdeere]

you may not have gotten a letter because you tractor didn't fall under the serial number which was affected. If you are not sure, please call your dealer and ask to speak to the service manager!

Here's what it said and a list of the serial numbers it involved

PRODUCTS AFFECTED:

All 4200, 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600, and 4700 Compact Utility Tractors (CUT’s) without Cabs

For reference, they are within the following serial number ranges:

LV4200C120001-LV4200C426650
LV4200H120002-LV4200H422668
LV4300C130002-LV4300C435554
LV4300H130002-LV4300H433137
LV4300S130002-LV4300S437200
LV4400H140004-LV4400H442224
LV4400S140005-LV4400S446400
LV4500C150001-LV4500C450087
LV4500P150001-LV4500P453965
LV4600C160002-LV4600C464068
LV4600H160003-LV4600H461133
LV4600P160004-LV4600P466335
LV4700H175001-LV4700H270931
LV4700P170001-LV4700P276239

IMPORTANT: This PIP does NOT affect:

4100 Models of the 4000 Series CUT’s

4000 Series (4200-4700) CUT’s with Cabs

4000 Ten Series (4210-4710) CUT’s

4000 Twenty Series (4120-4720) CUT’s

3000 Twenty Series (3120-3720) CUT’s


SITUATION:

If the ROPS is equipped with a canopy or sunshade assembly, which is not approved by Deere, the upright tubing could fail at the base plate. The extra weight of a canopy or sunshade increases strain on the weld between the ROPS tubing and base plate. The weld could fatigue and develop hairline cracks under the paint. These cracks may not be detected by visual observation. The overhead assembly could fall on the operator or the ROPS structure may not provide adequate rollover protection.


CORRECTION:

SOME UNAPPROVED CANOPIES OR SUNSHADE ASSEMBLIES LOOK VERY SIMILAR TO JOHN DEERE CANOPIES OR SUNSHADE ASSEMBLIES. THEREFORE, FOR ALL tractors equipped with a canopy or sunshade assembly, the dealer must replace the ROPS with a new reinforced ROPS. For tractors not equipped with a canopy or sunshade assembly, a warning label must be applied to the ROPS. Customers and Dealers will each receive a mailing that includes warning labels and instructions to install the applicable label. The mailing also requests the customer to call their dealership for the installation of a new ROPS if they have a canopy or sunshade assembly.

IMPORTANT: ROPS without an overhead assembly have adequate strength for rollover protection and do NOT require the new ROPS.

 

[Johnagain]

Thanks for clearing this recall up for me. I was just going from previous posts that all the rops were being recalled on the 4200-4700 tractors. The serial numbers you listed were a very big help and I'm glad to know that mine is not listed in the recall!

 

[pat32rf]

I got the letter a month ago and have a homemade plywood "sunshade" that is supported in the front by an angle iron frame down to the FEL towers. It also "shades"me from falling branches, rain, snow etc and makes a great platform for trimming branches or changing light bulbs in the barn. It holds my radio and cigarette lighter/power outlet, front and rear work lights. Last week we moved a 20x14foot shed roof about 200ft around a house to use it for a carport, balanced on the "sunshade" and FEL bucket. I have every confidence in the ROPS but intend to have it changed- JUST IN CASE! Pat