B7100

[Kelvin]

Egon,

I don't know that I fully understand your situation, but you might also consider adding a new Kubota ROPS (w/seat belt) to your B7100. I added one to my older model B7100 a few years ago and have never had any regrets. It cost a little over $200 (U.S.) and I installed it myself; I think the dealer would've charged about $75-$100 to install it.

Good luck,
Kelvin

 

[Thomas]

I guess thats one of the reason Kubota logo..Bull..one the hood area,get on and hang on..we got work to do. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

There some good after market seats out there which will give you better comfort,far as loader controls & different footing..maybe your local machine shop could fab something so the reach would make it easier.

Stay safe and feel better soon. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Egon]

Morning Thomas.

You're suggestion of a foot peg sounds real appealing as I'm quite happy with the seat. Many times the loader work is being done at an angle 15 degrees or so and its just natural to slide forward. Perhaps a seat belt is in order but just do not want to use one in the terrain conditions I'm working in.

Egon

 

[RobertN]

You would not want a seatbelt without the ROPS anyways. If for some reason you tip, without a rollbar, you want to get away from the tractor, lest it squish you. The seatbelt is ok with the rollbar, 'cause it holds you in the protected area.

If you are interested in a cage, take the tractor to a 4x4 Jeep/truck shop. They build cages all the time. Some go in the cab, some in the rear cargo area. Some guys are even building ectoskeletons for thier rigs.

Having grown up around Jeeps and race cars, I've seen a lot of roll bar and full cages built. It would not be that hard to build one for your tractor. While they are there, they could put on mounts for your lights, mirrors, canopy, radio, gps, whatever.

If they can build a rollcage for a Toyota Land Cruiser, a fairly heavy vehicle(capable though) for it's size, that B7100 would be a piece of cake.

 

[Egon]

Thanks Robert:
Chances are I could build a proper cage but don't seem motivated in this direction. I know it's silly cause the cage is the answer.

Egon

 

[fractal]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Egon,

I don't know that I fully understand your situation, but you might also consider adding a new Kubota ROPS (w/seat belt) to your B7100. I added one to my older model B7100 a few years ago and have never had any regrets. It cost a little over $200 (U.S.) and I installed it myself; I think the dealer would've charged about $75-$100 to install it.

Good luck,
Kelvin )</font>

kelvin - smart move with your upgrade.

I am sure it was on this forum that I read that Kubota as well as other manufacturers were selling retro ROPS/seat belts for far less than you could possibly manufacturer them simply to limit their liability in case of injury.

Check out http://www.kubota.com/rops.cfm for details on kubota's program.

 

[Egon]

RE: Roll bar.

On a small tractor the only condition I consider a single roll bar adaquate for is in a backwards flip. If working on slopes with trees and rocks present a side rollover just may have you strapped in place as the tree/rock slides past the front of the rollbar and uses you as the roll bar. On a small tractor even a cage might not protect you from this situation. Larger tractors are a different situation in which I would gladly have the protection and a seat belt.

Building a rollbar or cage would be quite inexpensive and can be done for much less than the dealer charges.

Please note: The first car I purchased did not have seat belts. I added some as soon as possible.

Egon