Nearly killed myself

[3v0]

Not to start a debate but I do wonder if the taller ROPS are a good idea.

 

[woodlandfarms]

I don't think so IMO, you can't plan for every thing coming at you, not sure the advantages of taller rops.

I do think having a metal sunshade like my tractor is priceless. I have had a number of instances where the shade has deflected falling limbs. I am also a big fan of the ROPS in front, not behind the driver.

 

[Dr_Zinj]

...Cutting in a blow down is also dangerous since trunks and branches can be hidden under huge tension while laying in the pile....

You are soooo right. I get several blowdowns every year on my property. I usually let them set a year and then cut for firewood. But always start from the free end, which should not be under any tension, and work your way inward. Never cut into a loop.

 

[Tollster]

I have been wacked in the head backing up, a limb in the apple orchard caught the roll bar, then wacked me a good one, saw stars for sure... I figure one chance may be all you get, consider your self lucky.

 

[PILOON]

Cutting in a blow down is also dangerous since trunks and branches can be hidden under huge tension while laying in the pile. I cut the "right" one one day and had a 3" branch go by my head so close the air wave almost knocked me over. Some days we are lucky...others not so much. RSKY, glad you were lucky this time and thanks for posting, we all need to pay more attention.

Happened to me as well, I shudder every time I recall that near miss. That could have decapitated me!
As bad as walking into a spinning aircraft propeller!

 

[3v0]

I want to mention the importance of having a cell phone when working on or off the tractor. You may or may not get a chance to call for help but if you do it won't happen when the cell phone is in the house.

A couple of years ago I fell while wiring the shop and it messed me up. Had I been smarter it would not have happened. I even landed on my cell phone, but it survived the fall and I was able to call for help. It is/was a cheapo flip phone, I doubt a fancy one would have taken the punishment.

 

[LJH]

I want to mention the importance of having a cell phone when working on or off the tractor.

Sigh ... I sometimes wonder if I'm the only human left on the planet who does not own a cell phone. I just try to be super careful, for what that's worth.

 

[MotorSeven]

Sigh ... I sometimes wonder if I'm the only human left on the planet who does not own a cell phone. I just try to be super careful, for what that's worth.

Don't sigh, I hate 'em & I love 'em and I could sure do without one. I just "up-graded" to a smart phone...big mistake as idiots should not have smart phones:confused3:

 

[3v0]

Sigh ... I sometimes wonder if I'm the only human left on the planet who does not own a cell phone. I just try to be super careful, for what that's worth.

Being retired with no kids or living parents I make very few calls. I use a tracphone. Just renewed it for a year for $50. The wife has a smart phone

As for being careful sometimes the unexpected just happens.

 

[LJH]

Tracphone. New term for me, will investigate, thanks. I might spring for something like that to have in the car or truck, but here in our canyon there's zero cell service unless you climb a cliff or something. Even then it's iffy, as is most of Kane County.

Agree 100% with your last statement, but careful is all we have. I try to never do potentially dangerous stuff (tractor, chainsaw, etc.) unless someone is helping, or at least within screaming distance.