Rops from Kubota manufactured wrong

[motionclone]

So I got a retrofit Rops direct from the kubota dealer for my L345DT that never came with one. Took 3 weeks and cost $250 which wasnt too bad. ...BUT

I tried to install the kit this evening and found a major manufacturing mistake. Whoever was running the machine that made the bends read the tape wrong or something because one side is an inch longer than the other.

Its not a matter of just redrilling the holes. the left side in pic#1 is an inch taller from about midway up. I would need to cut a 1" piece out of the left side just above the tab and re-weld in order for them to be the same and come together at the top...and for the holes to line up...WTF??

Debating on waiting another couple weeks and 2 hour drive for the replacement or just cut and weld. I got a -new to me- hilly field to mow this weekend.

 

[Redlands]

If it was me it would be sent back. And I do have a welder.

Hmm, could it be left bolted up as is for your one quick hilly mowing job then sent back.........

 

[Russell King]

Don’t take it back! It will fit with some persuasion.

On my L185 it was about the same. I’ll try to find a link to a post where I describe how I got it to work.

Found it - see this link:
http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?p=51566#post51566

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[motionclone]

Don’t take it back! It will fit with some persuasion.

On my L185 it was about the same. I’ll try to find a link to a post where I describe how I got it to work.

Found it - see this link:
http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?p=51566#post51566

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

There is no way the middle piece would ever bolt in. The holes on the left are a full inch higher. I could imaging i could get it to work without that middle pice though with a bunch of force and constant torque on the studs and bolts in my case.

Ive already contacted the dealership by email and actually got an after hours response saying he will call in the AM and make it right.

 

[Russell King]

Good luck. I hope you get one that works out.

You might try to get them to hold onto the current one until you get #2 and match the best halves from both.


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[D2Cat]

On my L305 the ROPS sets on top of the axle on both sides just inside the fender and has a flat plate top and bottom with a couple of large bolts going through.

Here's a picture of the back end before I put the ROPS back on. The ROPS you received looks like it's for a smaller tractor.

 

[CaveCreekRay]

"Heck NO! THAT ain't right!"

Did they give you a discount because its a "one-size-fits-all" kit?
Probably not. You make one mod on that thing and you transfer any liability onto yourself, along with any warranty. I'd haul it back with a smile and a wish for a new one at dealer cost.

That one is scrap.

 

[BillK01]

I’m no help, but I’d love to see some pics of that car you got in your garage!

 

[nickelplated5s]

70's Camaro?

 

[xmikew]

On my L305 the ROPS sets on top of the axle on both sides just inside the fender and has a flat plate top and bottom with a couple of large bolts going through.



Here's a picture of the back end before I put the ROPS back on. The ROPS you received looks like it's for a smaller tractor.

The rops should have the model numbers it can go on on the back plate. I tried zooming in on the ops but can’t make it out. Seems like it’s common to have an issue with these rops. I ended up slotting my holes in the back plate to make it work for my l1500

- Mike



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[skeets]

Where ever you got it should be called and ears burning,, never never NEVER mod a ROPS

 

[motionclone]

OK Guys, the salesman that I bought it from called me first thing this AM and Kubota is replacing the ROPS and I dont have to return the crap one. They are out of stock though and sales guy couldnt give me an ETA so that sucks.

Just going to remove and go without for a while I guess but Its been like that since the 80s so I guess ill be ok, wifes not happy though.

 

[motionclone]

70's Camaro?

I***8217;m no help, but I***8217;d love to see some pics of that car you got in your garage!

Its a '77 that I converted to a '70 SS Baldwin Motion clone during a rotisserie restoration.
468big block, M21 Muncie 4spd, 4.10 gears, 4into1 sidepipes.

 

[skeets]

My my my,,, you boys and your hot rods,,,, Looks real nice!!

 

[motionclone]

never never NEVER mod a ROPS

Is it because the units are heat treated after bending/welding or something?

 

[skeets]

It is because of many small details, and if nothing happens then it doesnt matter.
Where you run into problems is, if something does happen,God forbid.

In a past life I have investigated some rollovers where the ROPS have failed, had to issue papers, do testing and reports, and spend time in court.
And the only ones I have ever seen, that the INS companies didnt win, were ones where the ROPS was factory and NEVER TOUCHED, or modified in anyway, even drilling a weep hole in the bottom of the tube will, in the eyes of the court, remove all responsibility from the manufacturer.

They will start out with, was the person that mod'ed it or built it a certified welder, then was the person that designed it a PE , did they do a computer program on stresses, were static tests done, were dynamic tests done when where and the list goes on and on. And all the while some poor woman with kids will lose everything because the Ins company will not pay off,, I have seen it more than once.
Many poo poo what I say and thats OK its your toy play with it however you wish, I have just seen things go sideways to the point of no return to often. Sorry I didnt mean to get on the long winded side, I just want you to stay safe

 

[BillK01]

That Camaro is beautiful!

 

[mikester]

So I got a retrofit Rops direct from the kubota dealer for my L345DT that never came with one. Took 3 weeks and cost $250 which wasnt too bad. ...BUT

I tried to install the kit this evening and found a major manufacturing mistake. Whoever was running the machine that made the bends read the tape wrong or something because one side is an inch longer than the other.

Its not a matter of just redrilling the holes. the left side in pic#1 is an inch taller from about midway up. I would need to cut a 1" piece out of the left side just above the tab and re-weld in order for them to be the same and come together at the top...and for the holes to line up...WTF??

Debating on waiting another couple weeks and 2 hour drive for the replacement or just cut and weld. I got a -new to me- hilly field to mow this weekend.

Is this a gag post? You need a new installer.

 

[skeets]

Soooooooo whats the gag mikey ?

 

[motionclone]

Is this a gag post? You need a new installer.

No gag buddy, you need to look closer

Sent the pics to my dealership and he forwarded them to Kubota. Kubota says its messed up and will send a new one