ROPS drilling

[Svphelan]

It seems like the prevalent opinion is to avoid welding onto or drilling into the rops.

What is the reason? Does it degrade the strength of the bar?

Seems like a prime place to weld some brackets for work lights and to drill a 1/4" hole to hide some wiring.


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[85Hokie]

It seems like the prevalent opinion is to avoid welding onto or drilling into the rops.

What is the reason? Does it degrade the strength of the bar?

Seems like a prime place to weld some brackets for work lights and to drill a 1/4" hole to hide some wiring.


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Rather than weld and take the chance of damaging the ROPS or drilling hole in it, use some U shape clamps! Works well and can be removed

https://www.amazon.com/TowZone-8683...e=UTF8&qid=1506391956&sr=8-5&keywords=U+bolts

 

[twomany]

Nothing wrong with clamp ons, And nothing wrong with drilling or welding as long as it's done right.

If you don't know what "right" looks like, Don't mess with things.

Wrecks don't make exceptions for innocence.

 

[whitetiger]

It seems like the prevalent opinion is to avoid welding onto or drilling into the rops.

What is the reason? Does it degrade the strength of the bar?

Seems like a prime place to weld some brackets for work lights and to drill a 1/4" hole to hide some wiring.


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The ROPS was designed and tested as is. Any welding or drilling MAY change the integrity of the ROPS in a roll over. You can modify your ROPS for your own use, but let someone else use the tractor and have the ROPS fail = lawsuit. Many times when you try to trade a unit with a modified ROPS, they will deduct the price to replace it.

 

[dandeman]

From a structural perspective and safety welding on the ROPS would be equivalent to welding on a non heat treated frame of a vehicle. If it's heat treated steel, it's an order of magnitude different subject.

You need to know the material it's made from and use techniques to avoid introducing stress concentration points that could lead to cracking. In today's world I have to agree with whitetiger's advice above.

Just for perspective thought.....
One of the best sources I ever found years ago on frame welding was published by Australia Department of Transportation.. I don't think they still publish that information and a recent check of their site indicates any frame modification must be reviewed and approved by a registered engineer. Unauthorized welding on a commercial vehicle heat treated steel frame found during a DOT inspection is a serious offense and the vehicle can be impounded from further road use.

 

[TM9311]

What are the thoughts on using existing holes. I sandwiched a plate under the two main bolts that holds mine together at the top.