I never ripped the strap type steps off but came close while cleaning around manholes, I just unbolted the top hangars from the cab and the straps from the hangars, flipped them (the hangars) over and remounted the straps to them, it raised the steps about 6 - 8 inches, if I remember right, it put the top step at about floor height. That allowed the moldboard to pass under the steps without hooking them when side shifting and circling while cleaning around structures. You can still hookem if you've got a steep angle on the blade like when ditching if you're not careful. Good Luck, Clyde