I need to get a roll-over bar, but...

piddling · Sep 6, 2006

While mowing the hills on my five acres here in the Ozarks I keep thinking I should purchase a roll-over bar for my YM2000. What holds me back is the thought of using a seat belt with the bar. I've read on the internet that without the seat belt a roll-over bar is worthless.

I'm not sure I want to strap myself to the tractor, my thinking being that I could jump in time if it rolled sideways - which is probably my most likely accident scenario. Really don't think I'll roll it backwards.

I will admit that I've scared myself repeatedly on the hillsides although I don't think I've ever come very close to rolling it. I do mow up and down the hills and I am very attentive to working sloping ground. Perhaps I am overly sensitive to any leaning of the tractor.

I wish I could somehow get the back tires spread about two feet wider and then I'd feel much safer. The YM2000 looks to me as if it's a little narrow for its height.

I have a total of about 35 hours using a tractor, all on this one.

Any thoughts? Are you comfortable using a seat belt with the rops?

LMTC · Sep 6, 2006

And that is true. Without the seat belt it is too easy to end up pinned to the ground under the ROPS during a rollover, which does you no good. The seat belt is designed to keep the operator within the safety zone that the ROPS provides. I won't let customers even operate units on our perfectly flat lot without using the seat belt on a ROPS equipped unit....and as of 9/1 everything we sell leaves the yard with a ROPS.

Are you so confident of jumping clear that you're willing to bet your life on it? What if a foot gets caught, or sock or pants leg hangs up on something? These units tend to be tight in the operator area anyway. I for one am very glad a ROPS is now available. It makes me much more comfortable letting my sons on these tractors.

We can get one to you in a matter of days. Just let us know.

YanmarFever · Sep 6, 2006

piddling I would spring for the roll bar today if I were you. You could roll that tractor today & this would be your last post about something that could of prevented it ! just my .02

FL_Jerry · Sep 6, 2006

I have trouble just sitting in my 2000BD with all the stuff around me, 6ft, 225lbs. Getting out in a hurry isn't an option. I said this once before, one trip up a trailer ramp and the ROPS becomes a priority. Makes the tractor look better too, lol.

Jerry

greatrandini · Sep 6, 2006

LMTC is correct! Your unit will roll faster than u can jump off. If you have close calls you should get a ROPS and use the seat belt. You will survive the roll over inside the ROPS zone. You will most likely be killed or injured trying to jump off.

Normmm · Sep 6, 2006

I have hills here in Alabama and I will never drive up/down then without my rops seat belt and 4wd. Year befor last I took a ride on some leaves and loose grass toward a 4' drop off next to the road in front of my house that caused me to get a 4wd tractor and a ROPS as sooon as it come out for my new to me YM2020D. It's hard to immagen the pucker factor involved in riding a tractor down a hill with a rottery cutter behind you, brakes locked and wondering what would happen if I turned accross the hill or if I hit the tree or rode it into the ditch. (I hit some bare ground and stopped) All I could do was sit there and plan my next tractor purchase.

Soundguy · Sep 6, 2006

Go for the rops even if it means no beer/cig money for a month, and a few balony sandwhiches and 'plain' coffee's at lunch for a couple weeks.

DO wear the seatbelt once you get the rops.

Check to see if your rear rims are dished and swapped out to the wider stance.

Soundguy

piddling · Sep 6, 2006

Thanks for the replies. I know you guys are right. I think I'll order the rops despite my misgivings about the seat belt.

LMTC, are you aware of anyone being unfortunate enough to put one of your rops to the test? Is the fold down feature easy to use?

Normmm, the paragraph you donated to this thread may cost me some sleep tonight.

Yes, Soundguy, the rims have been switched for wider stance. Dealer did that for me.

Fortunately I've just finished rotary mowing all of my property and may not have to do it again this year but I do have some box blade work planned. Regardless, I'll have a rops on before I use the tractor again. I'm sure the peace of mind alone will be worth the price.

LMTC · Sep 6, 2006

piddling said:
Thanks for the replies. I know you guys are right. I think I'll order the rops despite my misgivings about the seat belt.

LMTC, are you aware of anyone being unfortunate enough to put one of your rops to the test? Is the fold down feature easy to use?

Normmm, the paragraph you donated to this thread may cost me some sleep tonight.

Yes, Soundguy, the rims have been switched for wider stance. Dealer did that for me.

Fortunately I've just finished rotary mowing all of my property and may not have to do it again this year but I do have some box blade work planned. Regardless, I'll have a rops on before I use the tractor again. I'm sure the peace of mind alone will be worth the price.

Is the fold-down easy? Yes, you pull two pins, fold it, and replace them. I do not know of a customer rolling one, but I assure you the manufacturer put plenty to the test in complying with the OSHA standard. Email me at your convenience...LMTC@tds.net