Larry_Van_Horn
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2003
- Messages
- 271
- Location
- Honeoye Falls, NY
- Tractor
- Case 580D Backhoe, NH TC40D SS, JD 450BC dozer, Ford F700 dump
Children\'s Rumbleseat / backseat construction
Attached are a series of pictures of a project I have recently begun - a backseat for my tractor. I have gotten many good ideas from folks here, but have never seen this one so thought I would share.
I grew up with tractors, riding on the side step with my dad or sitting on his lap. We are all aware of the tragic accidents associated with children and tractors. The two can be a dangerous combination. Things I did as a child I would not permit today with my kids. That said, my three kids (4, 2.5 and 5 weeks) want nothing more than to be around the tractor and their dad when I am out and about. In my efforts not to quash their interest in everything wholesome, preserve memories for their future, but also ensure their safety around my TC40D, I embarked on the following project. I say these things as a reminder to us all of the power of the machines and the delicacy of our loved ones. Furthermore this little back seat I will now show you is to be used in only the most controlled and tame of situations. I view it as a safer alternative to kids on the lap or step, but certainly not safer than no kids around the tractor at all.
The basic principle I had in mind was if my kids were to be on my tractor at any point in time, where would be the safest place? Seatbelted firmly to their own seat right square under the ROPS. My simple design.
The construction is simple and straightforward. I don't know if this could easily be replicated with either JD or Kubotas, but on my NH, if I slide the seat forward there is room behind it similar to what one would find in the backseat of a compact car. By no means comfortable for an adult, but positively spacious for a child. In addition they cannot access any controls, are squarely under the ROPS, can speak in your ear with the engine running and you can hear them clearly, and you can operate the tractor without their interference.
I will attach three pictures today of the backrest. I took a 1/4" strap of steel and bent it as you see, u-bolted to the ROPS. I then took a 1x8, high density foam and industrial vinyl to upholster a seat back. These pictures show the seat back.
I will then similarly construct the seat base to go above the gas tank between the ROPS, and have 2 seatbelts which are bolted to the seat frame. I will provide pictures of this tomorrow. Preliminary testing suggests this is a winner amongst my little ones /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Larry
Attached are a series of pictures of a project I have recently begun - a backseat for my tractor. I have gotten many good ideas from folks here, but have never seen this one so thought I would share.
I grew up with tractors, riding on the side step with my dad or sitting on his lap. We are all aware of the tragic accidents associated with children and tractors. The two can be a dangerous combination. Things I did as a child I would not permit today with my kids. That said, my three kids (4, 2.5 and 5 weeks) want nothing more than to be around the tractor and their dad when I am out and about. In my efforts not to quash their interest in everything wholesome, preserve memories for their future, but also ensure their safety around my TC40D, I embarked on the following project. I say these things as a reminder to us all of the power of the machines and the delicacy of our loved ones. Furthermore this little back seat I will now show you is to be used in only the most controlled and tame of situations. I view it as a safer alternative to kids on the lap or step, but certainly not safer than no kids around the tractor at all.
The basic principle I had in mind was if my kids were to be on my tractor at any point in time, where would be the safest place? Seatbelted firmly to their own seat right square under the ROPS. My simple design.
The construction is simple and straightforward. I don't know if this could easily be replicated with either JD or Kubotas, but on my NH, if I slide the seat forward there is room behind it similar to what one would find in the backseat of a compact car. By no means comfortable for an adult, but positively spacious for a child. In addition they cannot access any controls, are squarely under the ROPS, can speak in your ear with the engine running and you can hear them clearly, and you can operate the tractor without their interference.
I will attach three pictures today of the backrest. I took a 1/4" strap of steel and bent it as you see, u-bolted to the ROPS. I then took a 1x8, high density foam and industrial vinyl to upholster a seat back. These pictures show the seat back.
I will then similarly construct the seat base to go above the gas tank between the ROPS, and have 2 seatbelts which are bolted to the seat frame. I will provide pictures of this tomorrow. Preliminary testing suggests this is a winner amongst my little ones /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Larry
