ROPS

[Toyboy]

Has anyone drilled & taped into the ROPS bar to mount anything? I'm thinking doing just that on the inside lower right on my BX2230 to mount a 2 1/2# fire extinguisher. Your thoughts

 

[bc realtor]

Not Allowed., If your doing any sort of government work they say that it would no longer be certified. They have a good point. The one time that you may need them you really dont want to be thinking if it will hold or was that a bad idea.Use a clamp they carry them at most dealerships for that purpose.

 

[RobertN]

The ROPS police are probably already circling in thier black helicopters; have you looked outside recently?

Generally, for liability, the manufacturer will say not to do this.

I grew up around Jeep's and racecars(1/4 mile oval). The first thing we ALWAYS did, was modify the ROPS(read roll bar) in the Jeep with a weld-in front cage kit. And, we welded cages, engine hoops, Petty bars, ect in to stock cars.

IMHO, I see no reason why you could not have brackets or tabs welded on your ROPS. They should be laid out well, and either welded properly, even if that means going to a certified welder or fab shop. I would not go overboard mounting all kinds of stuff and drilling lots of holes in it.

BC_Realtor noted that clamps are available; you may want to check out that route so if you ever want to move the extinguisher, or sell the tractor, you can just take it off.

I would note, that for my example, both weld on and bolt/clamp on cage kits are available now for Jeeps. Buddy of mine did one in his Rubicon. All the attachments to the existing rear roll bar were clamp on.

If mods to the ROPS were such an issue, then I would expect thousadns of lawsuits for Jeeps that rolled after cage kits were welded and/or bolted in. And, most FAB shops would be out of business, because they could not modify and/or build safety devices.

If you search TBN, there is a plethora of discussions about welding or drilling ROPS. And the ROPS police in thier black helicopters...

 

[SARG]

Drilling and tapping a 1/4-20 hole in a rops will have zero effect on structural integrity......... to think otherwise is just plain silly.

 

[Toyboy]

Thanks guys, before I start drilling a couple small holes to mount the bracket, I'll look into a clamp that bc realtor suggested.

 

[Mousefield]

Thanks guys, before I start drilling a couple small holes to mount the bracket, I'll look into a clamp that bc realtor suggested.

That's the smart, safe and easy way to do it.

 

[BeeferMan]

Has anyone drilled & taped into the ROPS bar to mount anything? I'm thinking doing just that on the inside lower right on my BX2230 to mount a 2 1/2# fire extinguisher. Your thoughts

Drilling would be frowned upon, but "taping" would be ok..

I've got on my list of things to do to weld some tabs high and inside the ROPS for some work lights. That position will offer some protection from tree branches, and they will be high enough that I can't whack my head on them if the tractor rocks side to side.

 

[Toyboy]

I'm hard pressed to believe that a couple 1/4 holes in the ROPS would marginalize it's integrity for safety. But I'll try & find some clamps that will work so I can keep that alleged "black chopper from ROPS squad" from harassing me

 

[MMagis]

The fact is, the right size holes in the right locations won’t hurt a thing. But, the problem is very few people would know what is correct or where to draw the line. The safest thing for the manufacturers is to tell people no mods at all. That’s also the safest approach for most people.

 

[Jaylegger]

As noted, the manufacturers are reducing risk for themselves and their customers by employing the no mod rule. Sure those with the education and or experience could calculate where a few holes would do no harm but publically allowing users to mod a safety protection device would be irresponsible and outright stupid. It doesn't require much imagination to forsee where that would lead should that flood gate be opened. Anyone making modifications to a ROPS device is also opening themselves up to potential negligence suits should a future owner of the tractor have the ROPS fail leading to injury or death. Leave it alone and should any injury due to a failure occur under your ownership or some future owner then whatever responsibilities, contributory or not, lie solely with the manufacturer.

 

[RobertN]

So, what should I do about something already sold?

I welded a front cage kit on to the ROPS in my old Jeep. Helped my BIL weld his in.

I certainly would not advise drilling lots of holes and welding all over your rollbar/ROPS.

If it were though, the big deal that it is made out to be here(in other similar threads too), then every 4wd shop and automotive fabricator in the US, Canada, Australia ect wood be out of business or embroiled in lawsuits.

As noted, the manufacturers are reducing risk for themselves and their customers by employing the no mod rule. Sure those with the education and or experience could calculate where a few holes would do no harm but publically allowing users to mod a safety protection device would be irresponsible and outright stupid. It doesn't require much imagination to forsee where that would lead should that flood gate be opened. Anyone making modifications to a ROPS device is also opening themselves up to potential negligence suits should a future owner of the tractor have the ROPS fail leading to injury or death. Leave it alone and should any injury due to a failure occur under your ownership or some future owner then whatever responsibilities, contributory or not, lie solely with the manufacturer.

 

[Thomas]

Also consider when its time to trade w/dealer,he may lower trade in valve do to tamper ROPS...ROPS aren't cheap I found out first hand.

 

[jimmyj]

I did drill to put lights on. I still think it's safe, but now I regret it and should have welded brackets on.

 

[Bedlam]

Theres no going back now. I wouldnt loose sleep over it.