ROPS Tubing: Drilling Holes

[npalen]

Have you not heard of recycling?

 

[Baby Grand]

I probably shouldn't ask but I've learned so much on this forum. Why do you fold it? I just toss it in and flush it.

So you can use it again.
Now go wash your hands.

 

[Bird]

There could be also be issues if you go to trade tractors . I doubt if anyone would even notice , but you never know .

I drilled four quarter inch holes, two on each side, in the ROPS of my 1995 Kubota B7100 to mount a homemade canopy, and when I traded it in to the original dealer for a 1999 B2710, I left that canopy on it, and no mention was made of it.

 

[yelbike]

I didn't want to drill holes in mine, so I removed it. Its Ok, I made a replacement one out of engineered lumber and painted it to match. I have not had any problems, I have not rolled over yet.

Seriously; I had mine cut on my JD2305, made it folding. When I was thinking about trading, I talked to a dealer about it. He said no worries, its used. They can not be held liable, it can be seen upon the new customers inspection. BTW the welding was done by qualified, certified weld shop. Cost was $300 with receipt and certificate for the ROPS or $200 without. No certificate for me I guess.

 

[moriboy]

While I agree that drilling a few holes wouldn't weaken anything, what about the corrosion that will occur down the road? I live in oregon, if you have bare metal, you have rust. Maybe it begins to form inside the tubing and years later does make a weakened area.

 

[mjncad]

I doubt very much that the manufacturers paint the inside of the ROPS to minimize rust beginning where one can't see it. Out of sight, out of mind. Now if someone knows for certain they dip-prime the ROPS the way car manufacturers do their car bodies, then I'll stand corrected and make note of learning something new.

 

[4shorts]

I doubt very much that the manufacturers paint the inside of the ROPS to minimize rust beginning where one can't see it. Out of sight, out of mind. Now if someone knows for certain they dip-prime the ROPS the way car manufacturers do their car bodies, then I'll stand corrected and make note of learning something new.

I'm with you on this. No paint or primer inside the tube. I don't see anything wrong with a few small holes drilled in a ROPS or even a small spot weld to hold a bracket in place but that's only my opinion

 

[JerryK]

I put two 1/4-20 holes, a 3/8-16, and a couple grommeted wire holes in mine when I installed my LED work lamps and beacon. I sleep pretty good at night, too.... I am a born modifier... I admit to numerous modifications to just about everything I have.... I suffer from an extreme case of ' it's mine and I will do with it what I want ' syndrome.... I have bundles of wires running from the front to rear of my 2001.5 Dodge Cummins. Sorry, just can't change an old farts way.......

 

[PILOON]

A nice neat round hole* would not weaken the roll bar. Square with sharp corners is another thing.
Examples are aircraft wing spars, they are full of round holes.
Engineered floor trusses is another example.

* within limits; 3/8" in 2 " tube would be insignificant while 1.5" in a 2" would be a disaster.

 

[PILOON]

Good lord people get a grip, they will be printing instructions on toilet parer for some of you next!

L.O.L., my sentiments exactly.
Now to wax my tractor.........