Is the ROPS really needed?

[Parkanzky]

Truly a sad story indeed. And not to make light of the situation, but guessing some operator error was in play? Mowing when too wet? or mowing on too steep of a grade right next to a pond?

Of course some kind of operator error played a part. But probably not an error that most people on here hasn't made at least once or twice (driving their tractor on a bit of a slope, driving on wet and lumpy terrain, etc.).

It's human nature to assign negligence to the operator in a case like this because we want to feel like we're smarter, more skilled, better prepared, etc. and that this can't happen to us. I don't think that's wise thinking.

 

[DarkBlack]

Of course some kind of operator error played a part. But probably not an error that most people on here hasn't made at least once or twice (driving their tractor on a bit of a slope, driving on wet and lumpy terrain, etc.).

It's human nature to assign negligence to the operator in a case like this because we want to feel like we're smarter, more skilled, better prepared, etc. and that this can't happen to us. I don't think that's wise thinking.

I have to disagree.
'skill' and 'experience' are traits that promoted people, and also kept them alive. It's the part of a persons brain that kept them alive and allowed them to be valued and payed higher by their employer.
Your view is the modern 'someone elses fault' view, that I highly disagree with.

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

Anybody remember this OSHA approved cowboywww.sam-hane.com/sass/oshacowb.htm







THE OSHA COWBOY.

 

[Parkanzky]

I have to disagree.
'skill' and 'experience' are traits that promoted people, and also kept them alive. It's the part of a persons brain that kept them alive and allowed them to be valued and payed higher by their employer.
Your view is the modern 'someone elses fault' view, that I highly disagree with.

Not at all. I'm not saying it's not his fault. While tragic, it absolutely was his doing. I'm saying that the gentleman that died may have been very skilled and experienced. Your hubris won't have served you well if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.

 

[ray66v]

Considered all the factors as to whether or not you use a ROPS? Your land should not be the only factor in deciding that.

Apparently, disgraced, convicted, ex-congressman Traficant (D,OH), rolled his tractor over, putting it in the barn?

Ex-congressman James Traficant dies at 73

 

[yelbike]

Did I read properly, the mower had a seat belt but no rops? Seems like a weird combination.

 

[DarkBlack]

Not at all. I'm not saying it's not his fault. While tragic, it absolutely was his doing. I'm saying that the gentleman that died may have been very skilled and experienced. Your hubris won't have served you well if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.

Not really what I said. I guess you missed the part about the ROPS hooking trees in the woods being the most scary moments.

 

[yelbike]

Truly a sad story indeed. And not to make light of the situation, but guessing some operator error was in play? Mowing when too wet? or mowing on too steep of a grade right next to a pond?

It doesnt matter how many safety features are put on a machine, or how idiot proof it is, there will always be someone get hurt or killed.

Not sure about the laws of ROPS on zeroturns, but I am pretty sure a company like Bob-cat is in compliance with the law. That, with all the other safety features and several pages in the manual about safety, I think a lawsuit chances are nil.

I have been around equipment most of my life, and been around TBN for quite awhile now. When regarding safety features and such, it seems about everyone can be lumped into 2 groups.

Group 1: Those that feel that there are far too many safety devices already on machines, BUT, understand their purposes, and if they impede our operation of the machines, have the knowledge to modify them the way we see fit (if needed at all), and understand any and all consequences of our actions.

Group 2: Those who feel nothing should ever be done to any safety devices, feel there arent enough safety features, and feel the need to blame everyone else if something goes wrong, cause they feel no matter what they do or where they go with their machine, it shouldnt be capable of hurting them, because they dont have the common sense to know any better. Therefore we enlist the govt to try to idiot-proof everything in life.

One of my favorite sayings is "If we would remove all the safety devices and warning labels off everything, stupidity would cure itself".

OSHA is there to protect employees from being forced to do unsafe things by their employer, or to operate unsafe equipment. When it comes to private individuals like myself, OSHA has no jurisdiction. I can do what I want including removing the safety features which manufactures are forced to install, cause they dont know weather a I, or an employer is going to buy the machine. Same goes for a "shop" modifying the rops for a private individuals tractor. Even if that "shop" were in the USA, OSHA has no jurisdiction.

LD1, I don't know if I've agreed more with one of your previous post. You hit the nail on the head.

BTW, I had the rops modified one my jd2305 to be made folding. I can weld but literally will not put my life at risk of my welding skills. I local certified welder/custom builder did my modification for me. Price was $180 cash or $400 with a certificate, job was the same. I saved $220 that day

Has anyone ever considered adding rops to a jd z465.

 

[LD1]

My seat switch is bypassed also. I like to be able to stand up and stretch, or lean out of the way of briars when bushhogging

 

[WaxMan]

Truly a sad story indeed. And not to make light of the situation, but guessing some operator error was in play? Mowing when too wet? or mowing on too steep of a grade right next to a pond?

It doesnt matter how many safety features are put on a machine, or how idiot proof it is, there will always be someone get hurt or killed.

Not sure about the laws of ROPS on zeroturns, but I am pretty sure a company like Bob-cat is in compliance with the law. That, with all the other safety features and several pages in the manual about safety, I think a lawsuit chances are nil.

I have been around equipment most of my life, and been around TBN for quite awhile now. When regarding safety features and such, it seems about everyone can be lumped into 2 groups.

Group 1: Those that feel that there are far too many safety devices already on machines, BUT, understand their purposes, and if they impede our operation of the machines, have the knowledge to modify them the way we see fit (if needed at all), and understand any and all consequences of our actions.

Group 2: Those who feel nothing should ever be done to any safety devices, feel there arent enough safety features, and feel the need to blame everyone else if something goes wrong, cause they feel no matter what they do or where they go with their machine, it shouldnt be capable of hurting them, because they dont have the common sense to know any better. Therefore we enlist the govt to try to idiot-proof everything in life.

One of my favorite sayings is "If we would remove all the safety devices and warning labels off everything, stupidity would cure itself".

OSHA is there to protect employees from being forced to do unsafe things by their employer, or to operate unsafe equipment. When it comes to private individuals like myself, OSHA has no jurisdiction. I can do what I want including removing the safety features which manufactures are forced to install, cause they dont know weather a I, or an employer is going to buy the machine. Same goes for a "shop" modifying the rops for a private individuals tractor. Even if that "shop" were in the USA, OSHA has no jurisdiction.

Snip
I guess if you kept reading you would have got to the part about everyone doing what they want to their Rops and most not being as skilled at welding as Paul, then down the road selling their tractors to unsuspecting new owners years later.

Rops steel is not that thick, have you ever seen a crack form around a nice bead of weld over time? A Rops sticking up in the air on a diesel tractor "could " also be a great big vibration catcher, vibrating at the point of the weld over time if that weld is not what it should be it could fail and with the force of the tractor on it break. Again Not Paul's weld but people that think they know how to weld. In the case of a foldable Rops the hinge might take up the vibration from the weld but I would not want to take a chance.
And who are you guys to do what you want to Rops and then sell your tractors.


Someone said maybe it should have been kept to themselves, I agree.
Yes it's your tractor to do what you want to it, but when it comes time to sell do you tell the new owner? and is he going to tell the next owner.

As for law suits don't think You private Joe can't be sued, you can be sued if someone gets paralyzed for life because they were not informend of something you hid from a buyer especially if you have money or good insurance.

As for you having experience, it's operators error in that case of the girls dad. Its always always always operator error in every case, the Rops are to avoid getting hurt when operator error happens.

Rops is a big deal because this Government made it a big deal, you will always loose in a Law suit if you tamper with Rops. and someone gets hurt.

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