I haven't checked the statistics for bucket/children accidents/fatalities,...but I absolutely "know" they happen! The ones that would never pass muster and be admitted to "Statistics" are the so-called "minor" accidents,...but still,..they are there and probably many scars to prove a story,...but NO statistics because they aren't fatalities nor gory enough.
However,...a tractor bucket was never designed, padded, tested or recommended by the manufacturer,..for use by children.
I too,..have neighbours who think I'm just over protective as do some on this forum,...and maybe so? Because of neighbours and others in this area where city folk have bought a couple acres and a new tractor,....I have either seen for myself or heard of situations that will not make the statistics.
Because a tractor is NOT "sprung" (like a car), it is "solid", as is every bump, pot hole or pebble. The bucket is also NOT "sprung" like a car seat etc. This means that buckets jiggle, wiggle and bounce,..Not "softly" but as a JOLT!!! A fast, hard, solid JOLT usually without warning, could be a combination quick back and forth side-to-side JOLT at the same time as the up-n-down JOLT! Knock you off balance so quick,..make your head spin!
These sort of JOLTS tend to cause many after-affects. "MOST", young children are not "experienced" enough to "prepare" for the unknown like an adult might tend to keep his head tucked forward, or keep a foot braced or at least one hand "ready" to grab something. The child "usually" is "trusting" the adult to make this a "fun" and "safe" ride.
However, some of those seemingly mild bumps, can easily JOLT the child off balance and bang their head on "solid" steel, . . maybe the kid is coming down as the bucket edge is coming up,.. Bashed his front teeth in,..Whacked his forhead on the chain hook,... . . . OR Bounced right out and rolled safely off to the side in a fit of laughter! Usually what accompanies one of these safe, "fun" rides is good, happy memories of a day at the farm and what more could anyone ask?
But the bucket with Children's blood and teeth scattered around is generally fairly well accompanied with loud, painfull child-screams, wailing, and yelling with a generous mixture of tears and blood,...often scars and memories for life and not necessarily "happy" memories of a day at the farm? "Your?" farm /property?.."Your?" tractor-bucket?.."YOUR?" "MEMORIES!!!
And YES! Most Certainly, by All means,..Of Course...the lad (or lassy) with the missing and broken teeth, black eye, bruised or scarred forehead,...walking funny and a slight problem speaking or seeing clearly, . . . could just as easily have gained these "personally-identifying" ..Marks, Scars and Defects,...... . . .
From "PLAYING" hockey, baseball, soccer or almost any sport you can name as well as the exciting rides like bikes, (pedal or moto) and any others involving a board with wheels, skiis, blades or sail etc,...wrestling a friend or boxing a bully, martial arts ..horse-back riding, farm chores or even climbing a tree for pete sake.
BUT, But,...but,.....the "kids" getting injured from the above mentioned,.....are generally kids of a "tad" more advanced age, "AND" life "experience". I agree they are experiencing "life" in an often painful manner but at least,..it's "often" one of "their" choice where they have observed others and at least have "some" small idea of the dangers involved and "accept" it. (Even if simply TRUSTING mom or dad or uncle's word on it).
However,..(sorry to be so lengthy,...AGAIN!),..but I "think" the age range of the "Children",... that many of us consider mixing with tractors, (buckets,etc), are the "little" ones, barely more than babies, some just learning to walk and those in the "pre-school" age bracket. (Personally I think it applies to those a tad older also)(?)
BUT it bothers me to see an adult, spread a blanket in the bucket and very "carefully" set a little toddler in the corner and give him that little one hand sign that says: sit still, don't move, we are gonna have FUN!! Hang on! Perhaps sit two or three or more, I've seen five, (neighbour).
Then away we go, slow and careful,.. but can the operator even "see" ONE of those little children,.. can barely hear them in there? NO ! Of course NOT!!
OH, heck one of them tossed his teddy bear out,....that "was" a Teddy-Bear we just ran over was it not? .....ooOOPS!! Hit the Brakes! OH-Oh the rest of 'm flew out!! ....(Sorry doesn't count!)
ONE More Item: . . . "fender-seats" on tractors,... if the manufacturer designed it and you deem it safe "WITH" a seat belt snugged up, . . . if you must! . . er, ah,..No comment.
OK,...Thanks for the opportunity Mike, an important topic,..BUT,.."THAT" is "IT" for me,....NO more "tractor-kid-safety" rantings from me, I have had my say,..much more than my share,...SO,..I'm outta here !!!! JUST TRY TO BE SAFE AND KEEP THE LITTLE ONES SAFE TOO!!! Thanks!!
CHEERS!
. . tug
PS: .....I personally think there aught to be a "Length-LIMIT" on my posts!! All those who agree, please signify by saying AYE !! ........."AYE, AYE Sir ...(tug)
