Line of ROPless tractors!

slowrev · Jun 8, 2004

Snowridge,
Does this mean if you pull a mower or rake with an ATV it should have a ROPS ? Actually those things are more dangerous than tractors, at least by the death statistics.
And from this thread if it does not have a ROPS it is not a tractor ?
( for newer machines)

SnowRidge · Jun 8, 2004

(Does this mean if you pull a mower or rake with an ATV it should have a ROPS ? Actually those things are more dangerous than tractors, at least by the death statistics.

And from this thread if it does not have a ROPS it is not a tractor ?) 

Presuming it is in agricultural or commercial use, you would have to delve into the Code of Federal Regulations to find out. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I have, in the past, been paid to do that sort of thing. No one is paying me now, so I respectfully decline to have an opinion. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

SnowRidge

Soundguy · Jun 8, 2004

( I think that if it has 20HP or more, the defining requirement is whether or not the machine is intended for agricultural use. If yes, then it gets a ROPS, if no, then it's not required.
)

Not disagreeing with you here.. but what about ZTR's? I know the smaller ones could be homeowner use.. but I've seen huge ones.. even say 'comercial duty' ( thinking heavy duty? ) Or "Contractor grade / industrial grade' High hp.. big v-twin engines.. and no rops...

Makes ya wonder..

Soundguy

slowrev · Jun 9, 2004

Soundguy,
I think we may have a legal definition of the difference between a lawnmower and a tractor beginning to emerge here. Not the Salesmans/marketing terminology, but the legal difference.

Soundguy · Jun 9, 2004

( I think we may have a legal definition of the difference between a lawnmower and a tractor beginning to emerge here. Not the Salesmans/marketing terminology, but the legal difference.
)

Are we then saying that ZTR's by definition are not ag machines?

Soundguy

RobertN · Jun 9, 2004

The blue ones were Hinomoto(sp?). Saw one closer-up today.

markie61 · Jun 9, 2004

Yeah - they are grey market tractors and, therefore, not subject to the federal safety standards.

Mark

slowrev · Jun 9, 2004

I think the ZTR's and any new "tractor" That comes without a ROPS is really legally classified as a lawnmower. No matter what the salesman says, If it was a new "real" tractor then it could not be sold without a ROPS. At least that is my take after pondering on this subject for a couple of years /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

slowrev · Jun 9, 2004

I think the Gray mkt tractors do not have the ROPS because they are USED and maybe because it was not required when they were manufactured. Sort of like seat belts in my old 60's pickup or lack thereof. It was grandfathered in when the seatbelt laws were passed.

rambler · Jun 9, 2004

( For example, Power Trac sells an over 20HP machine without a ROPS that is nearly identical to their ROPS equipped PT-425. The big difference is Power Trac's adamant stance that is for "homeowner only" use. 

I don't understand why "homeowner only" use would be a factor whether it gets a ROPS or not.
"Homeowners" don't experience rollovers? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

As another interesting sidenote, I've got a New Holland TC18 with a 18hp engine. I've been in situations where I feel tippy, and I'm glad that I've got my seat belt and ROPS in those situations. On the Ford 8N with no ROPS, I've been in situations that were fives times worse, and NEVER have had a feeling that I was ever remotely close to rolling over, so size of the tractor and whether it's used by farmers or homeowners doesn't really matter. )

Very simple. These are government rules, not phsical laws. They don't have to make sense, and don't have to be written so they can be understood......

You know that a PT Cruiser, for fedral regulations on safety, mph, etc is considered a truck?

It has nothing to do with common sense, it has to do with bearocracy.

--->Paul