ROPS and my apple trees

[MHarryE]

Depending on how steep, I’d remove your ROPS. My GR2120 is not much different in size and power than your tractor yet it has no ROPS.

 

[California]

I bought a second tractor small enough to mow under my apple trees. With 4wd, this 18 hp Yanmar has nearly the pulling power of the 24 hp one, but the PTO power is notably less. It handles the 4 ft rotary mower fine but it struggles with the rototiller which was designed specifically for the larger tractor.

I offset some of the risk of no ROPS by adding substantial wheel weights. (Subsequent to this old photo).

See my sig photo, below.

 

[ning]

When I mow my orchard, I fold my ROPS down or I can't go near the trees. The orchard is flat so I can't see a problem with this, and I put it back up when leaving the orchard area.

 

[Diggin It]

When I mow my orchard, I fold my ROPS down or I can't go near the trees. The orchard is flat so I can't see a problem with this, and I put it back up when leaving the orchard area.

The problem I now have is trying to mow under my apple trees. I can’t get within 4 feet because the folded rops hits so many branches.

Keep in mind that some don't fold down all the way. Mine only goes to an angle that isn't much lower that full upright, but sticks out a lot farther to the rear adding to clearance issues. Also, it's heavy and awkward to raise and lower.

 

[ning]

Keep in mind that some don't fold down all the way. Mine only goes to an angle that isn't much lower that full upright, but sticks out a lot farther to the rear adding to clearance issues. Also, it's heavy and awkward to raise and lower.

Sorry, I thought it was clear I don't know how to read

I still can't get all the way in, but in my case, though, "it's an orchard" and it's good enough for me, then my wife gets the line trimmer and makes it good enough for her

 

[plowhog]

You might consider a walk behind brush cutter for limited service areas like this. I bought a DR brush cutter (used $500) and it worked well in hard to reach areas. Now I use a front mounted mower. And I always use eye protection so I don't get poked in the eye by a branch.

 

[ptsg]

And that's why we have mind mounted ROPS over here. They basically fold completely and work in conjunction with a smaller arch behind the seat. Either the back of the seat or this arch behind will be the highest point when the ROPS are folded. Very handy when working on orchards.

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[neverfailyou]

Just a thought... when I bought my ZTR years ago, salesman said that ROPS were required on units weighing over 500 (?) pounds. BTW, mine has a foldable ROPs and it’s a commercial unit.

 

[Smokeydog]

I’ve seen some low tank-like dedicated orchard tractors. Orchards are not operator friendly. Had M5030DT full size tractor that had 6 post ROPS steel Laurin cab. Previous owners sons knock out all the glass. It felt like driving a tank.

For our woods, walnut. Pecan(limb shedders) apple, pears and plum trees want a 4 post ROPS and canopy. Saved a lot headaches from drops. Hornets and wasp drunken from binge drinking fermented juice seem to zero in on you less.

Leave the ROPS alone and try a 3pt mower. Reach 4’ to your ROPS backing up. They’re much tougher mower to handle orchard mowing.

I maybe wrong but I thought folding ROPS down was just for hooking up equipment or storing in low clearance equipment sheds. Never meant for an operation mode in any environment.

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

I agree with others that I would not modify the ROPS at all. Not even drill a hole. Given flat ground, however, I'd have no issue removing the ROPS if you have no other uses for the tractor.

Having said the above, what I probably would really do is get a zero turn mower. Way faster than a tractor and gets you a couple feet lower even with the ROPS up.

 

[starbrightsteve]

Thanks to everyone for your comments, ideas and suggestions. I’ve decided to not modify the ROPS partly because it would require the most effort. My friend Bob the retired pipe fitter/welder would have to find the time to do the cut and fit. He’s retired now and just has a hard time finding the time. So, I’ll mulch, string trim a bit but I won’t trim branches. The trees are semidwarf and a lot of the fruit is down fairly low. I’m not buying another machine or implement.
I’m surprised folks brought up the issue of trade in value. I just sold a 14 year old L2800 for pretty close to what I paid when I bought it new. The Kubota dealers wanted to give me $4000 less than I sold it for. But.. I guess if I had cut the ROPS on the L2800 that would have been an excuse to offer me 3 or 4 thousand for the tractor. Dealers are always looking for an excuse to make more easy money.

 

[MossRoad]

We have a hydraulic mower on the FEL arms of our PowerTrac. It allows me to get 4' under things very easily. A rear finish mower would be nearly as good. A brush hog would reach even further.

I know you don't want to purchase another implement, however, if you run across a deal on one of those, you might reconsider.

 

[BORNIN1948]

I had a John Deere 240 that I used to mow grass with . I sold it and got a Kubota BX2380 with a belly mower. The problem I now have is trying to mow under my apple trees. I can’t get within 4 feet because the folded rops hits so many branches. I was considering removing the rops, cutting it shorter and welding the pivot point back on. What do you folks think of that idea. Any other suggestions?

 

[BORNIN1948]

I had a John Deere 240 that I used to mow grass with . I sold it and got a Kubota BX2380 with a belly mower. The problem I now have is trying to mow under my apple trees. I can’t get within 4 feet because the folded rops hits so many branches. I was considering removing the rops, cutting it shorter and welding the pivot point back on. What do you folks think of that idea. Any other suggestions?

If you live on flat ground and don't lift things that could tip you over you don't need it in my opinion. They unbolt.

 

[ruffdog]

Our newest local apple orchard has dwarf trees that are much lower than even normal apple trees. Even a garden tractor would be hitting branches, especially when laden with fruit. My old Yazoo mower sat real low and had a front deck too and was great under branches. Ferris now makes them and are called the Procut S.

ProCut™ S Front Mount Lawn Mower | Ferris

 

[Ghost River Retrievers]

Sickle mower.

 

[CoyotKid]

How about something like this?

Discussion of how it was built: https://simpletractors.com/forums/topic/26087-ditch-mower/

 

[prairiegirl]

I had a John Deere 240 that I used to mow grass with . I sold it and got a Kubota BX2380 with a belly mower. The problem I now have is trying to mow under my apple trees. I can’t get within 4 feet because the folded rops hits so many branches. I was considering removing the rops, cutting it shorter and welding the pivot point back on. What do you folks think of that idea. Any other suggestions?

We just bought a small Kubota that had that done. If you are -or know- a good welder, it can be done. Make sure it is still tall enough to do something. Maybe the top-end of the ROPS needs to be extended.

 

[jeffgreef]

I had a John Deere 240 that I used to mow grass with . I sold it and got a Kubota BX2380 with a belly mower. The problem I now have is trying to mow under my apple trees. I can’t get within 4 feet because the folded rops hits so many branches. I was considering removing the rops, cutting it shorter and welding the pivot point back on. What do you folks think of that idea. Any other suggestions?

Mulch under the trees with straw to knock down the weeds and build organic mulch.

 

[tbutman]

I had a John Deere 240 that I used to mow grass with . I sold it and got a Kubota BX2380 with a belly mower. The problem I now have is trying to mow under my apple trees. I can’t get within 4 feet because the folded rops hits so many branches. I was considering removing the rops, cutting it shorter and welding the pivot point back on. What do you folks think of that idea. Any other suggestions?

I had to do the same when I upgraded from my 332 JD diesel to my 670 JD... and for the same reason. No Regrets. It's Yours, Make it work for YOUR situation. BTW my ROPS wasn't removable or I'd have just done that.