Do ROPS' work when UP? Do they work when folded?

[gf5205]

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I think in the manual it says if the ROPs aren't up, you should not have the seat belt on.

That means that the ROPS doesn't protect you when down and you are better off bailing when tipping.
Greg

 

[KU Gator]

That means that the ROPS doesn't protect you when down and you are better off bailing when tipping.
Greg

As I recall, it said you were to bail. But it has been a while since I read through that. Knowing my cat like reflexes (tongue in cheek), I would stand a better chance of hoping I could grab onto the seat fimly with my other cheeks and the floorboard with my toes. At any rate, I hope not to test the theory.

 

[Redgoatea]

Awww but my ROPS doesn't fold it's solid. 7

 

[Duffster]

Awww but my ROPS doesn't fold it's solid. 7

Then just take them off. :laughing:

 

[MikePA]

This is why I asked. Not tongue in cheek.

The process is the same as with open wheel race cars and many tractor manuals have this diagram. Looking at the tractor from the side, draw a straight line from the top of the ROPs (when up and when folded) to the front of the hood, or whatever part of the front end of the tractor that would rest on when upside down. Any part of your body that goes above this line would be crushed. Unless you are one of Santa's elves, a folded ROPs provides no protection.

 

[Redgoatea]

Then just take them off. :laughing:

That would be quite the project as that are welded to the frame.

 

[CBW1999]

There is absolutly no way to "jump clear" of any vehicle rolling over. You are traveling in the same direction and cannot overcome the directional force to change direction enough to avoid the vehicle.

Bottom line for a ROPS- it is specifically designed based on the dimensions of the tractor. Modifying or lowering it defeats all purpose- regardless of a full rollover or just tipping over.

I am curious what manual suggests not wearing the seatbelt.... that would be a hard one to get by the manufacturers lawyers before printing.

 

[rjkobbeman]

I am curious what manual suggests not wearing the seatbelt.... that would be a hard one to get by the manufacturers lawyers before printing.

I would think they all do. Mine sure does.

Your odds at surviving a roll-over by jumping off, however unlikely, is better than being strapped-in... in the case of no ROPS or CAB.

My manual clearly states: "Always use the seat belt if the tractor has a CAB or ROPS. Do not use the seat belt if there is no CAB or ROPS."

Common sense would conclude that ROPS down = no ROPS.

 

[Duffster]

The process is the same as with open wheel race cars and many tractor manuals have this diagram. Looking at the tractor from the side, draw a straight line from the top of the ROPs (when up and when folded) to the front of the hood, or whatever part of the front end of the tractor that would rest on when upside down. Any part of your body that goes above this line would be crushed. Unless you are one of Santa's elves, a folded ROPs provides no protection.

I think to say "No Protection" is going a little to far. Like I said earlier it would depend on where they fold. It would probably depend on the surface you are on as well.

That would be quite the project as that are welded to the frame.

Really. What kind of tractor? The 2 we have with ROPS are bolted on.

 

[Redgoatea]

Really. What kind of tractor? The 2 we have with ROPS are bolted on.

It's a '96 JD 870. According to the manual all JD CUTs at that time were frame welded.