This document describes the Kubota BX Series ROPS Cab, an accessory designed and manufactured by Tektite Manufacturing Inc. for Kubota BX1860/1870 and BX2360/2370/2660/2670 tractors. The ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) cab aims to provide both operator protection and reasonable winter weather protection.
Function Description
The primary function of the Kubota BX Series ROPS Cab is to enhance operator safety by providing a robust Roll-Over Protective Structure. In the event of a rollover accident, the ROPS is designed to withstand the impact and protect the operator from serious injury or death. Beyond its safety function, the deluxe cab also offers environmental protection, shielding the operator from harsh weather conditions, particularly in winter. The cab features glass windows at all locations, contributing to visibility and enclosure.
The cab is equipped with a switch plate that houses various controls for its integrated features. These include:
- Front Wiper Rocker Switch (standard): Controls the front windshield wiper, with an indicator light to show when it's active.
- Rear Wiper Rocker Switch (optional): Controls the rear window wiper, also with an indicator light. This feature may not be available on all models.
- Front Work Light Rocker Switch (optional): Activates the front work lights, with an indicator light.
- Rear Work Light Rocker Switch (optional): Activates the rear work lights, with an indicator light.
- Front Wiper Washer Rocker Switch (optional): Controls the front wiper washer function.
- Beacon Rocker Switch (optional): Activates a beacon light, with an indicator light.
- Water Heater Fan Rocker Switch (optional): Controls the fan for the water heater, with an indicator light.
The cab's design takes into account the tractor's air intake system. Since the BX tractor draws air from underneath the steering wheel, the cab cannot be completely sealed to prevent starving the engine of air. This design consideration ensures proper engine function while maintaining a degree of enclosure.
Usage Features
Operators are strongly advised to familiarize themselves with all cab controls and functions before operating the tractor to ensure safe operation and prevent injury or damage. All directions provided in the manual are from the reference point of the tractor seat facing the steering wheel, with left and right references from this viewpoint.
Key usage features and safety guidelines include:
- Seat Belt Use: A proper seat belt must be worn at all times when using a ROPS, and it should be fastened before starting the engine.
- Operator Position: Always operate the tractor controls while sitting in the operator's seat.
- Emergency Exits: The ROPS cab is equipped with two doors, either of which can be used as an emergency exit.
- Visibility: Operators should be aware that visibility next to the tractor may be reduced in confined areas.
- Smooth Operation: Operate the tractor smoothly, avoiding abrupt starts, stops, and sharp turns, especially at high speeds or on sloped terrain, where machine stability could be compromised.
- Terrain Awareness: Drive slowly on hillsides and curves to prevent tipping. Avoid slopes that are too steep for safe operation and use caution near ditches or gullies. When descending steep grades, select a low gear to maintain control with minimal braking.
- Obstruction Avoidance: Be alert when operating near trees, slopes, and other obstructions, as tree branches can damage ROPS components.
- Ventilation: Never operate the tractor in a closed building for prolonged periods without adequate ventilation, as engine exhaust fumes are poisonous.
- Clothing: Keep sleeves, jackets, and other loose clothing relatively tight and belted to prevent them from catching on moving parts.
- Mounting/Dismounting: Use steps and handholds when mounting and dismounting the tractor or servicing components that are too high to reach from the ground. Avoid jumping from the tractor.
- Passenger Restriction: Do not carry passengers in the cab.
- Switch Plate: The switch plate, located in the cab, provides easy access to controls for various standard and optional features. Each feature is individually fused, and the fuses are accessible behind the plug in the middle of the switchplate.
Maintenance Features
Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring the safe and dependable service of the ROPS cab.
- Regular Inspections: After installation, and periodically thereafter, inspect the ROPS and tractor to ensure all bolts are tight and re-tighten if required.
- Clearance Checks: Ensure that all pedals, levers, and controls have adequate clearance for normal operation.
- Electrical System Check: Verify that all electrical components of both the ROPS and tractor operate normally.
- Door Latch Alignment: Immediately after installation, the ROPS frame may flex slightly, requiring the door latch to be re-aligned for proper operation. This involves loosening the striker pin, striker mounting plate, and door latch as necessary.
- Cleanliness: Remove mud, crop residue, chains, and tools from steps and the operator's platform, as they can interfere with pedal operation or entry/exit. Also, remove all loose chains, tools, and equipment from the operator's platform to prevent injury or death in a rollover.
- Decal Maintenance: Keep safety decals clean and replace them if they are destroyed, missing, painted over, or unreadable. If any decals are obscured by the mounted ROPS, purchase replacements from the tractor manufacturer and mount them in a readable location. New ROPS and tractor decals are available from your tractor dealer.
- Structural Damage: If the ROPS is subjected to alteration, structural damage, or involved in an overturn accident, the entire structure must be replaced. Failure to do so may result in injury or death in the event of a rollover.
- Circuit Protection: The Tektite ROPS cab is wired to provide maximum protection against individual circuit overload. All optional components are fused internally behind the cab switch plate. Cab wiring is direct to the tractor battery, so operators should not leave any options activated when the tractor is not running to prevent battery rundown.
- Parts Replacement: For service parts replacement, contact the dealer from whom the ROPS was purchased and specify the required parts. The manual includes parts breakdowns for various components.
- Manual Availability: A copy of this operator manual should be kept with the machine operating manuals. If lost, contact your local Kubota dealer for a replacement.
The ROPS cab is designed specifically for individual tractor models to ensure ROPS requirements are met. Installing the ROPS on a non-designated tractor model may result in injury or death.