I have designed and built ROPS for track machines that have withstood roll overs with minimal damage to the machine and none to the operator. We are talking massive weight and momentum with a Cat. The problem with these stories is not the lack of ROPS, but what they are trying to do with a tractor. I would seriously question if the commercial ROPS I have seen on domestic imports would withstand a rear flip while chaining out a fence post. This isn't a flop or a roll, this is a full out, power on driven rotation. In the article, it suggests the problem was the inadequate attachment of the base and explains the factory ROPS attachment. While definitely better, I doubt it would have withstood that flip without forward struts. These are tragic examples for sure and I would caution anyone out there with commercial ROPS that if you feel you are protected while attempting something like this, you may be in for a rude surprise. Tractors are not a solution to every farm problem. I guess I need to apologize and withdraw my earlier statements, but I remain the odd one out here. If I was concerned about a rear powered rotation, especially with an older unit like that International, I would build my own roll cage, not rely on a commercial ROPS.
