Tractor Rides

[Dr_Zinj]

3 year old could sit in my lap and the safety belt would be able to go around both of us, and not have him squashed up against the steering wheel.
I suppose you could put a safety harness on the kid, and clip him to something to keep him on the operator deck so he can't fall off.
Life is a risk. Some risks are acceptable, some aren't; and most can be reduced with a bit of thought.

DON'T DRINK AND TRY TO THINK.

 

[creekbend]

I understand your viewpoint, but I have several questions. Since you have an open station tractor, you probably don't have room for a "Buddy Seat" as would be possible in a Cab enclosed machine. Since your current seatbelt, may or not be adequate to go around the both of you, perhaps you will get a larger seatbelt. We have 4 Grandchildren and I am fully aware of how curious Children can be. I guarantee you that your Grandson has watched your every movement while you have operated the Tractor. Yes, a three year old can release the Brake and move the Gear Shift, while it is parked. Do you use wheel chocks when the machine is parked? Yes, a 3 three old can climb on a tractor all by themselves. You may consider my post out or order, but here is a Question. While grocery shopping, would you or your wife leave that CHILD unattended in the grocery cart, while you went to another shopping aisle? BTW, young Children are always learning, watching, and emulating those around them. Safety first is much better than a trip to the Emergency Room, or worse.

 

[swick1]

I understand your viewpoint, but I have several questions. Since you have an open station tractor, you probably don't have room for a "Buddy Seat" as would be possible in a Cab enclosed machine. Since your current seatbelt, may or not be adequate to go around the both of you, perhaps you will get a larger seatbelt. We have 4 Grandchildren and I am fully aware of how curious Children can be. I guarantee you that your Grandson has watched your every movement while you have operated the Tractor. Yes, a three year old can release the Brake and move the Gear Shift, while it is parked. Do you use wheel chocks when the machine is parked? Yes, a 3 three old can climb on a tractor all by themselves. You may consider my post out or order, but here is a Question. While grocery shopping, would you or your wife leave that CHILD unattended in the grocery cart, while you went to another shopping aisle? BTW, young Children are always learning, watching, and emulating those around them. Safety first is much better than a trip to the Emergency Room, or worse.

You're right. The risk is real. I've made my decision and I would urge others to weigh all outcomes and their personal feelings as well as your posts before proceeding. Being inconsistent in this matter may result in death. I pulled my grandmas running car out of gear on our hill when I was 3. A tree caught it just before the 30 ft plunge!

 

[creekbend]

Without going into details let me just simplify this. It is of my opinion one would be making a serious error in judgement not to follow as many safety procedures as possible while having any young child on a tractor or any vehicle for that matter. However if they choose to do so it is there responsibility.
Given the wealth of information and intelligence on the forum I mistakenly assumed on my original post that all would realize one would never risk injury of a child by not being safe. I assumed that would be common sense and did not necessarily need to post anything about it. While I do appreciate your concern, and rightly so, I am and will always be aware of protecting my grand children and I would like to think all forum members would take the necessary steps do likewise.

As a side note:
I also have a pool that my wife insisted on years ago. Now if one wants to really get on a safety kick and thinks filling this pool in is the only safe thing to do in order to protect my grand children I am 100% IN AGREEMENT! Please state your reason and PM me your phone number. I'll print it out and hand it to my wife. While she is on the phone arguing with you I'll be filling it in as quickly as possible with my tractor. Then I'll tell her it had to be done for the safety reasons YOU stated...... I'll be forever in your debt and may have to rent your garage to live in.

A tad, Sarcastic, wouldn't you say? My post was not meant to be a Public Chastisement regarding your capability to implement procedures to ensure your Grand Children's safety. BTW, we TBN members try to help each other. If you can't discern the difference between well intentions and ridicule, then that is your concern, and not mine or anyone else's attempt to help. Hopefully this will enlighten you regarding the difference between Ridicule and a serious Attempt to be Helpful.

 

[hacleme]

creekbend I am sorry if you think I was trying to ridicule you. That was not my intention. I can see where the comment about the pool would be taken that way. It was meant to be humorous. Your statements were taken in a helpful manor.

 

[creekbend]

Everything's fine. Just a misunderstanding. Everyone is Human. Take care and enjoy your Family.

 

[chemteck29]

What a great moment for you! Enjoy the tractor, when you can get on it! As for tractor rides, I always got them as a kid and turned out just fine. Look there is risk is stepping foot out the door everyday, what are we going to do stay inside all day? As far as I'm concerned (not that it matters to you) LIVE LIFE! Observe as many safety rules as possible and give your Grandkids as many tractor rides as you can stand! This business of avoiding everything in life that might even be a little dangerous is baloney! That's not a life that's watching life pass you by! Enjoy!

 

[hacleme]

It just keeps getting better. Went and got the bush hog and figured I would service it. Grand son wanted to help. Safe everything up, gave him a wrench and told him to check all the bolts. After a few minutes he ran to the house.
In a very short time he's coming back with my wife in tow. She didn't look happy. She started chewing me out saying she had told me he was not going to use a firearm at that age and said I had lost my mind. Puzzled I asked what she was talking about. My grandson had told her we were going to kill hogs. He then looked at me and said hurry up papa get the bush hog on so we can go kill them hogs with it. Looking forward to putting on the harrows to see what he will say next.

 

[chemteck29]

It just keeps getting better. Went and got the bush hog and figured I would service it. Grand son wanted to help. Safe everything up, gave him a wrench and told him to check all the bolts. After a few minutes he ran to the house.
In a very short time he's coming back with my wife in tow. She didn't look happy. She started chewing me out saying she had told me he was not going to use a firearm at that age and said I had lost my mind. Puzzled I asked what she was talking about. My grandson had told her we were going to kill hogs. He then looked at me and said hurry up papa get the bush hog on so we can go kill them hogs with it. Looking forward to putting on the harrows to see what he will say next.

HA! You just never quite know what kids will say! Enjoy it, they grow up at lightning speed!