Old tractor, no ROPS

[Sysop]

Never done it, but I've often wondered... The big tie down loops that are mounted about halfway between the front and rear axles under many tractors; hook the ends of a 15' logging chain to them with the loop of slack hanging out the rear between the tires, hook that up low on a stump and pull. In theory it should pull weight down on all four tires rather than levering weight off the front letting the tractor rotate on the rears and flip. Something would have to break (hopefully what you're pulling on), you could never flip in such a manner.

 

[Soundguy]

I would be willing to bet this us a true statement for the vast majority of deaths caused by roll over. I would be willing to bet that the operator was pushing the design limits of the machine in most cases.

i doubt he was pushing the limits. I BET he was just using the machine incorrectly!

 

[Soundguy]

... which is why you pull from UNDER the centerline of the rear axle....

 

[buickanddeere]

I think ROPS is one of the dumbest looking parts of a tractor. Perch for birds to rest and leave presents in the seat. Folded down they look even more stupid, especially when being operated while down (although I've never considered the "why", it may just be the combined stupidity of the operator and the stupid looking ROPS bar in it's stupid looking folded position).

That being said I'd never own or operate a tractor on my land without one nor did I buy my tractor for looks. Living in the mountains you're quick to appreciate such things even if you think they're stupid looking. Also I'm not calling anyone stupid for not using ROPS or whatever unless you happen to have a tractor rolled over on top of you, then it may fit. There are many cases were such safety devices are silly. Folk out in Kansas probably cuss us mountain folk for tipping tractors and making it so ALL tractors had to have ROPS.

Glad to know there will never be a set of unknowns, a surprise or a factor you missed that will roll a tractor.

 

[Soundguy]

Glad to know there will never be a set of unknowns, a surprise or a factor you missed that will roll a tractor.

i don't believe that was the point for the post...

 

[buickanddeere]

i don't believe that was the point for the post...

What was the point? He is too smart to have a tractor roll ?

 

[TomSeller]

What was the point? He is too smart to have a tractor roll ?

No one is too smart to have a tractor roll ( to the side or whatever ). But everyone should hitch lower than the axle such that a backwards flip is nearly impossible.

 

[rider0]

Did anyone read the article?

"RCMP Sgt. Andrew Blackadar says Wagner was working in the backyard with his vintage tractor. He said it appears he was attempting to pull a stump out of the ground.

That痴 when he hit the gas, causing the front of the tractor to lift up off the ground and overturn landing on top of the elderly man pinning him.

典his was just a terrible accident, Blackadar said, in an interview."

That's not an accident - it's stupidity!

I see all this hand wringing about how "antique" (actually vintage) tractors have somehow morphed into dangerous monsters and need to be safety-ized with ROPS and who knows what else.

I see very little discussion about using ones head while operating the tractors.

Over the years I've seen plenty of careless farmers take their lives or maim themselves- but those who know their equipment, know their abilities, and work safely seem to have miraculously eked out eight or nine decades of life working with "dangerous" tractors and other implements.

 

[Soundguy]

yep it was a sad error on the part of the operator.

it's not like a sinkhole opened up and made him flip.. he hitched it wrong....

Did anyone read the article?



That's not an accident - it's stupidity!

I see all this hand wringing about how "antique" (actually vintage) tractors have somehow morphed into dangerous monsters and need to be safety-ized with ROPS and who knows what else.

I see very little discussion about using ones head while operating the tractors.

Over the years I've seen plenty of careless farmers take their lives or maim themselves- but those who know their equipment, know their abilities, and work safely seem to have miraculously eked out eight or nine decades of life working with "dangerous" tractors and other implements.

 

[Bill Hoffman]

Any time you use a tool that "makes you stronger or faster", you need to
stop for a moment and think of what can go wrong, and then do whatever
is necessary to minimize the risk. From power tools to tractors, machinery
doesn't have a conscience and will bite back if given half a chance.

Think and minimize the possibility of a "bite".:thumbsup:

Bill