Adding ROPS to older tractors?

[James1]

I added a canopy and rops to my Deere 820, makes me feel a little safer. The shade is a real plus too.

And where might I locate a ROPS to fit a 1973 John Deere 820?

TIA.

 

[aczlan]

And where might I locate a ROPS to fit a 1973 John Deere 820?
TIA.

Deere dealer, PN: AL70191 (which may have been superseded by: AR51143 ).
Go to https://jdparts.deere.com, enter model 820 and look in the operator's station section.

Aaron Z

 

[Zebrafive]

Deere dealer, PN: AL70191 (which may have been superseded by: AR51143 ).
Go to https://jdparts.deere.com, enter model 820 and look in the operator's station section.

Aaron Z

I think AL70191 is current. It's a folding ROPS. I am seriously considering getting one for my JD 2030. Current price is $690. I was told this is dealer cost and since it's a safety item John Deere has their dealers sell it at cost.

 

[DarkBlack]

I say, if you're worried enough about your safety,that you know you want rops,... Then spend the money and buy a machine that came designed with it.

 

[Farmer495]

I say, if you're worried enough about your safety,that you know you want rops,... Then spend the money and buy a machine that came designed with it.

Normally I'd agree, but if the manufacturer can offer OEM ROPS that can retrofit for $690 (plus seat belt!!!) AND it fits a "made from metal and no pollution crap or computers tractor" that is a win win. We are also talking the German built 820 utility, not the popin' pos 820 2 cyl that is practically useless now a days.

 

[jenkinsph]

And where might I locate a ROPS to fit a 1973 John Deere 820?

TIA.

I ordered this through the dealer. The canopy is a newer style with insulated roof and hazard lights. The rops is a folding model.

 

[Turbys_1700]

That is a really good deal at that price. I was fortunate to find a factory Ford ROPS for my 4610su at a very reasonable price. The seller just bought another tractor with the Ford factory top that fits my ROPS and I am going to get it Saturday. My total out of pocket cost will be under what the JD dealers are selling those ROPS for. Props to JD for offering those units to customers at cost.

 

[Oldpath05]

I like to thank James1 for stirring up an, old-ish post so I wont have to, and he didn't even need a Delorean to get a reply, awesome.
I skimmed through this thread because it's the closest thread I can find on tipping over tractors. First I join a few of these posters about feeling safer with Ropes, I grew up on tractors with out them, but now I wouldn't buy a tractor with out Ropes.

Now the reason why I'm here, I have tip over gas powered tractors in years past, I get it right side up, pull the plugs, turn the motor over a few times, put plugs back in and the tractor start back up, a little smoky at first then runs normal. But now all tractors are diesel, if my tractor is upside down for a day before I get help with up righting it, can a diesel tractor be started right back up with out worry of bending push rods because of motor oil in the cylinders?

 

[DFB]

I don't know if its linked already in this thread but certain states like Mass (where I work on farm) and Vermont (where I live) both offer rebate programs to help retrofit older tractors with ROPS



Are you under 'ROPS'? Massachusetts' ROPS retrofit's rolling

UVM Extension Home : University of Vermont

 

[aczlan]

Now the reason why I'm here, I have tip over gas powered tractors in years past, I get it right side up, pull the plugs, turn the motor over a few times, put plugs back in and the tractor start back up, a little smoky at first then runs normal. But now all tractors are diesel, if my tractor is upside down for a day before I get help with up righting it, can a diesel tractor be started right back up with out worry of bending push rods because of motor oil in the cylinders?

A diesel should have the injectors or glow plugs removed and then the engine should be cranked over by hand to make sure the cylinders are empty before trying to start it.

Aaron Z

 

[Oldpath05]

A diesel should have the injectors or glow plugs removed and then the engine should be cranked over by hand to make sure the cylinders are empty before trying to start it.

Aaron Z

Does removing injectors or glow plugs let air in the system and or is it like removing a sparkplugs from a gas engine?
I'm kinda surprised there isnt any threads on tractors tipping over, maybe I'm the only one who's done it and lived to tell about it.

 

[aczlan]

Does removing injectors or glow plugs let air in the system and or is it like removing a sparkplugs from a gas engine?
I'm kinda surprised there isnt any threads on tractors tipping over, maybe I'm the only one who's done it and lived to tell about it.

Its like pulling the spark plugs on a gas engine. There are various threads on the subject here, fortunately, they are not very common.

Aaron Z

 

[Soundguy]

yup, pulling glow plugs, if you have them, will likely be easier than injectors, and you won't have to bleed anything.

if you pull injectors ( may not have glow plugs ), you will have to do just a bit of bleeding.

 

[Oldpath05]

I guess this answers the (what to do if my tractor tips over) question, pulling the glow plugs sounds like the best way. of course the best plan is not to tip a tractor over.

 

[Dano1890]

I ordered this through the dealer. The canopy is a newer style with insulated roof and hazard lights. The rops is a folding model.

What did that canopy setup cost?

 

[James1]

Deere dealer, PN: AL70191 (which may have been superseded by: AR51143 ).
Go to https://jdparts.deere.com, enter model 820 and look in the operator's station section.

Aaron Z

I think AL70191 is current. It's a folding ROPS. I am seriously considering getting one for my JD 2030. Current price is $690. I was told this is dealer cost and since it's a safety item John Deere has their dealers sell it at cost.

Guys:

Thank you so much for your help (and I apologize for the 6-year delay in replying.) An old friend gave me the 1973 Deere 820 which I have finally retrieved, gotten running, and am now in the process of purchasing the ROPS. The land here in east Tennessee is quite hilly so I am loath to operate a tractor without said protection...

Your help was invaluable. A Google search turned up only aftermarket ROPS for sale -- but if Deere is willing to sell its unit at cost then there is little reason not to go OEM...

Thanks again,

 

[aczlan]

Glad to be able to help and thank you very much for coming back and updating what route you ended up following.

Aaron Z

 

[James1]

Glad to be able to help and thank you very much for coming back and updating what route you ended up following.

Aaron Z

Okay, I just returned from my local Deere dealer -- with mixed news. Good news is Deere still manufactures this ROPS (part number AL70191) but the bad news is the price is now $2,948.29. The parts man assured me has been with the dealership for 26 years and this price represents dealer cost.

I've found a used Deere unit for $1000 but it has a couple of small welds on it where lights were added. I've also found a new aftermarket unit manufactured by an outfit called Iron Bull in Marshall, Indiana which quoted me a price of $1,177 including shipping. Can anyone vouch for Iron Bull?

Again, thank you.

 

[Smokeydog]

Appreciate your diligence for wanting to work safely on our Tennessee hills. Decades ago there was a real push to add ROPS to older tractors at low cost. Probably federal and state assistance. Saw piles of generic ROPS at dealers and co-ops. Local county agent might be able to know what may be availability now?
They are not overly complicated devices. I have made or bought 4 to 6 point ROPS with tops to help safely work in the woods. Need to work within your safety and skill comfort zone.

 

[Jstpssng]

Keep looking. With that part number you should be able to find something which came off a similar tractor and hasn't been welded on... Not that I would be too concerned, but if you are going to put one on you may as well get one which will work if you need it. I would want to look at it before spending that kind of money anyways.
Another point which has probably been made already... ROPS is useless unless you also wear your seatbelt.