I am making this post from a view point most have not seem .I worked on a Rescue Squad/EMS Heavy Rescue Team for over twelve years in mountain country .We trained for tractor and equipment accidents ,thanks graceouslly to one of our local tractor/equipment dealerships. Presently I am a owner/operator of a Kubota 3710 with a 681 loader and a Bush Hog 5070 7" foot blade .I learned to drive on a tractor logging /timber cutting operation for my dad when I was old enough to reach the pedals and this was before ROPS . I am telling you all this to give you my experince level .I myself, have had some close calls over the years.From my experince every call I responded to without a ROPS resulted in a fatality . Please do not remove your ROPS and wear your seat belt.The belt is part of the ROPS system and will keep you away from the equipment and keep you on the tractor instead of being thrown off and in the path of the rolling machine .Without ROPS here is what happens .If the tractor rears up and rolls backwards you will be wrapped over the wheel and across the hood .If it rolls to the side and you are able to get off which is highly unlikely you still have to get clear of the tractor and equipment .I know weird things happen ,but your best odds is wear that belt and don't remove the ROPS. Trust me it is not a plesant thing pulling the mangled body of a neighbor or aquantaince out from under a machine and having to place them in the mourge . One gentlman suggested adding weight to the wheels to lower the center of gravity I agree ,plus better traction on hills,great ideal . Enjoy your equipment ,but be safe and rember if you don't feed it it won't eat it !!!
