Usage:
NOTE: Due to the contents of this article, it is not in Caterpillar Fundamental English.
All Caterpillar ROPS canopies or cabs have a Warning Plate or Film which informs the user to contact his Caterpillar dealer before altering the ROPS in any way. Any unauthorized repairs or welds on the ROPS will immediately void its certification and possibly impair the protection offered if the machine rolls over.
During the past several years, dealers in countries where ROPS were required by law or were in substantial use received letters giving specific guidelines on authorized repairs and the addition of attachments to ROPS. Today, the use of ROPS structures is becoming more common throughout the world. Caterpillar Tractor Co. now feels it has sufficient experience to give more guidance to dealers for repairing minor cracks in ROPS without voiding the certification.
These new guidelines are in a Special Instruction (Form SEHS6929), "Repair and Maintenance of Roll-Over Protective Structures", dated 3/77. This form has been mailed to main and branch stores and should be used as your current reference for all repairs or inspections on ROPS structures. Extra copies should be ordered for use by servicemen who prepare new machines for delivery (the addition of screens, lights, etc on ROPS) and for servicemen who repair or modify ROPS on used machines. The form can also be given to users as information or in response to inquiries regarding repairs or welding of ROPS structures.
NOTE: On Page 1 of the Special Instructions under the Warning, both AWS (American Welding Society) Codes have been replaced by one new Code, D1.1-75, entitled Structural Welding Code.
Additionally, the Special Instruction lists several visual checks which the user should do every 1000 service hours to extend the ROPS life and prevent unscheduled maintenance.
A thorough understanding of this Form should enable you to give competent advice to users. If you have any questions regarding repairs or modifications, consult your Caterpillar Service Engineering Department.
All welding, cutting, drilling, etc. must be done only within specified locations.