Does Your ROPS Wiggle

[rancher1524]

Just finished my 400 hour service on my 2016 B3350SU. I was looking at the area under the PTO shield and noticed a bolt laying below the PTO shaft. I got out my metric sockets and tried to install the bolt. The threads in the transmission casting were stripped. I tried the bolt next to the stripped one and it was also stripped. I noticed these 2 bolts were some of the bolts that hold the ROPS to the tractor. I shook the ROPS and it wigged about 1/4 inch. I checked the other 10 bolts that hold on the ROPS and all were loose. 1 bottom bolt was missing.

Is there a warning to check the ROPS bolts to make sure they are at the proper torque every so many hours. I can not find anything in my manual about checking the ROPS Bolts..

The dealer is checking with Kubota on how to repair the 2 striped threads in the transmission case.

 

[mickeyd]

What I am wondering is, if it came that way to start with. That is the ONLY way that I can see for the threads in the transmission casting to be stripped. Too much torque when putting the ROPS on the tractor.

My 2013 L3200 still has all tight bolts and the the ROPS won't bulge any and that is even after I rolled it on it's side and the ROPS saved me.

 

[shootem604]

I wonder if they will replace the casting, or just helicoil the stripped holes.

 

[rentthis]

Is there room to drill and tap for a bigger size bolt?

 

[rancher1524]

Is there room to drill and tap for a bigger size bolt?

You would have to drill out the ROPS mounting. I understand that drilling the holes larger in the ROPS would not be a good idea. I am sure that Kubota will have the dealer install Helicoils

 

[Eldubya]

My ROPS was loose and shaking around from day 1. All bolts are tight and snug, it's just the design of the thing. (B7800) I just made a couple of wedges out of hardwood and tapped them into the gaps at the hinge point and Viola! No more noise and rattling around. No drilling or messing with the integrity of the bars. Problem solved.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I would think the only legal remedy is to put a new case on it, as any alteration on the original design would leave it compromised and a huge possibility for a lawsuit.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

And Like I said per your other thread there are 14 bolts that hold the ROPS on.
If it stripped out 2 bolts the others are not in it!