Seatbelt adjustment

[Roy]

Lately, I have been mowing with the pedal-to-the-metal. While mowing at a higher rate of speed, I have noticed two things:

(1) My turf is not as smooth as a thought. I bounce, and I bounce a lot (extremely uncomfortable when the bladder is full!).

(2) With each bounce my seatbelt tightens, and doesn't release. It's like a boa constrictor. Now I will admit that the first time this happened, I violated the first commandment of tractor safety. I released the belt, with ROPS, and finished the job (there was lightning in the distance, a schedule to keep, and figured slowing down was the greater risk). Since then, I have used a seatbelt clip (one that comes with child car seats) which limits the extent of the retraction. I believe this is safe, as long as the belt is a snug fit. Problem with this method is that a long length of the belt never retracts, even when I'm off the tractor (annoyance item).

So here are my questions.

Do all tractor seatbelts (unlike car belts which tighten upon sudden de-acceleration/acceleration and release when cruising) exhibit the same behavior? If so, anyone found a solution/adjustment where it does not strangle the operator, yet still fully retracts?

Or, am I looking at something particular to the BX, and should of mentioned on my survey last month?

Or, am I looking at a problem unique to my unit, and should refer it to the dealer?

Thanks.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I've thought about changing the belt on my BX too. They design them so most people will wear them, making them retract and self tighten so you don't have to. I find it easier to snug it myself.

The auto retraction on my BX alwasy sucks the left belt down under the seat so I have to pull it out first or do a little dance trying to stand up while reaching down behind me to get it /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif!

The self snugging feature is a problem for me as I move around, twist and look backwards, etc. I almost think if I inhaled hard and/or sucked my gut in I'd BE IN TROUBLE!

Well not really. Most autos don't do this. I put up with it on the L35 as I am more likely to get that in a hairy situation and it makes sure I'm tight. Cars can be loose as they are designed to lock in a frontal impact. Tractor belts have to hold you in from a side "dump out" and if they aren't tight you could slip out of them going over.

Just think of it this way...YOUR BX LOVES YOU AND DOESN'T WANT TO LET GO!

Tractor on!

del

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re:Bouncing Along...

I know what you mean!

My L35 lumbers along squishing everything in its path, the BX flies over pebbles, if my belt wasn't tight I'd be thrown off. I keep it about .0005 mph.

It might be worth trying some different air pressures in the tires, if you don't have a heavy implement on when mowing (and that loader comes off in a minute or two) you might be able to safely drop the air pressure down quite a bit. I don't know what the minimum would be, that figure at a certain weight they give so the tire doesn't de-mount but I bet it's a lot lower then yours are at now. Tire pressure sure can make a difference.
del

 

[Bird]

Roy, I'm afraid you're talking about a normal situation; not good maybe, but normal.

Bird

 

[Roy]

Thanks Del and Bird for letting me know it's not just me. (I was thinking maybe I need to go on a diet). I will try the lower tire pressure, but still with the belt clamp just in case.

Maybe the bumpy ride is a safety factor. Discourages one from trying to carry an unopened beer can in the cup holder, it would explode within minutes!