CBW1999
Platinum Member
- Joined
- May 11, 2008
- Messages
- 776
- Tractor
- Kubota 7510, Toro Groundsmaster 217D
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.
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.