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

[MikePA]

Bull Pucky.

Find one operator's manual that backs up your advice. You can't because they don't exist. Admit you are wrong and your advice is dangerous.

I've noticed you take positions simply to start arguments and demand others prove their point instead of you proving yours, e.g., the recent seat belt thread where you asked another poster to prove someone would have lived had they been wearing a seat belt. It's a dangerous and irresponsible game given all the new people on these forums everyday. So, I won't play the game anymore.

 

[ray66v]

Since the government standards, and testing requirements, that I have seen, do not include any testing with a ROPS folded. Any suggestion they provide a level of protection when folded, would be pure speculation.

Clearly, some are bravely volunteering to take the risk, showing little regard for their own safety, and potentially sacrificing themselves, to be the test pilots who can show the rest of us, whether we need to take that 15 seconds to fuss with that ROPS, ...or not.

I suspect there will be enough accidents in this configuration to draw some conclusions in the not too distant future.

 

[beppington]

Seems logical that a folded ROPS would provide some measure of "roll resistance", meaning the tractor could roll onto its side but not roll on over to upside-down.

 

[BruceWard]

An Uncle who is a police officer arrived at accident scene where a car with open T Tops had rolled over. It had completely rolled over and back onto the wheels. The driver and passenger were both sitting in their seats not wearing their seat belts. Their heads were slumped over and they were not responsive.

When the car rolled over their heads hit the ground and their necks had broken. My guess is that a seat belted operator with a folded ROPS would have a similar effect.

 

[Duffster]

Find one operator's manual that backs up your advice. You can't because they don't exist. Admit you are wrong and your advice is dangerous.

I've noticed you take positions simply to start arguments and demand others prove their point instead of you proving yours, e.g., the recent seat belt thread where you asked another poster to prove someone would have lived had they been wearing a seat belt. It's a dangerous and irresponsible game given all the new people on these forums everyday. So, I won't play the game anymore.

I don't know why you got it in your head that I am giving advice or dangerous advice at that. I have not advised anybody to do anything.

I have not read every operators manual for every tractor ever made as I doubt you have either so I can't tell you what they all say. But I can guess they all suggest to operate with the ROPS up when at all possible in which i would concur. We all know though that this isn't always possible which I am sure is one of the reasons why they make folding ROPS.

I am not sure what you want me to provide to you to prove my original statement of "If the hinge point is a ways up, like at shoulder height or so, it would provide some protection." You demand proof from me yet you make statements in absolute terms with absolutely nothing to back up your claims. I think anyone with a basic understanding of the function of a ROPS could see where it is possible to provide some protection like I said earlier.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'm actually kind of surprised this question is even being asked, especially since the tractor operating manuals are pretty specific about use of folding ROPS.
A folding ROPS is strictly a convenience for those of us who do not have high enough doors for a fixed ROPS.
However, if you look at the linked or attached pictures on a number of posts (even going back several years), you'll see quite a number (I'll estimate 30%-40%) of TBNers operating their machines with the ROPS folded.

My ROPS is down when necessary to enter my shed or garage...that's it. I'm just not quick enough to jump off if it starts to roll.

 

[jimmyj]

I have a low door on the barn and I have to raise and lower it every single time I enter or exit. I admit I only bother half the time. Dumb, I admit. I agree Roy though that even IF a folded ROPS helps a bit, which it probably does, so what? The point is you are either using it right when it's up or not using it right in any other application. There really isn't a gray area in honesty.

I am surprised nobody who's rolled with it folded has responded yet.

 

[CBW1999]

I am surprised nobody who's rolled with it folded has responded yet.

It's hard to get internet service six feet under......:laughing:

I've noticed you take positions simply to start arguments and demand others prove their point instead of you proving yours, e.g., the recent seat belt thread where you asked another poster to prove someone would have lived had they been wearing a seat belt. It's a dangerous and irresponsible game given all the new people on these forums everyday. So, I won't play the game anymore.

I agree- if memebers are intent on instigating pointless arguments- then we don't have to play into it. Perhaps if we see some members posting "Bull Puckey", we take it with a grain of salt and do not reply to that specific comment. :thumbsup:

 

[rjkobbeman]

The argument here was against the speaking of absolutes. The term "No Protection" was used. No means zero.

However miniscule, anything greater than zero is not zero. Hence "Some".

If you take my tractor and flip it upside down with the ROPS folded down, there is room in the operator's station. The ground will not touch the steering wheel or seat. (No, I am not going to try it out... so please save the silly request(s).)

Of course, if you were on soft ground like dirt, the ROPS would just sink. On hard ground, there would be SOME protection. Still not safe in my eyes, but there is in fact SOME protection.

Nobody ever said a folded down ROPS was safe. The argument was against the absolute "No Protection" statement.

 

[shepherd]

There is absolutly no way to "jump clear" of any vehicle rolling over. You are traveling in the same direction and cannot overcome the directional force to change direction enough to avoid the vehicle.

.

i have done it, i was lucky but i jumped clear of the tractor as it was rolling