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

[CBW1999]

You are correct- the sterring wheel and seat are protected. There is nothing protectng anything that is above that plane. So whatever is above, is not protected.

If a folded ROPS provided any protection for the operator, i'm fairly sure they would be manufactured and marketed that way- a savings for the company at least.

As posted previously, the geometry that protects the operator has to do with triangulating the front of the tractor to the height of the ROPS to allow enough room to keep the operator from getting squished.

Of course my opinion is based on good faith that the ENGINEERS that designed and tested this concept were correct in everything they did. I'm sure the government agency that mandated the addition of a ROPS also has this good faith, based on good science.

Perhaps there are some Engineers here on TBN that might have some insight as to designing ROPS and what will or will not provide protection.

 

[RoyJackson]

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".

No offense, bro...but that was one of the dumbest posts I've read since joining TBN almost 10 years ago...

 

[rjkobbeman]

No offense, bro...but that was one of the dumbest posts I've read since joining TBN almost 10 years ago...

Back at'cha old man. I was just saying that there is some protection. If my tractor rolled over and the ROPS was down, if I leaned over in the seat I would not touch the ground.

You guys have such a hard time with this...

All these guys saying absolutely no protection is just plain false.

 

[rjkobbeman]

You are correct- the sterring wheel and seat are protected. There is nothing protectng anything that is above that plane. So whatever is above, is not protected.

If I lean over my head and body are below the hinge of my ROPS.

Again, everyone should not confuse this argument with proper, safe operation. I'm just saying a folded down ROPS is not the same as no ROPS at all. Of course it is not as safe as a properly upright ROPS... but it does provide SOME protection.

 

[RoyJackson]

Back at'cha old man. I was just saying that there is some protection. If my tractor rolled over and the ROPS was down, if I leaned over in the seat I would not touch the ground.

You would most likely die more slowly from crushing aphyxiation as you were pinned between the steering wheel and ground...

 

[rjkobbeman]

You would most likely die more slowly from crushing aphyxiation as you were pinned between the steering wheel and ground...

Not if I was not between the steering wheel and the ground. If I leaned to the left or the right, there would be plenty of clearance. Not all tractors are the same and not all ROPS are the same. My head is only one or two inches above my ROPS hinge.

Again, this isn't something I would want to try... but my folded down ROPS still would hold the tractor above the ground... provided the ROPS did not sink because of soft ground.

Some of us just took exception to the universal statement of "No Protection".

You can think the argument is dumb if you want, but facts are facts.

 

[ray66v]

If a folded ROPS provided any protection for the operator, i'm fairly sure they would be manufactured and marketed that way- a savings for the company at least.

Even if a folded ROPS totally protected you, it would not meet the federal regulations for height.

I am pretty sure the feds would not be supportive of that marketing approach.


If they see injuries start piling up as a result of folded ROPS being used improperly, I wonder if we will see interlock systems installed, or maybe even see folding systems discontinued.

 

[CBW1999]

With the energy involved in a rollover situation, you would not be able to position your body where YOU want it-and keep it there. When the tractor comes to rest, you are still moving at the same speed until you meet resistance (seatbelt or otherwise).

Betting on being able to position your body in the exact position it needs to be in is a losing bet. You are essentially a ragdoll along for the ride.

 

[Mikeeemo]

Wow, Darwin is at work in this tread...

When I bought my L4400, the dealer asked if I wanted a fixed or folding ROPS.

I went with the fixed and had a fiberglass sunshade installed.

I knew that I would get lazy and leave it down.

No, it won't go in the garage.

No, I don't like that it is in the weather.

Yes, I have to prune trees a couple times a year.

I figure that is a small price to pay to insure that if a flip or roll over happens, I get a chance to survive.

I have a lot of people around me that depend on me, as do all of you.

Please, don't fool yourselves, the Steel and Iron will win against the flesh and bone.

That is why God gave us a brain.

You all be careful...

 

[rjkobbeman]

Wow, Darwin is at work in this tread...

No, not really. Nobody had advocated using their tractor with the ROPS down.