Caught Being Not so Safe Today- Warning

drivadesl · Jan 11, 2009

I was using the TN-70 to clear the driveway of snow today. I was off the tractor to do something. Left the tractor running, but I was right near it so went back to the tractor decided to shut it down. Rather than step up to the open cab, and turn the key off, without thinking I reached from the opposite side to turn the key. Had my leg against the front of the rear tire at the same time. STOP!!! What the heck am I doing, I thought. If I was to hit the shuttle into gear I'd of had time to hear my leg bones break, just before the machine would have drove right over me!! Served as a good warning and reminder, it only takes a moment of stupidity to put yourself in a bad situation.

PILOON · Jan 11, 2009

Had you bypassed the seat safety switch?
I thought they were mandatory on newer tractors.

drivadesl · Jan 12, 2009

The tractor is new in 2008. No safety shutoff switch, just a beeper if you leave the seat without the parking brake engaged.

Soundguy · Jan 13, 2009

My Nh 7610s doesn't even have a beeper..

soundguy

pitt_md · Jan 13, 2009

drivadesl said:
The tractor is new in 2008. No safety shutoff switch, just a beeper if you leave the seat without the parking brake engaged.

I think you will find that if you get out of the seat while in gear and the shuttle in any position except nutral that it will die. Kubota's work that way.

drivadesl · Jan 13, 2009

I've stood up while in gear, going slowly of course, to ensure the forks, or bucket hit the target and tractor did not shut down. The beeper did beep though. Actually that would make sense wouldn't it, I would think everyone haunches up once in a while to peer over the hood at obstacles or whatever, and if the tractor died, that wouldn't be to convenient. Just got to be aware.

derekuk101 · Jan 13, 2009

I've always wondered about the safety of the hydraulic shuttle on our Kubota 8540. I don't believe our Kubota has any safety features to keep it from engaging if you're not sitting down. There have been times when I jump on the tractor and engage the shuttle before I sit down, and it begins to move before I'm seated.

Soundguy · Jan 14, 2009

Seems to be lots of difference between manufacturers and models.. some have only the most basic operator presence systems.. some have plenty of 'consumer protection' built into them..

soundguy

drivadesl · Jan 14, 2009

Sure seems that way. With my SGAG Wildcat ZTR mower, before you can start the enginet, you have to be in the seat, the brake engaged, the PTO off, and the stearing levers must be at home position (meaning you can't start the hydraulic motor drives). If you leave the seat with it running, the seat switch will cause it to shut down, as will not having the levers at home position. Only way you can leave the seat without shutting the engine, is disengage the PTO, levers home, and brake engaged. It gets to where you don't want to leave the seat to move some kids toy out of the way, you either avoid it, or shred it.

Soundguy · Jan 14, 2009

I'm all for safety.. but IMHO.. safety happens on that thing up on your shoulders that your hat sets on... not in an operators presence switch/kill circuit.

I'm just as happy with my tractors and only the most basic of protection ( inconvienience ).. like a neutral start interlocked ignition switch.

the seat and pto stuff is a bit much...for me anyway..

soundguy