Almost Bought the Farm

RAllen · Apr 27, 2001

Now, almost 24 hours after the incident, I have calmed down somewhat. After alot of thought, I have come to a couple of conclusions. First, each prior time I took off the FEL, I used my garage floor, or had very hard or frozen ground. I live in Montana and yesterday the temp was over 70 degrees. Even in "dry" locations, the groung was very soft underneath. The problems started with that lack of a hard level surface.

Secondly, if you have that hard level surface, I would not be afraid to take the FEL off. I am resolved to try in again under the proper circumstances.

One final point. I learned the hard way- why does the FEL manual, with so many safety warnings, not emphasize the need for the proper surface conditions.

Rick

hess · Apr 27, 2001

I've learned more about what to watch out for, and what not to do, by reading the posts in this forum, than from all the manuals that I've accumulated over the years. My thanks to everyone for sharing embarrassing/scary encounters.
Rick, if we were good friends, I'd probably "break your stones" for a long time about this, knowing that I too could have been (and actually have been, in other ways) in your shoes.
But how much of what is printed in the manuals can be applied to the various situations or conditions we all encounter?
I know the term "common sense" is relative, and we can, in retrospect, say "Wow, that was pretty stupid," but in the heat of the moment we do the best we can with the experience we've gained.
Nowadays it seems that even the most obvious, needs to be addressed by product disclaimers, warnings, cautions, etc. For example, I have an clothes iron that came with the label: "Do not attempt to iron clothing while wearing them."
Reading this, you might wonder what kind of idiot would try such a thing - but I'll bet there is someone out there who was in a hurry, and thought "Well... if I just hold my shirt away from my skin..."
Personally, if it comes from the manual - I'll take it into consideration. But if it comes from experience - I'll take it to heart.
Thanks, hess.

GlueGuy · Apr 27, 2001

<font color=blue>why does the FEL manual, with so many safety warnings, not emphasize the need for the proper surface conditions.</font color=blue>

That's a darn good question, but one I won't be asking thanks to your incident!

It does remind me of the ladder manufacturer that got sued for not labeling the ladder with a warning about soft surfaces. Seems a guy used the ladder in a paddock that was quite deep with manure. Of course the ladder sunk (deeper on one side), the guy fell and got hurt. Sued the ladder maker for some ridiculous amount of money, and won. Ever take a look at all the warning labels on a ladder lately?/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

The GlueGuy

RobS · Apr 27, 2001

Product Liability Stories

Not sure if this is true, but I heard that Huffy got out of the mower business due to a product liability case. Apparently two brainiacs decided to use thier push mower as a hedge trimmer. They picked it up under the lip of the mower deck and promptly lost thier fingertips (big surprise). Sued and won based on failure to warn.

I also heard of another with a car manufacturer. Guy sued claiming the brakes didn't work causing a crash. His basis was no skid marks. Upon evaluation the car company determined that he was airborn at the time of the crash which explains the lack of skidmarks. I'm not sure the outcome of that one, but it probably went to the plaintiff to become a story. Interesting society we live in, isn't it /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

skent · Apr 27, 2001

Re: Product Liability Stories

And the Lawyers get what, 25 to 40 % of the settlement, then go on to become politicians who make and change laws to continue the 'cycle' ?!? The media promote the cases and give more 'ideas' to people.

My brother (a Mechanical Engineer) while using a bagging type lawn mower, tied the 'engine brake' handle with string, so he wouldn't have to restart each time he emptied the bag, noticed the chute was clogged with grass, reached in to 'grab' and split his thumb up the middle (about 3/4 of an inch). Stitches and some pain.

College Educated, Designs stuff for a living, still uses the lawn mower with the 'engine brake' tied off. He's gunna end up with a settlement someday (if he lives long enough).

And the beat goes on. . . . . .

Steve
"Amateurs built the Ark. . . . . . . .Professionals built the Titanic"

cowboydoc · Apr 27, 2001

Glueguy,
Yes I remember that one well. What a joke of a society that we live in that people can get away with that kind of crap, no pun intended!

Bird · Apr 27, 2001

<font color=blue>why does the FEL manual, with so many safety warnings, not emphasize the need for the proper surface conditions</font color=blue>

Rick, the following is bold print on page 24 of my loader manual:

CAUTION
To avoid personal injury:
For removing the loader, choose flat and hard ground, preferably concrete. When starting the engine or using the hydraulic control valve, always sit in the operator's seat.
If the ground surface is soft, place suitable planks on the ground for the bucket and stands. Make sure bucket and stands are at ground level.

Bird

RAllen · Apr 27, 2001

Bird
Thanks for the information. I have a L402 (same loader as a 2710) and I could not find it anywhere. I may be looking in the wrong place. In truth, my dealer, during orientation, did say it would be "best" or easiest to use concrete pad. Unfortunately, I have no hard suface except in the garage and its space is spoken for. Glad to see it is at least mentioned in some manuals. Going back through mind again and see if I missed something.

Thanks again. Was it in your FEL or general tractor owner's manunal?

Rick

Bird · Apr 28, 2001

Rick, of course mine's a '99 model B2710 w/LA401 loader and it's in the loader manual, not the tractor, on page 24, topic "Removing the Loader."

Bird