Deactivating Safety Seat Switches

[Reg]

Seems to me that for every "How do I defeat the safety xyz on tractor/implement mno ?" question
There are a dozen or more; "Person killed or maimed by tractor with non-functioning safety whatever" reports.

Is it really TOO MUCH trouble to develop safe working routines/habits that the safety interlocks don't interfere with ? (rhetorical question).

Betcha the first major flesh cut will make Ya wish Ya hadn't.

 

[Lewiston]

You could put a latching relay with a push button to activate the relay. The relay would override the safety switch. Once you start the tractor you would need to push the button to override the safety switch to stand up. The push button would override the safety till you turn off the tractor. When you turn the tractor off the safety switch would be back to normal.

I would worry about someone using your tractor or if someone services it. They may not know about a regular switch. Using a latching relay would be activated only when you need it. It could not be left in the on position like a switch.

Cary

This is an excellent idea! I would additionally recommend it be placed in an out-of-place location and painted red. You may even create a warning label for it. Some of the steps we are forced to take in today's lawsuit happy environment.
Rik

 

[megaboz]

If you only want to disable momentarily, I would recomend a switch that has to be depressed to close the circuit and when you let go would re-engage.

Toggles are grand devices, but they can often be forgotten and left on. And to answer the issue of someone else using the tractor, when they would push it, nothing would appear to happen, and the same when they release it. Also these switches are small and can be easily mounted in a convenient position. However, it would tie up one of your hands.

I've bypassed many safety devices for the sake of convienece, but you need to be prepared for someone else that might use it. Don't put in a bypass that you will forget to enable or that someone might flip because it could be a switch to some cool add-on you have for the tractor. If they would get hurt because you had some bypass that was left on, you would be liable.

Everyone thinks that only "I use/drive that". No one drives my truck, it is my baby, but when my father died, someone had to drive me home. So "Never" is not never, more like eventually.

Just my two cents.

 

[have_blue]

This is an excellent idea! I would additionally recommend it be placed in an out-of-place location and painted red. You may even create a warning label for it. Some of the steps we are forced to take in today's lawsuit happy environment.
Rik

It is a good idea, isn't it? Default is all interlock devices working. Pressing the button deactivates the seat switch and PTO interlock. I think tractor manufacturers should treat that like the auto manufacturers treat air bags. The button could only be activated by the tractor key.

The whole interlock thing is ludicrous anyway. You're going to trust/allow someone to drive a 3000# tractor that can plow through a house without slowing down, run over someone and flatten them, or cut them to shreds with equipment. Yet you aren't going to trust/allow them to stand up on their tractor to prevent blood clots in their legs? The whole idea is just silly. Obviously it has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with greedy liability lawyers.

EDIT: Megaboz has a great idea too. A deadman switch would immediately stop the tractor if the operator took his finger or foot off the deadman switch. A nice heavy bush button switch on the floor in the right place would allow standing, yet be hard to step on accidentally.

 

[Yankee Clipper]

Guys,

What do you want your headstone to have on it? "He figured out how to bypass the safety swtiches on his tractor"?

Seriously, the operator's presence system was put on to keep the operator safe. If the switch is too sensitive, there is a kit for the L39 that slightly changes the seat geometry for light weight operators. See your dealer. Also the new Grand L 40s have a dampner (block of foam) that allows the seat switch to sense but not as fast.

I would be very reluctant to bypass any of the switches as you can get hurt or killed before you can react.

Safety first and always.

 

[Redbug]

Many times I have needed to crouch up to be able to see the bucket, (such as hooking up the quick attach), and the engine would quit when my rear end leaves the seat. Pretty frustrating at times. Finally, I tie wrapped the safety lever down. I am pretty careful about what I do and take care safety wise. I also think the switch should have an override like an airbag. However, I am happy without the seat safety switch. I guess if I ever have to take it in for some sort of repair, I will cut the tie wrap off. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[zeuspaul]

I feel VERY UNSAFE when my tractor shuts off when I don't want it to! It is UNSAFE when my tractor shuts off when I am working on a slope with a bucket full of material and I am heading downhill and there is steeper land ahead of me. It's not always a matter of convenience. Sometimes it is a matter of safety.

Zeuspaul

 

[megaboz]

I feel VERY UNSAFE when my tractor shuts off when I don't want it to! It is UNSAFE when my tractor shuts off when I am working on a slope with a bucket full of material and I am heading downhill and there is steeper land ahead of me. It's not always a matter of convenience. Sometimes it is a matter of safety.

Zeuspaul

I agree with you. I don't know how many times when backing up a steep hill (it is recommended you do that) that the tractor shuts off because I tip a little bit too forward in the seat. The safety switches weren't put there for the consumer, they were put there to keep the morons that do have an accident from being able to sue successfully. BTW before I get flamed, I am not calling anyone on here a moron. But we know or heard of the types, why is there a warning on the hair dryer to not be used in the shower?

Only having had my tractor for about a year with 50 or so hours, I am not real tractor keen yet. And some of the switched I wouldn't bypass, but the seat one is getting pretty old on my BX 24. Not to mention the one for the PTO that sometimes shuts the tractor down when it isn't engaged. I think I will leave that one a lone, I came into this world with 10 fingers, and I am leaving this world with them.

 

[john_bud]

Why don't they put the same sensor interlock into cars and trucks? Lots of people have been run over when the vehicle rolled or was flipped from N into R or D. Lot's of accidents when people reach around to the back seat. passenger seat or even when they switch drivers while driving.

Would save a lot of fuel as unattended idling would be stopped. Keep a lot of CO2 out of the air...

If you don't think it's a good idea for a car, why is it such an excellent idea for a tractor?

 

[Redbug]

Good point- John Bud! Why didn't I think of that? Or how about a deactivation sensor for when driving and you are talking on a cell phone and smoking at the same time...