Do ROPS' work when UP? Do they work when folded?

[timswi]

The ROPS should be used at all times with the seat belt. If you skip either one, all bets are off.

With the rops down, the seatbelt must be off so that your are not attached to the machine that will flatten you...Ever wonder why ATV's and Waverunners don't have seatbelts? You are completely on your own as far as safety.

With the rops down and you roll over, your mellon might be destroyed, but from your shoulders down should look pretty good.

 

[MikePA]

I think to say "No Protection" is going a little to far. Like I said earlier it would depend on where they fold. It would probably depend on the surface you are on as well.

Whatever part of your body that is above the line I referred to gets crushed. Since, for most of us, what's above the line is an important body part, that's no protection. Even if you rolled over on soft ground, being slowly pushed into it because my ROPS was down isn't protection either. As with many safety devices, don't use them at your own, and your family's, risk.

"See you at lunchtime honey, I'm going out to plow the lower 40 of marshmallows and then the 20 acres of pillows, so I'm leaving the ROPS down.":confused2:

 

[tommu56]

1) Curious about peoples' experiences toppling over:
- Did your ROPS bend? YES
- Did you get hurt? does pride count? no
- Did you have your seat belt on? YES
- Do you feel it saved your life, or at least saved you from injury? yes

2) Do ROPS' work when folded down? My manual says "Fold the ROPS down only when absolutely necessary and fold it up and lock it again as soon as possible." ... but it doesn't say it won't actually work when folded down.

The ROPS is basically a lever the shorter the lever it is more ineffective
So if it is folded it won't work as well.
I think my manual says if it is folded don't use the seat belt

tom

 

[johnrex62]

I would venture to speculate that even folded the ROPS would offer some protection, albeit severely limited.

As long as you are wearing your seatbelt and no longer require the presence or functionality of your head or upper spinal column you will be fine. The portion of your body below the top of the seat will very likely be saved.

 

[rd_macgregor]

I see a lot of tractors and big commercial-size mowers being operated with the ROPs folded down. I bet a significant number of the operators are just safety-conscious enough to fasten their seatbelts...exactly the wrong combination!
BOB

 

[beenthere]

That would be quite the project as that are welded to the frame.

Mine is welded to brackets that are bolted to the frame. Would be easy to remove if desired. But then would have to figure out where to mount the lights and saw scabbard.

 

[nebraskasparks]

Put the rops up and fasten the seat belt. This prevents DEATH 99 percent of the time from that 1 percent chance that you didn't think your tractor could do such a thing to you. Cheap and it works. Getting buried because the Rops wasn't up or the seat belt wasn't fastened doesn't make for a great discussion at the funeral.

Carry a limb cutter of some type if branches get in the way. Next thing you know is that you'll be working around your property enjoying it instead of cursing the branches that pull your hat off or smack you in the face. I spent three days trimming tree branches that got in my way and my attitude improved about one hundred percent. (Don't ask me how long I cursed the branches!)

 

[beenthere]

The branches hit you in the back of the head after your head goes by them.

 

[nebraskasparks]

No matter what direction the branch smacks you...ruins a great attitude.:laughing:

 

[beppington]

No matter what direction the branch smacks you...ruins a great attitude.:laughing:

Now you're splitting hairs.

Puntended