ROPS TOO TALL FOR GARAGE DOOR

[kbm3]

Anyone out there ever shorten their rops in order to get into their garage? I'm well aware of the dangers of not doing it properly, but if done by a professional welder, I see no reason not to take off 2" of total length so that I can get in under cover. Just wondering if anyone else has done this? I have seen them completely cut off before, (which is not wise) but no mention of actually shotening one. Or,has anyone got a plan on how to convert one to a foldable type? Thanks Kerry

 

[DUMBDOG]

You do not show what kind of tractor that you own in your profile. I would never cut or weld on the rops, professional welder or not. If you ever sell the tractor and there is a mishap you will be the one held responsible. Look into buying a factory foldable rops instead.

 

[RoyJackson]

You don't mention what kind of tractor you have (if it has a foldable ROPS option, you could go that direction).
When I got my 790, it was too tall for the garage door. However, I found there was enough adjustment by moving a bracket and adjusting the travel of the door.

I don't know if either will work in your case, but I suggest you investigate those options before you modify the ROPS. For one thing, if it's a new tractor, and you do anything to that ROPS, you'll invalidate your warranty.

 

[JDFANATIC]

I modified the header of my shed so that the 2210 would fit. It all depends on your situation, but try not to raise the bridge, lower the water if possible. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Henro]

The conservative wisdom is to never drill, weld, or even scratch the paint on your ROPS. It is probably wise advice.

That being said, look at factory ROPS. See any welding? I do on mine...

Should you be able to shorten your ROPS like you want to and end up with something as servicable as what you started with, IF THE WELDING DONE IS A STRONG AS THE FACTORY WELD? Why not? It was welded to begin with.

There was a recent thread about a tractor back flip where a young boy was killed. The rops on that tractor had been cut off, but a welder was hired to weld up a replacement, and it was welded to the original base mounts which were still on the tractor. The weld did not fail, nor did the fabricated ROPS. What failed was the mounting point, because some of the original hardware was missing.

Now it could be argued, and we have no way to know the real answer, that if the original hardware that was missing had been there, then the fabricated ROPS might have failed and the boy may have been killed anyway.

But when you stand back and look at your ROPS, if it is the type where there is a weld anyway, and if you cut it at that weld, take a section out, and weld it back together, and if you are lucky enough to employ a welder that is as skilled as the factory welder at producing a strong weld, then my bet is that you should be OK.

There are a lot of IFs in the above paragraphs. IF (whoops, there's another one!) you are willing to bet your life on your welder's skill, why not do it?

The liability issue if you sell the tractor is a separate issue...

Myself, I would not cut a ROPS in the middle and expect it to be as strong as it was in the beginning when welded back together (even though in theory, it might be stronger). But if it was put together in a way that enabled me just to cut it at a weld, and then weld it back together at the same point, I would be willing to do that.

For me the most important consideration would be the original design. Second would be my choice of weldor...

 

[frank_f15]

This is a very touchy and complicated question. ONCE YOU modify the rops you are basically releiving the manufacture of any liability.BUT(AND THIS OPENS THE CAN OF WORMS) most welded joints are stronger than the original.Would i suggest u do it? nope!!!! WOULD I DO IT? MAYBE! A ROPS BY DEFENITION IS "roll over protection system) not dropping from a 3 story building. i have read many things on this site where guys have modified all kinds of things on their tractors, all of which would probably nullify the manufacture 's liability such simple things as changing the recommened tire pressure, welding things on the hst pedal, welding hooks on the bucket. every person must determine what is right and safe. WILL GET OFF MY SOAP BOX NOW. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[JimR]

Can you just lower it to put the tractor away? As Henro and others have stated. If you mess with the ROPs it's your problem now if something goes wrong. Can you modify your garage opening?

 

[jeff_jeff]

One other thing to think about is that in a back-flip or side rollover situation, the length of the ROPS is what keeps the tractor from going over, By shortening, you increase the chances that the tractor momentum will continue and the ROPS will not stop the roll. Off course, two inches probably won't make much of a difference, but as you start to roll down a hill, you might wish you had it......

That being said, if its the only way to get it in the garage, if it were me, I would shorten it. From a liability/moral standpoint, be sure to fully disclose the modification when you sell it.

Jeff

 

[cwave]

How about adding a (lean to) - to an existing barn

Can you lower the floor ?

If it's close to the door height - try driving the front wheels on auto ramps. - Be careful with this idea.

 

[Soundguy]

I believe if he cuts it where there is no weld.. and adds a weld/union.. I'm guessing that is where a side load failure might occour.

Yes the factory rops were welded.. but the eng. calc's were done, and it was made to those specs. thos specs also tak into account the crush zone and safety area.. you cut and lower it, and you are chainging the safety zone. Also.. in a backflip.. some rops are designed to stop a backflip due to length.. and them contacting the ground at a point where the tractors engine/tires cannpt generate enough tractor to complete the flip.. you go shortening the rops a few inches.. and you may change that contact curve, and the tractor may well indeed be able to 'power-over'.

In any case.. it's his tractor. as long as he never ever lets anyone else drive it, or ever sells it.. and he has enough insurance to take care of his familly after he kills himself.( assuming they pay.. as he modified a safety feature.. in effect comitting suicide by directly contribuiting to his own death...kind of a darwin / natural selection issue ..) . it's his business.. not ours.. past giving him these recomendations.

Soundguy