Ballast Roll over

[Reb954]

It seems I offended some in here by questioning the reasoning behind removing the canopy. That wasn't my intent.

I would still like to know if there is something about that canopy that makes it more hazardous than other canopies used on tractors. It sounds like the reason for the decision is just because it will make the operator feel better, which is perfectly fine. I'm just glad the operator didn't suffer any permanent injuries.

I grew up in a scrap yard with lots of equipment which I learned to run at an early age. One thing the guys always impressed on me is, if a machine starts laying down on you, stay in the machine. I laid over a winch truck when I was 8 or 9 years old, I just laid down in the seat as it went over. About a year later I turned over a loader, there wasn't room to lay in the seat so I just road it over. When I was 17 I flipped a pickup end over end. Once I knew it was going over I grabbed the steering wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, torqued myself down into the seat and road it out. I was not only taught to stay with the machine but I learned from my experiences.

With all that said, if a machine has a structure (ROPS) taller than you are while sitting in the seat, stay in the machine if it is rolling over. If the machine doesn't have said structure, then you will have to figure out your options, which will be very few, as it is rolling over.

 

[K5lwq]

It seems I offended some in here by questioning the reasoning behind removing the canopy. That wasn't my intent.

I would still like to know if there is something about that canopy that makes it more hazardous than other canopies used on tractors. It sounds like the reason for the decision is just because it will make the operator feel better, which is perfectly fine. I'm just glad the operator didn't suffer any permanent injuries.

I grew up in a scrap yard with lots of equipment which I learned to run at an early age. One thing the guys always impressed on me is, if a machine starts laying down on you, stay in the machine. I laid over a winch truck when I was 8 or 9 years old, I just laid down in the seat as it went over. About a year later I turned over a loader, there wasn't room to lay in the seat so I just road it over. When I was 17 I flipped a pickup end over end. Once I knew it was going over I grabbed the steering wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, torqued myself down into the seat and road it out. I was not only taught to stay with the machine but I learned from my experiences.

With all that said, if a machine has a structure (ROPS) taller than you are while sitting in the seat, stay in the machine if it is rolling over. If the machine doesn't have said structure, then you will have to figure out your options, which will be very few, as it is rolling over.

This is a great response!! Thanks.

 

[ovrszd]

Ballast your tractor but remember that this type of roll over can and will happen regardless of ballast. Bucket full and high, wheel runs up on something, bucket gets off center and over it goes. Just don't get too confident just because you have ballast. I have a waist high rule with a loaded bucket.

And I pay very close attention to not max out the front axle oscillation.

 

[SilverState]

I know seat belts are a pain in the butt and you do not think you need one at these low speeds. They make it difficult to turn around in the seat to see behind. However, there have been a lot of studies on tractor roll overs and I believe that is the number one fatality on a farm. Many states offered a financial incentive to retrofit the combination on older tractors. ROPS or EROPS are required on all new tractors along with seat belts. Even with a EROPS (Cab), chances are good you will be ejected. The ROPS are worthless without the seat belt.

As for a diesel tractor, after a roll over, there is little that can be harmed from a mechanical stand point so it will start right up. Cosmetics is another issue.

Yesterday I was moving rocks and dumping them into a ditch. As I approached the ditch, which angled down, I could feel the tractor wanting to just shoot right down into the ditch, rocks and all. I had a backhoe on so plenty of weight back there, but I could still feel it. It was my first time keeping my seat belt on for a whole afternoon. One thing I liked about having the belt on is that as I went around on steep terrain I didn't need to support my own weight which actually let me run the controls better, if that makes sense. I could just do wheel/transmission/loader, not have to use my hands or feet to keep me balanced.

 

[s219]

It seems I offended some in here by questioning the reasoning behind removing the canopy. That wasn't my intent.

I would still like to know if there is something about that canopy that makes it more hazardous than other canopies used on tractors. It sounds like the reason for the decision is just because it will make the operator feel better, which is perfectly fine. I'm just glad the operator didn't suffer any permanent injuries.

I grew up in a scrap yard with lots of equipment which I learned to run at an early age. One thing the guys always impressed on me is, if a machine starts laying down on you, stay in the machine. I laid over a winch truck when I was 8 or 9 years old, I just laid down in the seat as it went over. About a year later I turned over a loader, there wasn't room to lay in the seat so I just road it over. When I was 17 I flipped a pickup end over end. Once I knew it was going over I grabbed the steering wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, torqued myself down into the seat and road it out. I was not only taught to stay with the machine but I learned from my experiences.

With all that said, if a machine has a structure (ROPS) taller than you are while sitting in the seat, stay in the machine if it is rolling over. If the machine doesn't have said structure, then you will have to figure out your options, which will be very few, as it is rolling over.

I was taught the same thing. So if I ever feel my tractor going over, I plan to hang onto that steering wheel like my life depends on it. If you can stay within the zone of the ROPS that is half the battle.

 

[Reb954]

Doors is also something that should be mentioned. They should be kept closed, especially if on unstable ground. If the machine starts laying down, you don't want to fall out the door. Also, even if you have a seat belt on, when the open door hits the ground it can be pushed into the cab with you and there may not be room for both of you.

 

[ovrszd]

If a person has never rolled a vehicle they will have a completely different perspective than someone who has.

In regards to the OP, he knows things that we do not. I've never rolled that vehicle in that situation. So I am left to listen carefully to what he says if I plan to gain knowledge from this discussion.

 

[jimglassford]

As I mentioned, some states offer help to those who want to retrofit their tractor with ROPS and seat belts. Here is a link: Tractor Rollbar | Rollover Protection | National ROPS Rebate Program

I would recommend everyone read the facts on ROPS. As it states, ROPS with seat belts are 99% effective at preventing fatalities during a rollover. This means that you need to make sure you stay in your seat at all times. Trying to clear a path for a quick exit is not the proper solution. You do not have time to get clear of the tractor. Although this posting took a side track on the canopy being the hazard, the root cause was not using seat belts.

 

[Smokeydog]

Glad you were not hurt worse. Appreciate your humbleness for sharing your accident details to help others. In 50 years have rolled over three tractors. Two without ROPS or FELs. Young and dumb. One with six post ROPS cab. Old enough to know better. Embarrassed. I’m a stickler for farm safety. Believer tire ballast, tire spacing and seatbelts. Too many neighbors hurt or killed from farm machinery. We need mentors to help future farmers or hobbyists work safer.

 

[TheMan419]

I was taught the same thing. So if I ever feel my tractor going over, I plan to hang onto that steering wheel like my life depends on it. If you can stay within the zone of the ROPS that is half the battle.

Without the seatbelt on staying on the machine was not an option. I was off it before I really knew what was going on. Thankfully thrown far enough away not to get crushed.

You can bet seatbelt will be used going forward.

Our property is so flat it makes Kansas look hilly.