9-23 TA9 & TA10 Dumper 0803-3 December 2010
Maintenance
ROPS
Introduction
There are in-service factors which tend to degrade a ROPS/
FOPS systems energy absorbing or load carrying capability.
A few of these factors are:
• Structural damage from vibrations and/or loadings during
some operations.
• A corrosive environment.
• Continued use of the machine after rollover or accident
involving structural damage.
• Unauthorized modification.
• Worn or deteriorated isolation mounts.
• Bolt replacement with less than the correct grade or neglect
in maintaining proper bolt torque.
• Improper installation.
Any of these factors may cause a dangerous condition to exist
as well as exposing all concerned parties to liability damages.
The following guidelines will be helpful if followed.
Attachments and/or Modifications
Generally ROPS/FOPS structures are not intended as external
load carrying members and must not be used to mount
attachments such as pull hooks, winches, side booms, etc.
without the manufacturers approval.
Non external load transmitting attachments such as mirrors,
fans, heaters, lights, etc. should be installed following the
manufactures guidelines. Typically these attachments are
located in non critical areas such as roof sheets, enclosure sheet
metal, or the middle portion of the ROPS legs.
Modifications to basic design such as increasing canopy height,
or relocating ROPS legs is not permitted.
Maintenance
Inspection - A scheduled, frequent visual check of mounting
hardware by operation or service personnel is recommended.
As most ROPS are different and function in different service
environments, no specific inspection interval can be
recommended. Inspection in conjunction with regular service
intervals is suggested. The inspection should check for:
Worn, damaged or missing resilient mounts. Excessive motion
or rattling during operation are indications of a problem. The
mounts should be disassembled and repaired if required.
Missing or damaged mounting hardware (bolts, nuts, washers,
etc.) should be replaced. Bolts should be checked for correct
torque settings.
Cracks in ROPS/FOPS structure and mounting system. The
machine should be cleaned and disassembled as necessary to
allow inspection for cracks in the structure and mounting
system. Cracks are usually associated with weld details and
usually show as a line of rust before it will be clear as a crack.
Rust lines should be taken as indications of cracks and verified
by inspection following the manufacturers procedures. Only
some cracks will badly affect the ROPS/FOPS function. Cracks
in enclosure sheet metal generally are not structurally
important. The manufacturer can identify the appropriate
measures. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer.
Water drainage paths. The check should verify clear water
drainage paths so that entrapped water will not freeze and crack
or deform the structure.
Corrosion. Extensive paint peeling and rusting should be noted
and corrective action taken.
Other Inspection. The structure must be inspected following a
rollover, collision or fire.
Repair
Replace all missing or damaged hardware with the
manufactures specified hardware. Re-torque all threaded
fasteners to the manufacturers specifications.
Replace worn or damaged resilient mounts to prevent further
damage and vibration problems.
Determine the repair ability of cracks in ROPS/FOPS structures
on the basis of the crack details and effect on the particular
design. The manufacturer must be consulted at this step. Some
general guidelines which may be helpful are:
Enclosure sheet metal cracks are repairable.
Small cracks may be repairable. Consult the manufacturer.
If damaged by a rollover, collision or fire consult the
manufacturer.
In all cases, when doubt exists, consult manufacturer.
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