Is the ROPS really needed?

[Parkanzky]

Truly a sad story indeed. And not to make light of the situation, but guessing some operator error was in play? Mowing when too wet? or mowing on too steep of a grade right next to a pond?

Of course some kind of operator error played a part. But probably not an error that most people on here hasn't made at least once or twice (driving their tractor on a bit of a slope, driving on wet and lumpy terrain, etc.).

It's human nature to assign negligence to the operator in a case like this because we want to feel like we're smarter, more skilled, better prepared, etc. and that this can't happen to us. I don't think that's wise thinking.

 

[DarkBlack]

Of course some kind of operator error played a part. But probably not an error that most people on here hasn't made at least once or twice (driving their tractor on a bit of a slope, driving on wet and lumpy terrain, etc.).

It's human nature to assign negligence to the operator in a case like this because we want to feel like we're smarter, more skilled, better prepared, etc. and that this can't happen to us. I don't think that's wise thinking.

I have to disagree.
'skill' and 'experience' are traits that promoted people, and also kept them alive. It's the part of a persons brain that kept them alive and allowed them to be valued and payed higher by their employer.
Your view is the modern 'someone elses fault' view, that I highly disagree with.

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

Anybody remember this OSHA approved cowboywww.sam-hane.com/sass/oshacowb.htm







THE OSHA COWBOY.

 

[Parkanzky]

I have to disagree.
'skill' and 'experience' are traits that promoted people, and also kept them alive. It's the part of a persons brain that kept them alive and allowed them to be valued and payed higher by their employer.
Your view is the modern 'someone elses fault' view, that I highly disagree with.

Not at all. I'm not saying it's not his fault. While tragic, it absolutely was his doing. I'm saying that the gentleman that died may have been very skilled and experienced. Your hubris won't have served you well if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.

 

[ray66v]

Considered all the factors as to whether or not you use a ROPS? Your land should not be the only factor in deciding that.

Apparently, disgraced, convicted, ex-congressman Traficant (D,OH), rolled his tractor over, putting it in the barn?

Ex-congressman James Traficant dies at 73

 

[yelbike]

Did I read properly, the mower had a seat belt but no rops? Seems like a weird combination.

 

[DarkBlack]

Not at all. I'm not saying it's not his fault. While tragic, it absolutely was his doing. I'm saying that the gentleman that died may have been very skilled and experienced. Your hubris won't have served you well if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.

Not really what I said. I guess you missed the part about the ROPS hooking trees in the woods being the most scary moments.

 

[LD1]

My seat switch is bypassed also. I like to be able to stand up and stretch, or lean out of the way of briars when bushhogging

 

[BlacknTan]

Government is for the sheep that need it ...

I prefer to figure out what's good for me for myself

 

[LD1]

Should I have put a tops on my 1950's international before I sold it?

Should I do so on my 9n before I sell it?

I don't see anyone trying to hide anything. If a buyer were that concerned about it, they would inspect the rops, ask questions about the rops, and if in doubt, replace them.

There are those of us who take responsibility for our own safety, and can only blame ourselves if things go wrong. Then there are those of "you" who want to blame everyone else.

 

[buickanddeere]

Government is for the sheep that need it ...

I prefer to figure out what's good for me for myself

Fine sign away any assistance from police, fire, ambulance , hospital and rehab first. I'm tired of paying upkeep on risk takers that can look after themselves.

 

[buickanddeere]

If somebody had suggested some safety concerns to the operator 5 minutes before the wreck. Without a doubt the concerned person would have been told by the operator to go away and mind their own business.With the operator also adding that they knew what they were doing.

 

[tcartwri]

Every single commercial mower and tractor I see being used has the rops folded down. Every one.

 

[Citydude]

Every single commercial mower and tractor I see being used has the rops folded down. Every one.

I would hate to be the owner of the company if there is an accident. Liability issues through the roof....

 

[Gale Hawkins]

While the OP was talking basically a riding lawn mower without 3-PH or FEL it is a touchy subject. My late BIL was on 60 year old Ford 600 and he was found under the steering wheel. On the other hand I have had some close calls with large falling limbs when the ROPS on the MF 265 caught a low limb. I have been bush hogging in a few places and made sure I had my seat belt own but now I just let that place (at a neighbor's place) grow up. There is no need to be a cowboy when it comes to unnecessary risks.

I am at the point if it comes with one I will leave it on. I think my BIL got to sliding an a railroad bank (picking up pulled cross ties for a fencing job) and the lower tire dropped in a hole perhaps and flipped. Sadly he had a 1066 parked at the house with an enclosed cab. At age 8 I was operating a Ford 600 solo in remote hilly places and have been lucky and now at 63 I do not feel as lucky I guess knowing what I now know. It is so easy to get killed around even a riding lawn mower. As we age we must keep our minds when driving equipment that weights more than we do.

Just learned from a farmer in WI three weeks ago about using tractors to pack silage. I like to have freaked just thinking about it then just watched the video. I have done my share of dumb tractor driving on steep hills but was able to get headed down nose first with plenty of space to let the tractor run to a level spot. The Multi-Power in LOW can get you killed on the MF 265 when it free wheels down a steep hill before you know it. My son has been told never to run it in Low on hills unless it is to unlock the transmission so you can change gears and then you do it with both feet on the brakes until you get it back into High Multi-Power. My concern is I still forget to do that and so he may as well as a new tractor driver.