MossRoad
Super Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2001
- Messages
- 60,287
- Location
- South Bend, Indiana (near)
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
As I recall, and many years of discussion here on TBN, the general consensus has always been, if you have no ROPS you shouldn't use a seatbelt, as the operator's head is going to be the pivot point if it rolls over and you may be able to jump or be thrown clear. On the other hand, if you have a ROPS, you should always use a seatbelt, as the ROPS will be the pivot point if the tractor rolls over. If you stay belted in and keep your hands gripped on the wheel, you'll most likely come out with minor bruises.
Its been discussed here several hundred times in the safety forums. There's links to videos on roll-over demonstrations. There's even been statistics on reaction times to jump clear. The odds aren't in your favor of jumping clear VS riding it out with a ROPS and seat belt.
Yes, many people have survived. However, its hardly a week goes by that we don't hear about someone being killed in a tractor roll over, be it farmer, landscaper or home owner. The safety equipment works. Its up to you to decide if you want to use it or not. I imagine its a hard thing for a loved one to find one of us dead under a tractor because we decided to not use it.
Be safe.
Its been discussed here several hundred times in the safety forums. There's links to videos on roll-over demonstrations. There's even been statistics on reaction times to jump clear. The odds aren't in your favor of jumping clear VS riding it out with a ROPS and seat belt.
Yes, many people have survived. However, its hardly a week goes by that we don't hear about someone being killed in a tractor roll over, be it farmer, landscaper or home owner. The safety equipment works. Its up to you to decide if you want to use it or not. I imagine its a hard thing for a loved one to find one of us dead under a tractor because we decided to not use it.
Be safe.