L3940 ROPS - Design Change?

[Maibox]

Does anyone know whether Kubota recently changed their ROPS design? I have a L3940 I purchased in Jan 2012. I recently had some issues with dealer installed lights (see other thread). They had to replace the upper portion of the ROPS. However, the new ROPS are 3-4 inches taller and have a cross bar right below the hinges. I seem to recall that Philip8N has a similar design. It's a bit of an issue in that it will now be close whether I can get in the barn without folding the ROPS and I'll have some issues with storage in the barn as I run my ladders and lumber across the top of the stalls and I will no longer be able to do so as I had barely an inch of clearance with the original ROPS and I'll be at least 2-3 inches too tall now. The dealers told me they changed the design. Just trying to determine whether it's the case or whether they grabbed an older version that was cheaper.

 

[azbinder]

Is your tractor an L3940-1,-2, or -3? It may be that the ROPS was changed on the later (-3) version. I have looked in the price book but will check the parts.

 

[Maibox]

azbinder--How do I determine -1, -2, or -3 (I can check when I get it back)? I was told by the selling dealer (Barlows, who is not the local dealer that drilled the ROPS) they had just received the tractor in late 2012.

 

[Maibox]

Here is what the new one looks like:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...5517290-rops-light-bracket-ideas-lights04.jpg (w/o the lights Philip8N mounted)

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...65717-wiring-fimco-12v-40-gallon-lights12.jpg

Old ones, note, there is no cross bar

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...59-wiring-fimco-12v-40-gallon-rear-view-1.jpg

 

[azbinder]

There should be a label on the left side of the dash with model and serial numbers. It will also have a couple of bar codes. Find the model "L3940?????"
Could be L3940DT,GST,HSD followed by -1,-2, or -3. The -3 series is 2010 and newer. Also, WHY would a dealer drill into a ROPS? I hope they didn't try to make you pay for it if someone at their place drilled the hole. FYI, even if there is a 1/64" hole drilled in a ROPS, it's integrity has been comprised and MUST be replaced. If, say the tractor rolled over and the ROPS collapsed and the operator were to be injured, Kubota would NOT be liable, as it was NOT as tested and certified.

 

[Maibox]

My tractor had better be -3 as I bought it Jan 2013 (just realized I typed 2012 in original post). It's not clear why they did it. They did agree to replace them and are working on it. However, as I mentioned, the replacement is not the same as the ROPS I had. They look a lot like the ROPS Philip8N has on his L3940, which I know he's had for awhile which is why I suspect they found an older ROPS that was cheaper. Other than the clearance issue, and provided there is not other safety difference, I sort of like the cross member.

 

[azbinder]

Look at the certification tag on the "old" ROPS and on the new one. There should be a model number and serial number. IIRC, I think it will also show the model of the tractor. Have the dealer EXPLAIN why there is a difference. It is very possible that Kubota did make a production change. I won't be back at work until Monday to check the tractors within our company to try to verify the style of ROPS. I'll get back to you Monday evening.

 

[Maibox]

azbinder--thanks. They had the old top ROPS next to the new when I stopped by today. I don't recall seeing any decals but I can stop by Monday and ask to see it again to communicate my request for where to mount the switch for the lights. Where would the certification tag be?

 

[azbinder]

I think it is a metal tag that is riveted to the inside of the RH upright. Keep in mind that you can clamp anything to the ROPS. Just NO drilling or welding. There are a number of people on this site that don't seem to think it's a big deal, BUT your life depends on the ROPS.

 

[creekbend]

Here is what the new one looks like:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...5517290-rops-light-bracket-ideas-lights04.jpg (w/o the lights Philip8N mounted)

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...65717-wiring-fimco-12v-40-gallon-lights12.jpg

Old ones, note, there is no cross bar

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...59-wiring-fimco-12v-40-gallon-rear-view-1.jpg

Thanks for posting the Link.