Did anyone ever remove the ROPS because it gets in the way? I was thinking about it. I mainly use my BX for mowing and my land is flat. The ROPS got in the way and hit a tree the other day..and when mowing I hit a lot of low hanging limbs. I have the FEL but I don't see how I would ever tip over doing light loader work on flat land. When I have a load in the bucket I also keep the load low when moving around anyway.
BX1870 and ROPS
- Thread starter dgreen215
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North Idaho Wolfman
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Many a injured or dead tractor operator had said those same words before their accident!
I NEVER Recommend someone remove the ROPS, it's just not a good Idea!
Just trimming the low branches could save your life!
If your model doesn't have a foldable ROPS look into seeing if they make one for your model, it's a much better choice than removal!
I'm surprised the "powers that be" have not deleted the post about modifying the ROP. I've done this on two tractors to be able to get in the garage. No problems, yet my post on describing this a while back was deleted..
Also another tractor came with no ROP. The tractor is used for mowing sloping ground. However, with a belly mower the center of gravity is lower and I have had no problem with up-hill drive wheels losing traction, the first sign of a dangerous situation. No front end loader on this one.
Also another tractor came with no ROP. The tractor is used for mowing sloping ground. However, with a belly mower the center of gravity is lower and I have had no problem with up-hill drive wheels losing traction, the first sign of a dangerous situation. No front end loader on this one.
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RCW
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I also will be considering the removal of the ROPS. I currently own a Kubota GR2120 garden tractor and am in the process of trading it for a new 1870. I will be using the 1870 primarily for mowing 2 acres and possibly pulling a harrow. All on flat land (I live in south Ga.). If I decide to remove the ROPS is it fairly easy? I also looked at John Deere and some of their garden tractors are bigger than the 1870 and do not have ROPS.
I would not remove nor disable any safety device on my equipment. First off pain hurts more now days, secondly anyone that operates that equipment is a potential lawsuit waiting to happen. Look out for Hookum, Cheatum, and Howe. I could go on and on but it is best to CYA. (Cover Your ___)
gpreuss
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Just what my brother did with my L185 ( shown in my avatar). My home-made ROPS saved him from serious grief. Another time, the wheels slid into a ditch, and she toppled. ROPS is a good thing to have, even if you don't think you'll ever need it.
Guys I have to pipe in here, and I know Im singing to the choir. I have investigated a bunch of roll overs, where there were some just scuffs and other fatalities. Modifying the ROPS can be done sure, but Lord forbid you roll it over and something really nasty happens if the ROPS collapses.
I investigated an accident where a Cat dozer had a home made ROPS, it was done right hydro formed bends and the welds done by a guy that knew how to weld things like this, problem was the operator rolled it over a spoil bank and one end crushed under the weight of the dozer and the rolling action going over backwards, and he died. His life insurance company would not pay his family because the ROPS was not certified by a PE.
Another was a modified ROPS, and when the family took the company to court for damages they lost, why because the ROPS had been modified and not certified by a PE.
All Im saying guys is yes the ROPS is a PIA a lot of times but should you go to hacking and welding on it the ROPS is no longer certified to do what it was meant to do.
Remember Murphy's law,, any thing that can happen, will happen and usually does when you least expect it.
Thus ends this mornings sermon
I investigated an accident where a Cat dozer had a home made ROPS, it was done right hydro formed bends and the welds done by a guy that knew how to weld things like this, problem was the operator rolled it over a spoil bank and one end crushed under the weight of the dozer and the rolling action going over backwards, and he died. His life insurance company would not pay his family because the ROPS was not certified by a PE.
Another was a modified ROPS, and when the family took the company to court for damages they lost, why because the ROPS had been modified and not certified by a PE.
All Im saying guys is yes the ROPS is a PIA a lot of times but should you go to hacking and welding on it the ROPS is no longer certified to do what it was meant to do.
Remember Murphy's law,, any thing that can happen, will happen and usually does when you least expect it.
Thus ends this mornings sermon
Copy!! Will not be removing the ROPS although it makes the tractor look silly!! Thanks for the input!!
I am in the process of trying to change my ROPS out. I want to buy the ROPS from a bx1860, which are still showing on the Kubota page. The local dealer says they look like a mounting match but when he went to order them, the computer wouldn't let him do it so he is going to call tomorrow.
I can't stand the ROPS that came with my 1870 and if I had thought about it more, wouldn't have even bought a Kubota because of them. My orchard is on a slope so the ROPS are always hitting the trees.
I mean, come on, why do they need to be so high and wide? I prefer the older style.
What Kubota is doing is forcing me to take my ROPS down to the machine shop and modify them instead of letting me just buy a small size ROPS.
I want to have ROPS installed, just not how they are now.
I can't stand the ROPS that came with my 1870 and if I had thought about it more, wouldn't have even bought a Kubota because of them. My orchard is on a slope so the ROPS are always hitting the trees.
I mean, come on, why do they need to be so high and wide? I prefer the older style.
What Kubota is doing is forcing me to take my ROPS down to the machine shop and modify them instead of letting me just buy a small size ROPS.
I want to have ROPS installed, just not how they are now.
Mine does the same thing in the orchard but I just took everything off ROPS high, of course it took a broken arm to figure out that its easier and faster to cut the limbs off than try to push them out of the way,,
And the answer to your question is LAWYERS and Product liability. They do the best to keep the stupid operators from costing them money and keep the rest of us safe,, even if it is a PIA.
Its only a couple of bolts to take it off if it bothers you that much, and the Orange isn't the only one out there that has the ROPS. Just if you do take it off,,, remember your lovely bride wont get squat out of your life insurance, simply because you circumnavigated a safety device they will turn the claim down, I have seen it happen before. Just MHO
And the answer to your question is LAWYERS and Product liability. They do the best to keep the stupid operators from costing them money and keep the rest of us safe,, even if it is a PIA.
Its only a couple of bolts to take it off if it bothers you that much, and the Orange isn't the only one out there that has the ROPS. Just if you do take it off,,, remember your lovely bride wont get squat out of your life insurance, simply because you circumnavigated a safety device they will turn the claim down, I have seen it happen before. Just MHO
Found a dealer near me that found the older ROPS from an 1860 would go on perfectly. Bought them and they went on perfect. What a change mowing. No more snagging on trees. Anyone want to buy a folding ROPS?
Funny there's no mention of wearing the seat belt. The ROPS ain't much good without the belt secured. The woman from whom I inherited the B7200 died while mowing a field. She bled out and wasn't found for 2 days. As much as i think I don't need the belt she comes to mind as soon as my butt hits that seat.
You pose a very good point! I don't think many use the seat belts to often, and I am as guilty as the rest, getting off and on is a PIA but then putting it on in the truck and getting in and out is a PIA as well but yet that is second nature. Thank you for the reminder!
Have a new 1870 coming on Friday. Hate the look of the ROPS but haven't given it much thought. Anyone know the measurement of it when folded??I forgot to measure the height. I mowed 25 years with my JD 322 and never had even a close roll over with the tires filled and also external weights. I know there is always a first time but I still may take the ROPS off if it doesn't involve much. I almost purchased the GR series but read of the many problems and went up one model.