Re: Safety Tips - Tractor Overturn Hazards
Hi ddl,
I agree that MANY roll-overs are due to sudden changes.
I must dis-agree with the statement that ROLL-OVERS are
caused by sudden changes. NOT TRUE. I returned home last
night from a trip to another state where I was invited to
come and speak with a Highway dept. engineer, tractor
operators, and safety techs. The meeting was called, due
to an operator being killed last year when his tractor rolled.
(The brush hog landed on top of the upper half of his body.)
He either did not have his seat belt on, or unsnapped it just
before going over. The accident sight was examined by
engineers, police, safety people, and OSHA. Tire tracks were
examined and NO SUDDEN CHANGES, HOLES ETC. WERE
PRESENT!!!!! The road side gradually changed in steepness.
A ten mile stretch of road was examined, and of course found
to vary greatly in slope. The roll-over point was just another
gradual increase/decrease in steepness. The conclusion of
ALL EXPERTS involved in the investigation was that the
operator was on too steep a gradual slope, and had no way
to determine his status on the slope. I spoke with 16 tractor
operators, and all have from 3 to 17 years experience driving
tractors. The highway dept. that invited me, bought 4 meters
a few months ago for testing. One operator with 11 yrs. of
experience told me when he put his meter on, he at first did
not pay attention to it. He thought it was a waste of money.
But he said after a few weeks, he found himself occasionally
looking at it when he was on a questionable slope. He says
the meter, if nothing else is a reminder of the dangers of
slope operation. (He ordered two more meters while I was there). One for his home tractor, and one for his sons.
Final conclusion of all investigators involved was, THIS
accident Might have been prevented with a tilt meter. Might
not. His friends, and family, as well as the highway dept.
wish he had one, and the out come might have been different.
I brought up the argument I have read here. Will the meter
give any of you operators a false sence of security?
Every operator agreed that the meter would more than likely
make them more aware to use more caution when the meter
says they are in a caution zone shown on the meter.
They also agreed that SOME roll-overs would occur even with
a meter. I have had numerous close calls driving a tractor
for a highway dept. I have also had two roll-overs.
If I could have prevented either one with some warning
device, It would have been worth it. Maybe I could have
turned that roll-over in to a close call, not a roll-over.
Drinking my orange juice every morning may not prevent
cancer, but I like having that edge. Lets say there are
2000 roll-overs a yr. If the use of a meter prevented only
one, I would be pleased. Rick
Rick Hedgecock
R&B Manufacturing
http://www.tiltmeter.com
(816)587-9814