Semi-DIY ROPS

[ktpnw]

New tractor owner here, picked up a well maintained Satoh Buck with a front end loader for spreading gravel and mulch and other projects for my ~1 acre property.

Question about semi-DIY ROPS. First of all, I know that what I'm suggesting here will not be rated, is not as safe as a true ROPS, etc etc. I understand, and don't need to be told that this is not as safe as a "real" ROPS. I also understand how to drive carefully, use the FEL correctly, etc. ROPS or not, I don't want my new tractor flipped over and damaged. That being said accidents happen, and there are some hills on my property, so I'm considering how to add an extra margin of safety..

As far as I can tell a "real" ROPS does not exist for this tractor (if it does, please point me in the right direction). So my question is, has anyone tried adapting something like this to a small tractor like the Buck? I'm wondering if it could be bolted to the tops of the fenders and then braced somehow to increase strength. In my thinking, in a true worst case scenario of the tractor rolling over down a hill, even one extra second of time to get out/away from it could save me from injury or worse. So even if this is not going to completely stop a full roll, slowing it down is still better than nothing which is what I've got now.

Thanks in advance for any ideas or intel. I've been wanting a tractor my whole life, super excited to finally have one and get to doing some work.

 

[2manyrocks]

Can't speak for your tractor specifically, but most tractor fenders are simply sheet metal and not suitable as a ROPS mounting point. Most ROPS on tractor's I've seen bolt to the rear axle assembly.

 

[Rustyiron]

Go to the rear axle or the bell housing area if there's a suitable attachment point. A little tractor is probably the perfect candidate for a home made roll bar.
Make it taller than you would think is necessary to be above your head. If you lay the tractor on it's side it needs to be tall enough for the now sideways center of gravity to not overcome the newly created "width" (1/4 turn ago it was it height) and continue rolling!
Some will say to add a seat belt but I'm not 100% sure it's always the best thing in every situation like in an automobile.

 

[Roadworthy]

You could do a web search for tractor roll bars (ROPS). I found this one but I've seen others. ROPS - Roll Over Protection System & Structure | Superior Tube Products

 

[ktpnw]

You could do a web search for tractor roll bars (ROPS). I found this one but I've seen others. ROPS - Roll Over Protection System & Structure | Superior Tube Products

Thanks for this, I have done lots of web searching for ROPS specific to my tractor, hadn't come across these guys yet. I will check them out. It does look like they are a manufacturer (not a retailer) but worth a shot.

 

[BlueKnife]

New tractor owner here, picked up a well maintained Satoh Buck with a front end loader for spreading gravel and mulch and other projects for my ~1 acre property.

Question about semi-DIY ROPS. First of all, I know that what I'm suggesting here will not be rated, is not as safe as a true ROPS, etc etc. I understand, and don't need to be told that this is not as safe as a "real" ROPS. I also understand how to drive carefully, use the FEL correctly, etc. ROPS or not, I don't want my new tractor flipped over and damaged. That being said accidents happen, and there are some hills on my property, so I'm considering how to add an extra margin of safety..

As far as I can tell a "real" ROPS does not exist for this tractor (if it does, please point me in the right direction). So my question is, has anyone tried adapting something like this to a small tractor like the Buck? I'm wondering if it could be bolted to the tops of the fenders and then braced somehow to increase strength. In my thinking, in a true worst case scenario of the tractor rolling over down a hill, even one extra second of time to get out/away from it could save me from injury or worse. So even if this is not going to completely stop a full roll, slowing it down is still better than nothing which is what I've got now.

Thanks in advance for any ideas or intel. I've been wanting a tractor my whole life, super excited to finally have one and get to doing some work.

The challenge you'll have is making it sturdy enough to stand up to normal wear and tear. You could bolt it to the fenders, and it'd probably help somewhat in a rollover, but in the mean time, you're more likely to end up tearing up your fenders when the roll bar catches on overhanging branches or the like. Do you have steel fabrication tools and skills?

 

[RayIN]

Is it possible to copy the method of mounting used in the pictures on that Amazon webpage? (plates bolted to transaxle) If so, I think you found your solution.

 

[etpm]

In my thinking, in a true worst case scenario of the tractor rolling over down a hill, even one extra second of time to get out/away from it could save me from injury or worse.

Yeah, that's not the way they work. Even if it slowed down the tractor rolling over by the time it starts the slowing down the tractor is already on its side. If you jump off then you are most likely to end up in the path of the tractor. Jumping off in time is kind of a myth, some folks manage to do so and some folks don't. Then somebody posts about another tractor rollover death. Instead, look for strong attachment points and make your ROPS to suit. Then it will be truly useful in case of a roll over, maybe stopping the tractor from completing the roll. That's why it must be tall, strong, and mounted properly.
Eric

 

[dicktill]

In my thinking, in a true worst case scenario of the tractor rolling over down a hill, even one extra second of time to get out/away from it could save me from injury or worse.

Yeah, that's not the way they work. Even if it slowed down the tractor rolling over by the time it starts the slowing down the tractor is already on its side. If you jump off then you are most likely to end up in the path of the tractor. Jumping off in time is kind of a myth, some folks manage to do so and some folks don't. Then somebody posts about another tractor rollover death. Instead, look for strong attachment points and make your ROPS to suit. Then it will be truly useful in case of a roll over, maybe stopping the tractor from completing the roll. That's why it must be tall, strong, and mounted properly.
Eric

Please use that extra second to grab both arms around the upright arm on the other side of the ROPS; and pull your feet over too. You do not want your arms or legs or body trapped between the ROPS or the tractor and the ground.

 

[etpm]

Please use that extra second to grab both arms around the upright arm on the other side of the ROPS; and pull your feet over too. You do not want your arms or legs or body trapped between the ROPS or the tractor and the ground.

Or you could wear your seat belt which obviates the need to jump.
Eric