Woman loses arm to PTO

[GaryM]

Whenever I read one of these stories it gives me a sick feeling in my stomach because it brings home what dangerous machines tractors and their attachments can be if we're not careful. But it's a good thing sometimes to read these because it makes us more aware, at least for a while.

I'll bet there was no safety shield on that PTO shaft, or perhaps it had been modified for some reason.

 

[RoyJackson]

Whenever I read one of these stories it gives me a sick feeling in my stomach because it brings home what dangerous machines tractors and their attachments can be if we're not careful. But it's a good thing sometimes to read these because it makes us more aware, at least for a while.

I'll bet there was no safety shield on that PTO shaft, or perhaps it had been modified for some reason.

I know what you mean about the "sick" feeling. I get it too!

The tractor or implement involved may have been an older machine or machines. Not all of the older equipment have shields.

 

[jbrumberg]

When we get too comfortable around our equipment we tend to get a little careless and very bad things can happen usually very quickly. This tendency is increased with noise, fatigue, heat, dehydration, distraction, mood state, and time pressures. I get that "sick feeling" every time I see these posts and/or read about accidents in my local newspapaers. I read all these posts to keep it "fresh". My condolences to that woman and all the other injured individuals out there. Jay

 

[scott_vt]

When we get too comfortable around our equipment we tend to get a little careless and very bad things can happen usually very quickly. This tendency is increased with noise, fatigue, heat, dehydration, distraction, mood state, and time pressures. I get that "sick feeling" every time I see these posts and/or read about accidents in my local newspapaers. I read all these posts to keep it "fresh". My condolences to that woman and all the other injured individuals out there. Jay

Afternoon Jay,
Couldnt say it better myself ! My condolences to that women also ! That is truly a trajedy, hopefully someone can learn from her mistake !

 

[Dougster]

I read all these posts to keep it "fresh". My condolences to that woman and all the other injured individuals out there. Jay

Amen Jay. Being old and half senile, I need to force myself to think safety around the Beast all the time. This forum, sad and shocking as it can be at times, definitely helps us stay safe. It is very easy to become complacent with a machine that works so hard for you and becomes so familiar... but like a pit bull, it is always possible that it will turn on you when you least expect it. The trick is to *NEVER* allow that to happen.

Dougster

 

[svcguy]

Many people don't change out the plastic guards when they rub through or get damaged. We change ours out with different sized plastic pipe when they go. Works quite well.

 

[SkunkWerX]

Sick Feeling for sure! They always seem worse when they are 100% preventable.

Short Story of how I remember PTO safety:

My dad had a friend from work whose leg was caught in a spinning PTO, his femoral artery was severed, he bled to death, they say, in less than 5 mins.

This was umpteen years ago. Ever since hearing that story, anytime I see a PTO shaft, I think of it. Spinning of not. We don't like to dwell on these things, but, by making myself remember that picture, of what can happen, it keeps me alert to stay well clear.

I like the prior poster saying he never gets off the tractor until the shaft stops spinning and the tractor is shut off. Good for you!
Also I'll throw in the Emergency brake, which is an often under-used safety device.

I'll make a wild guess and say that PTO injuires may only be second to Rollover/TipOver accidents.

Does anyone have access to stats regarding tractor injuiries, in order of frequency??

 

[Bob_Young]

Treat spinning PTO shafts like they are coiled Cobras. They're quick and indiscriminate killers. The good news is that they don't generally slither around and they're easily deactivated if you're on the tractor (so do it while you're on the tractor). And watch the loose clothing.

Lost the neighbor to the exact same type of accident this woman suffered. Sure hope she gets her arm back.
Bob

 

[Reg]

What I find AS sickening is the almost as frequent threads ON THIS FORUM of the general form;

"How can I remove/disable the safety interlock on my{fill in the blank} ?"

followed by drivel about how time consuming or inconvenient it is to stop the engine, lower the bucket/implement, apply the brakes, etc.

Whats even WORSE is that there are responses detailing how others have done exactly that )-:

SICK !!!

 

[RoyJackson]

What I find AS sickening is the almost as frequent threads ON THIS FORUM of the general form;

"How can I remove/disable the safety interlock on my{fill in the blank} ?"

followed by drivel about how time consuming or inconvenient it is to stop the engine, lower the bucket/implement, apply the brakes, etc.

Whats even WORSE is that there are responses detailing how others have done exactly that )-:

SICK !!!

Or, as you'll see in a significant percentage of posted pictures and in posts...no seat belt usage and folded ROPS.