Easier way of pulling down ROPS for storage

[mcmxi]

Hey All,

I just got an L4701 and the ROPS are like 1 or 2 inches too tall to get the tractor in the barn. In any case, I went to take the pin and bolt out and it was a beast to get unscrewed and screwed back in... so much so that my tractor is currently parked outside because I really dont want to spend 20 mins getting the bolts on and off to store the tractor.

So, posting my first post here... becuase I'm 100% there is a trick to making that proccess easier. Do i need to grease that bolt, iuse a tool of some sorts, build a bigger barn? Whats a functional way to get that ROPS up and down but only take a few mins to remove/replace that bolt?

Thanks,
DC

I feel your pain. I had an MX6000 HST for about a year and had to lower the ROPS to get it in the garage. It wasn't a big enough PITA for me to modify the bolts the way @Runs With Scissors did but that sure sounds like a nice solution.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Come on folks you got to think outside the box for situations like this!

It's super simple, lower the tire air pressure till it clears!
The other easy option, if it's a tractor with a loader, lower the floor height!

Make a socket that fits the bolt, and use an impact!
Raise the door height!
Build a bigger barn!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

...
the final solution

buy a shorter tractor !!!

after all we al 'need' another 'excuse' to buy a 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th tractor, right ??!!

 

[RBsingl]

Kubota may feel the ROPS folding needs to be faster/simpler with the F series mowers. My F2690 folds quickly; unscrew tension knobs a turn, remove cotter key, pull pin and fold. The knob supplies enough tension through a plate to prevent any slack/rattle in the system.

Rodger

 

[RalphVa]

I run the B2601 in the 45 degree position: fits under garage doors and still acts as ROPS.

 

[ctfjr]

Like others have mentioned. I had my son machine down 2 pins.

post 8014

Rops Post

 

[Alfred_2345]

If the ROPS is putting pressure on the bolt, it can make it hard to turn. I find that by pushing/pulling on ROPS while trying to turn the bolt, it will free up and make it easier to turn.
To make sure its not the bolt/nut, screw the bolt in with the ROPS down (i.e. not in the way). It should turn freely. If not, chase the threads with tap and tie.

 

[the4hornes]

On my L2501, I use a cordless impact driver with a 11/16 socket to quickly remove the bolt on the ROPS. I put a small amount of grease on the threads for easier removal. I had to modify the cable keepers due to their weird routing. I put a traffic cone in front of the garage door whenever I put the ROPS up to prevent me driving in with it up.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

On my L2501, I use a cordless impact driver with a 11/16 socket to quickly remove the bolt on the ROPS. I put a small amount of grease on the threads for easier removal. I had to modify the cable keepers due to their weird routing. I put a traffic cone in front of the garage door whenever I put the ROPS up to prevent me driving in with it up.

I also considered this.

Until I was trailering it to my daughters house one rainy morning and wanted to stop at McDonalds drive thru unexpectedly.

Having to get out and fight with those damn bolts in the rain cemented the whole "No tools-quick release" idea.

 

[The Evil Twin]

I had the same issue on my 2501, bolt was super tight. I ran a tap through it a couple times and now I can easily unscrew it by hand. Didn't want a pin in there figuring it would rattle and drive me nuts.

That is exactly what I did! Used a thread chaser on the nut and on the bolt. Added a little anti seize and its good.

 

[ve9aa]

On my L2501, I use a cordless impact driver with a 11/16 socket to quickly remove the bolt on the ROPS. I put a small amount of grease on the threads for easier removal. I had to modify the cable keepers due to their weird routing. I put a traffic cone in front of the garage door whenever I put the ROPS up to prevent me driving in with it up.

I have 4 big 8.5"x11" paper 'signs' hanging off the inside of the garage door, which look like nothing at all when standing inside the garage, door closed. (just looks like 4 pcs of blank paper)

but

when I back in, door up, the signs hang down(gravity) and in size 100 font, it says "fold down rops dummy!"

I did this after the first time I bumped into the house with the ROPS up (which I swore I would never do!)

 

[Benhameen]

Same thoughts as wolf man

Make a socket that fits the bolt, and use an impact!
Raise the door height!

I got lucky and figured out if I disconnected the garage door opener the door would open enough for mine to fit.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I adjusted the 'up' limit of my GDO so door clears my 'sunshade' notaROPS' by 1/2".
A LOT easier than trying to find the impact in the garage !!

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I adjusted the 'up' limit of my GDO so door clears my 'sunshade' notaROPS' by 1/2".
A LOT easier than trying to find the impact in the garage !!

After knocking my garage door off the track.......... TWICE (please insert 2 minute profanity laced tirade, with neighbors looking out the widow and dialing 91_ in anticipation of witnessing a heinous crime, here)........ I did the same thing.....works great at home.

 

[fried1765]

I modified mine by leaving it down.

I "modified" mine,...... by removing it, and storing it in the barn!

The tree branches did not like it....
and...it did not like the tree branches.

 

[Springer]

I only have about 50 hours experience. I used to have to tap my pins in and out with a little ball-peen. It is finally loosening up where I can get it in and out by hand.

 

[country_hick]

If you want to use a pin but the pins you can buy are either to small (and will rattle) or to big (so they will not fit) just buy the one that is to big. Go to a friendly machinist and have those pins made smaller so they will be the exact size needed to perfectly fit in the hole. Take the rops with you so the machinist can measure the hole size. it may cost $20 to modify a $6 pin but in the end you have exactly what you want and need. You will need to paint the downsized pin unless the machinist can plate it with something.

 

[country_hick]

The cheap option View attachment 98733
The more satisfying option
View attachment 98734

The second one will not work to raise the height of a garage door. The first one could do it.

 

[RichOzz]

I used the cranks from an old set of pump jacks. Drilled a hole and connected with small screws, washers and nuts. Tethered to clip with crimped wires. turns of the crank gets it done.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Been considering turning mine around so it bends forward, redrill holes so it’s at an 45 degree angle forward. Anyone try this? Not sure it can be done though.