Man killed, run over by bushog type cutter

[Qapla]

A friend of mine was recently killed in a vehicle crash. He was driving to work on the interstate in his work van. Another driver lost control of his car and hit my friend in the left front pushing him off the road. The van, loaded with tools with ladders on the roof, turned over several times and my friend was killed.

As far as we know, all his tools were secured (there was a screen/cage separating the work area from the passenger area) and he was wearing his seatbelt.

I guess my point is, just because what you are using has safety devices and you use them, your safety is not guaranteed.

If the tractor had a ROPS and he was wearing a seatbelt and there was a seat safety switch, maybe he would be here on TBN telling about his close call. Then again, maybe he had all those devices and was using them and was still knocked off and killed. The story does not say.

Either way, it looks like his wife was there and saw what happened. My prayers to her and the rest of their family.

 

[Bison]

It was his time to go.

 

[milkman636]

That is a very sad story. As a similarly aged married man with a family, my heart sank as I read this story.

In my teens and early twenties I spent hundreds of hours bush hogging and clearing overgrown bankrupted farm fields for people moving out into "the country" from the Detroit area. All that time was on an old Ford tractor with out any safety devices. The seat didn't even have a back to help keep you on the seat around tree branches. Many here would condemn such an operation, but it was what I had to work with and it got-r-done safely for me. In the absence of more detail, lets not overlook the possibilty that this man was using all the safety equipment that he had available.

That said, I also am happy to say that my sons will all be using much more modern and safer equipment than I ever had access to. As much as all those safety switches and shields annoy me, this is a good reminder of why I have chose not to bypass them.

 

[RoyJackson]

I operate a tractor daily. I know what Im doing thats all:thumbsup:

We all know what we're doing...just some guys...like you, make bad choices.
However, it is your choice to be unsafe...

 

[MoKelly]

I am certainly no expert in this stuff but ... it seems to my simple mind that there is no rational reason not to take all the safety precautions available to you. Use the ROPS, use the seat belt, allow the safety switches to do their job, stop the PTO when you leave the seat. Why not? It takes too long or is inconvenient?

Just ask your wife or kids or grandkids if your safety is worth an extra 15 minutes a day while working?

MoKelly

 

[JDGreenGrass]

This is just a thought.....3pt. implements put the operator out in front of the attachment while going forward. Somewhat dangerous as in this case.

Has there been any engineering done to put implements out to the front of the tractor.?? The operator would then be trailing the attachment while going forward.

There is always the chance the tractor can run over you if you eject from the seat. For example, while snow blowing with a rear blower, chances are un-likely the blower will get you if you eject from the seat though the wheel of the tractor may.

 

[grsthegreat]

This is just a thought.....3pt. implements put the operator out in front of the attachment while going forward. Somewhat dangerous as in this case.

Has there been any engineering done to put implements out to the front of the tractor.?? The operator would then be trailing the attachment while going forward.

There is always the chance the tractor can run over you if you eject from the seat. For example, while snow blowing with a rear blower, chances are un-likely the blower will get you if you eject from the seat though the wheel of the tractor may.

they have alot of mowers, brush hogs, etc that work out front, but there really for skid steers (more GPM hydraulics).

 

[USNative]

Ain't a race, Bro...

I'm really into safety and I am always amazed about how many TBNers (who should know better) don't wear their seat belts...just keep an eye on posted pictures.

BTW, although I am really into safety, that doesn't mean I've never done some incredibly stupid things in my young life!!

I have to admit I am guilty of not wearing my seat belt all of the time. But anywhere I feel I need it I do put it on. Anytime I am unsure I do use it. I feel I do use good common sense when it comes to operating my tractor. In the same token, I do realize that freak accidents happen but I do feel I use pretty good judgement on where I am and am not in a safe situation so I adjust to it accordingly. I probably should wear the belt all the time but I think on my part as much as I am on and off the machine it's a matter of convenience. I do recommend that anybody, especially for new tractor operators to definitely buckle up. :thumbsup:

My heart goes out to the family & friends of the victim of this unfortunate accident.

 

[aczlan]

I have to admit I am guilty of not wearing my seat belt all of the time. But anywhere I feel I need it I do put it on. Anytime I am unsure I do use it.

I use the seatbelt any time I am going fast or have something behind the tractor as it helps hold me into the seat with the tractor bouncing around.
I helped a neighbor one time who tipped a skidsteer onto its nose (rental, bucket too high in the air lifting too much of a retaining wall and it was tipped onto the bucket). He wasn't wearing a seatbelt and couldn't work the pedals to get it back upright. I got in, cinched the belt tight, started it up and was able to "hang" from the belt while working the hand/foot controls to drive it forward as I lowered the bucket.


Aaron Z

 

[Dave5264]

Im a fairly new operator (2 - 3 yrs), I use the seatbelt at all times. As I got into farming, It seemed to me, as a new operator, that Tractors and many of the attachements I was to run (Bush Hogs, Hay Bines, Baler etc) have the ability to make hamburger out of a person very easily. To be honest, it scared me a wee bit.

I have "Rules" of the Field that I enforce with my family. they may seem excessive to some, but safety is paramount.

1) I always wear the seatbelt
2) If I get off the tractor the PTO is disengaged
3) If im bush hogging, NO ONE, comes in that field, I dont care if its 2 acres or 20 acres. if you need me, you stand at the gate and wait for me to face you, then wave.
4) when Im cutting hay with the bine, same rule as 3)
5) When we are Baling Hay, you follow behind the baler with the wagon, no one must be in front of the tractor/baler at any time.
6) Under any circumstances not covered in 1- 5, you do NOT approach me when Im on the Tractor unless I wave you over (ie give you the ok to do so)