Lower ROPS

[tcreeley]

I have a 2 piece rops on my NH TC30 that is joined and pinned above the seat. I want to lower it 5-6 inches so I can drive it into my barn without a worry- 1.5" clearance now. I thought to cut the rops on either side, remove the unwanted length, and insert a piece of square tube, pin it, and slide the top of the rops down onto these pinned square tubes. Then pin the top to that. I don't worry about warranty- tractor is 11 years old. Will this work and still keep the rops functional?

 

[dougtrr2]

Picture would be nice. If it is already pinned and joined why can't you remove the pin, cut it down and then repin it. That way you are using all original parts except new pins?

Take Care,
Doug in SW IA

 

[tcreeley]

This might work- parts diagram of my ROPS. I would cut it at the 6 and the 7. Cut out 5-6 inches and put in a piece of square tubing and pin it all together.

 

[kebo]

I guess you've looked at it really close to make sure that cutting out 5-6 inches won't put the horizontal bar right at the top of your head?? I would be concerned that an unexpected bump in the ride might bounce your noggin right into the bar!!

 

[nebraskasparks]

When you're measuring how much you're going to cut off...sit in the seat...put the seat belt on and lift up hard with legs and arms and see where your head goes to. This will be the height your head is going to be when the tractor is upside down and you're hanging in the belt. Leave some more inches for compaction of the ground when the roll bar buries into the moist earth.
In other words...leave some extra inches above your head otherwise the reason for the bar being there isn't worth the modification.

 

[Opti-Mist]

Any modification will void the warranty and any future liability on the part of the manufacturer. The person doing the modification assumes all liability.

 

[tcreeley]

The tractor is 11 years old. I am the 3rd owner. If I injure myself as a result, it will be on my own head!
But thanks for the advice.

 

[RoyJackson]

The tractor is 11 years old. I am the 3rd owner. If I injure myself as a result, it will be on my own head!
But thanks for the advice.

Well, you did ask (in your original post) if modifying the ROPS would keep it functional, so you must be concerned about your safety.
Pretty good advice given in the responses. Opti-Mist's response just states that any risk (to you or a buyer (if you sell the tractor)) is on you, rather then the manufacturer.

 

[Dogtrainer]

Go for it! First responders are always looking for people to rescue.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I think in most instances, ROPS are supposed to stop the tractor from rolling completely over so the height is there for leverage so the tractor would flop on its side but the bar is supposed to stop the roll at that point. I dont think they would stand up to multple roll overs at least from the ones Ive seen after on rollover. They are pretty much smashed to the side when they hit and if they continued to roll, I think you would find yourself in a iffy situation on whether or not the ROPS is going to provide any protection. I recently saw a Kubota TLB for sale that had been rolled and even with a 4 post system the ROPS was smacked over at least 20 degrees, the FEL frame was bent, hood all crumpled lots of damage. Maybe it fell off a 20 foot cliff.
If you cut 6" out is it still high enough to stop the roll, maybe, maybe not. IF modifying it and you want to chance it, dont take any more out of it than necessary for your clearance or a better choice would be to mimic the foldable types and build a replica hinge at the junction. Using identical material and good welding, it should be as good as any other foldable style. I think I would trust that more than shortening it.