Jumping from skidding tractor

[zing]

Seems to me the safest place for him would have been in the seat with his seatbelt on, as long as there is an ROPS in place. Yes he would have faceplanted the dash, but that is still better then ending up under a tire.

I fully agree though that having a "what-if" plan is important. My dad taught me to be always planning an escape route when he taught me how to drive, and it has saved me at least a couple dollars in scratched paint over the years. I plan to teach the samne to my kids when they come of age to drive.

 

[Gary Fowler]

4wd is not the end all be all, I was pulling a wagon down a snowy slope two years ago, (chains on the front tires because it was cheaper than the rear tires) anyways, the wagon started pushing me in 4wd so I dropped the loader. That slowed me down for a second until the rear end came loose and I ended up 'cracking the whip' so to speak with the wagon. I thought I was done for. Long story short, I chain all 4 tires in the winter now! :thumbsup: I was buckeled in and had no plans of jumping whatsoever. Good thing to because it came around towards the doored side of the cab.


Had a similiar instance with a 2wd tractor and a hay wagon many years ago, We were in a hurry trying to beat a incoming storm so I took the short cut down over the steeper part of the hill. Its somewhat entertaining looking back at one tire spinning forward and one tire spinning in reverse. I just kept the nose pointed straight down hill and rode that one out. Always took the long way after that one! Never thought about jumping then either.

Riding out a slide is the best way as long as there is a clear landing spot at the bottom. A cliff or deep gully in your path puts a whole new light to the equation. I don't wear my seat belts on any of my tractors just for this reason. A ROPS may protect you but if you go in the water, it may just be your executioner. 50/50 on good or bad results of seat belt use. In a car, I always buckle up but not on my tractor. Same with my buddy, if he had been buckled in, he likely wouldn't have had time to unbelt and jump and a fifteen foot fall with sudden stop at the end would have done him some damage even if buckled down,(NO AIRBAG to protect the upper torso on the tractor)

 

[scaredychicken]

just glad he's recovering

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Riding out a slide is the best way as long as there is a clear landing spot at the bottom. A cliff or deep gully in your path puts a whole new light to the equation. I don't wear my seat belts on any of my tractors just for this reason. A ROPS may protect you but if you go in the water, it may just be your executioner. 50/50 on good or bad results of seat belt use. In a car, I always buckle up but not on my tractor. Same with my buddy, if he had been buckled in, he likely wouldn't have had time to unbelt and jump and a fifteen foot fall with sudden stop at the end would have done him some damage even if buckled down,(NO AIRBAG to protect the upper torso on the tractor)

I agree about the drop at the bottom. Its a little more difficult getting out of a cabbed tractor than an OOS one is. Either way, I'm pretty sure it would be at the last possible second before I'd consider jumping.? but I don't know, never made that choice yet!