Building a ROPS (not really, but a 2 post canopy)

charles todd · Aug 13, 2008

I have been thinking of building a 2 post canopy for my Farmall 504. I have searched and I cannot find a true aftermarket ROPS for this tractor. I know that it will not be a true, certified ROPS but it might be better than nothing. I was thinking of something like 3x5 or 4x6 tubing for the post, 1x2 or 2x2 for the canopy frame and something along the lines or 16-14 ga for the canopy its self. I am mainly looking to keep the deep south sun off of me and somewhere to mount a fan, stereo, and speakers as well as additional lights so I can do loader work in the dark if I have to.

Has anyone done anything like this before or knows of an actual IH ROPS that will fit a 504?

Thanks in advance,
Charles

mkirsch · Aug 13, 2008

Your local CaseIH dealer, or any machinery dealer for that matter, should be able to sell you an aftermarket ROPS for your 504. OSHA regulations and all...

The price will make you choke, though.

Doesn't the government provide a subsidy to farmers who add ROPS to older tractors to help offset the cost? I know Dad's looked into some program like that, but even with the subsidy, they're very expensive.

Allan in NE · Aug 13, 2008

Charles, just another view.

You'll spend all that time, money and resources building/buying the thing and within 10 minutes of it’s maiden voyage, off she'll come again.

The amplification of the reflected heat, deafening gear noise and lack of vision will make ya absolutely despise that rascal. Especially so, on a loader tractor.

Just my opinion,

Allan

rustyfarmall · Aug 13, 2008

Have you looked at these? Don't know the cost, but might be worth a look.

http://www.loaders.com/aspx/Product/Default.aspx

TractormanNC · Aug 13, 2008

At one time Farm Bureau offered a monetary incentive. I think it was either $300 or $500. Had to be dealer installed though.

Anonymous-0 · Aug 13, 2008

Don't know about the radio, speakers and lights. I have one on a 5105 JD and I think it might shake them to pieces.
I put a 3/4 inch thick piece of plywood under the top on mine to keep the noise down. Works like a champ in this Texas heat.
Don't have a loader on that tractor...Alan might be right about not seeing well if you mount it too low.

charles todd · Aug 13, 2008

Allan is usually right, he is the GURU after all. It makes sense that the noise would be amplified under an uninsulated steel roof. It was just a thought as I have never used a tractor with just a ROPS canopy. I have used tractors with uninsulated, heated cabs and they are pretty noisy compared to a comfort cab. As for the heat, it may help. Indirect heat is better than direct costal sun rays.

Rusty, I did check out that site and those canopys are only for tractors with an existing ROPS. I do appriciate the help though.

I may continue to research this and I may not. I grew up on open tractors and have survived this far.

Thanks, Charles

Bringselpup · Aug 13, 2008

But good lord man! 3X5 or 4X6 Tube steel? :shock: :shock:

I've got one of those back rack things that slides in your trailer hitch on the Jeep. It only uses 2" square steel tube and it's rated for 500lbs.

I'd find me some 1" square and make a couple uprights and the hoop and go lookin for a sail maker to whip up a canvas top.

rustyfarmall · Aug 13, 2008

If your main goal is just to keep the sun off your head, I can fix you right up with either an umbrella or a buggy top. Guaranteed to keep you in the shade for not a lot of money.

charles todd · Aug 13, 2008

Rusty, I appriciate the offer but have to decline. If I build one I want it to resemble an OEM ROPS and canopy. Just a personal preference.

[b:bb3be0b2d9]OT: [/b:bb3be0b2d9]Though when I have some free cash I am going to get with you for a new Schwartz WFE for my 504. I think you have seen the (Speeco??) I have with the funky, home made axle mount and brace. That thing has got to go. Does a new WFE come with tie rods, hubs, steering-box-to-tie-rod mount, torsional brace (wishbone), and the like? Send me your phone number or website so I can file it for the future!

[b:bb3be0b2d9]This is what I have:[/b:bb3be0b2d9]

LH Side (notice the axle braces to itself)

RH Side (notice the axle braces to itself)

Front View

Off-center??

Thanks again,
Charles

rustyfarmall · Aug 13, 2008

The new Schwartz wide front axles come complete with everything but the hubs, wheels, and tires, and you can use the tractors original hubs and wheels.

rustyfarmall · Aug 13, 2008

E-mail [email protected]

charles todd · Aug 13, 2008

Thank you sir.

Charles

Weldon K · Aug 13, 2008

Check this site:
http://www.marshfieldclinic.org/nfmc/pages/default.aspx?page=tractor
Although F504 is not listed perhaps the model ROPS listed for 544 would fit a F504 . These are available from Case Corp.

Anonymous-0 · Aug 14, 2008

Friend of mine just took a ROPS 4 post canopy off a IHC 444. He sold the tractor without the canopy and it is sitting at my farm here in central Iowa. Very good condition. Came off a state owned 444. I know he would sell it cheap. $100.00??

charles todd · Aug 14, 2008

Thanks Weldon, I checked the site out and they had one for a IH 504 and IH 606. Those might be utilities? I'll bust them an email to verify.

Charles

Building a ROPS (not really, but a 2 post canopy)

charles todd

Well-known Member

mkirsch

Well-known Member

Allan in NE

Well-known Member

rustyfarmall

Well-known Member

TractormanNC

Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

charles todd

Well-known Member

Bringselpup

Member

rustyfarmall

Well-known Member

charles todd

Well-known Member

rustyfarmall

Well-known Member

rustyfarmall

Well-known Member

charles todd

Well-known Member

Weldon K

Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

charles todd

Well-known Member

Similar threads