Man killed, run over by bushog type cutter

[IslandTractor]

they have alot of mowers, brush hogs, etc that work out front, but there really for skid steers (more GPM hydraulics).

I've seen big Deutz tractors with disc hay mowers mounted in front. Also, the PowerTrac "tractors" all have front mounted mowers/bush hogs.

I've always liked the idea of front mounted mowers as you can see exactly what you are going to be mowing. That is nice both to avoid obstacles but also to minimize the overlap or missed areas. I imagine it would not be that expensive to have a front PTO on our tractors except that it is not a standard feature so there is little demand. Of course there would be the hassle of removing the FEL each time you mowed but that can be done pretty quickly once you get used to it.

 

[TripleR]

Im a fairly new operator (2 - 3 yrs), I use the seatbelt at all times. As I got into farming, It seemed to me, as a new operator, that Tractors and many of the attachements I was to run (Bush Hogs, Hay Bines, Baler etc) have the ability to make hamburger out of a person very easily. To be honest, it scared me a wee bit.

I have "Rules" of the Field that I enforce with my family. they may seem excessive to some, but safety is paramount.

1) I always wear the seatbelt
2) If I get off the tractor the PTO is disengaged
3) If im bush hogging, NO ONE, comes in that field, I dont care if its 2 acres or 20 acres. if you need me, you stand at the gate and wait for me to face you, then wave.
4) when Im cutting hay with the bine, same rule as 3)
5) When we are Baling Hay, you follow behind the baler with the wagon, no one must be in front of the tractor/baler at any time.
6) Under any circumstances not covered in 1- 5, you do NOT approach me when Im on the Tractor unless I wave you over (ie give you the ok to do so)

Doesn't sound excessive to me. I operate cab tractors with armrests, so I don't wear my seat belt all the time. I actually have to raise the armrests and tilt the steering wheel forward to get out. I use it operating on slopes.

 

[sweep]

A local woman was killed in my area some years back when she fell off the back end of tractor and got caught up in the pto/machinery. It was a Farmall and the seat spring broke, seat tilted back and she could not grap anything quick enough to catch herself and just fell backwards down into the pto shaft.

Those tractors with those seat arrangements with zero protection have always given me the willies ever since.


In this particular accident in Cookeville I would presume the tractor was an older model without rops and without a gas tank behind the seat. It would be very hard if not impossible for me to fall backwards on my tractor as the gas tank top is up near my shoulders.

 

[robbyr]

I know I am in the wrong here but I refuse to wear a seat belt on a tractor since twenty years ago I rolled one over in a pond while mowing. Was able to jump off and run around tractor just in time. Couldnt see anything but four wheels stickin up out of the water. I just thought if I had had the seatbelt on, then probably would have drowned. I kinda like the idea of being free to bale off if need be. Nope wont win any safety awards. Always wear em on the highway though.

 

[aczlan]

I know I am in the wrong here but I refuse to wear a seat belt on a tractor since twenty years ago I rolled one over in a pond while mowing. Was able to jump off and run around tractor just in time. Couldnt see anything but four wheels stickin up out of the water. I just thought if I had had the seatbelt on, then probably would have drowned. I kinda like the idea of being free to bale off if need be. Nope wont win any safety awards. Always wear em on the highway though.

IMO, mowing near a pond is one case where not wearing a belt could be safer IF (and only if) there is a good chance that the ROPS bar would instantly sink into the mud and trap you.
If the ROPS is likely to stay on top of the mud, you could just pop your buckle and swim out. My worry would be that you would jump and have the tractor land on top of you as it comes over.

Aaron Z

 

[IslandTractor]

Besides mowing on a slope next to deep water, I've occasionally unbuckled on a steep slope when maneuvering near a stump or jagged branch that might impale me if the tractor tipped and I was strapped in. Once or twice a year is about it though.

 

[indianaEPH]

Never wore a seatbelt on a tractor never will.
None of our machines have rops or a kill switch and if they had kill switchs I would kill them

Unless you don't drive a tractor at all seems like this is a recipe for disaster.:confused2:

i dont know why you wouuld not take advantage of saftey equipment.even if you kknow ht you are doing you could be a bit safer

 

[Ken]

Around 1965 working for a gas company in western Texas. And employee with seat belt in pick-up in use and a large piece of test equipment on seat beside him.Not belted in. No a/c windows were down. Driving on black top road another vehicle came onto the road in front of him and he drove off black top on to bar ditch and rolled the pick-up. The test equip. flew out window and landed again inside of pick-up stricking his head. After this loss of life the company came out with if it has a engine and seat will have seat belt in use or go home rest of day and when willing to wear seat belt come back to work. A couple of months went by and a international dozer operator pushing dirt again back into a draw that washed out after a rain /flood and going down the dirt bank transmission gears jumped to neutral and dozer quickly increased speed. so lowered the blade and which caused him to ride over the blade and land upside down in the draw. disconnected his belt and craweled out from under the dozer. Safety department had him go around to the meetings and tell his story.

Like the story of the snail that got run over by the turtle. He said it just happened so fast.
ken