Scozz
Silver Member
I just purchased a new tractor that has a ROPS and a seat belt (previous tractor was Grey so there was none). I'd be interested in hearing how many of you actually use the seat belt...why you do or why you don't ... Scozz
Seat Belt ??
- Thread starter Scozz
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johndeere2210
Gold Member
I wear the seat belt for almost everything except mowing on the level part of our property. At my age we need all the help we can get to keep from breaking things that may or may not grow back. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
btolle
Platinum Member
Absolutely use it every time you get on the tractor. Without the seat belt the rollbar can crush you in a rollover.
I put mine on every time I get on the tractor so that it becomes an ingrained habit. If I only wear it when I "think I might need it" I will forget it somday when I do need it.
Read the Safety forum and the stories of people who have lost their lives on tractors and you will wear yours also.
While doing a little searching on tractor deaths I found a website at Unintentional Machinery Injury on Farms in Victoria (Australia) that had an interesting statement:
"Passengers accounted for four of the five child tractor deaths" and "Almost all machinery related deaths among children on farms in this study could have been prevented by not carrying children as passengers on tractors."
I have been chastised for telling people on this forum not to allow children to ride on the tractor with them but the statistics show just how dangerous that practice is.
Let's all enjoy our tractors, but do it safely.
BTW, since I spend a lot of time in the woods with my tractor I also wear a hardhat at all times.
Bill Tolle
I put mine on every time I get on the tractor so that it becomes an ingrained habit. If I only wear it when I "think I might need it" I will forget it somday when I do need it.
Read the Safety forum and the stories of people who have lost their lives on tractors and you will wear yours also.
While doing a little searching on tractor deaths I found a website at Unintentional Machinery Injury on Farms in Victoria (Australia) that had an interesting statement:
"Passengers accounted for four of the five child tractor deaths" and "Almost all machinery related deaths among children on farms in this study could have been prevented by not carrying children as passengers on tractors."
I have been chastised for telling people on this forum not to allow children to ride on the tractor with them but the statistics show just how dangerous that practice is.
Let's all enjoy our tractors, but do it safely.
BTW, since I spend a lot of time in the woods with my tractor I also wear a hardhat at all times.
Bill Tolle
JerryG
Super Member
Wear a set belt?
Yes
Reason:
A Wife, three daughters and a son.
Yes
Reason:
A Wife, three daughters and a son.
Bob_Skurka
Super Member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2003
- Messages
- 7,615
I use mine 75% of the time.
When I am on and off the tractor using a PHD, I don't use it. I may be drilling a dozen holes and moving the tractor just a few feet between them, and getting on & off in between drills, etc.
When I am mowing I use it most of the time. ALL the time on uneven ground, most of the time on flat ground.
When I am doing any real work at all, I use it all the time, especially any time the FEL or any ground engaging implement is used. I ALMOST learned how to flip a tractor one time when I mistakenly thought I was being safe. The tractor almost tipped, my mailbox is still crooked!
When I am on and off the tractor using a PHD, I don't use it. I may be drilling a dozen holes and moving the tractor just a few feet between them, and getting on & off in between drills, etc.
When I am mowing I use it most of the time. ALL the time on uneven ground, most of the time on flat ground.
When I am doing any real work at all, I use it all the time, especially any time the FEL or any ground engaging implement is used. I ALMOST learned how to flip a tractor one time when I mistakenly thought I was being safe. The tractor almost tipped, my mailbox is still crooked!
btolle
Platinum Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( At my age we need all the help we can get to keep from breaking things that may or may not grow back. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )</font>
Interesting note from Farm Deaths Increase "Of 28 recent rollover accident deaths 23 occurred on the farm and 5 on roadways. All involved males, 54% were aged 60 or older and 43% were retired, often from non-farming occupations."
This was only one of several articles I found that said that the majority of tractor deaths happen to us old guys. At 59 I am about to hit the above mentioned group so I am being more careful than ever.
Bill Tolle
Interesting note from Farm Deaths Increase "Of 28 recent rollover accident deaths 23 occurred on the farm and 5 on roadways. All involved males, 54% were aged 60 or older and 43% were retired, often from non-farming occupations."
This was only one of several articles I found that said that the majority of tractor deaths happen to us old guys. At 59 I am about to hit the above mentioned group so I am being more careful than ever.
Bill Tolle
Bird
Rest in Peace
Yep, I wear seat belts, and have since 1962, whether it's the tractor, the car, or the pickup.
Why? Cause I'd like to live a little longer. A seat belt saved my life once, on December 29, 1965; about a month before our oldest daughter was born. And when you've been wearing them as long as I have, it just ain't comfortable without it. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Why? Cause I'd like to live a little longer. A seat belt saved my life once, on December 29, 1965; about a month before our oldest daughter was born. And when you've been wearing them as long as I have, it just ain't comfortable without it. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
NIXON
Veteran Member
I wear my seat belt 100% of the time in my truck or car ,whether I'm the driver or passenger .
But, I have to admit I'm not that good about it on my tractor /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Basically if the ROPS is Up the seat belt is ON . But if it's for a short task like putting a bucket load of firewood on the porch ,and traversing flat ground , I leave the Rops down and don't strap in . No doubt it should be considered as a bad habit . But, You asked an honest question and deserve an honest answer . John
But, I have to admit I'm not that good about it on my tractor /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Basically if the ROPS is Up the seat belt is ON . But if it's for a short task like putting a bucket load of firewood on the porch ,and traversing flat ground , I leave the Rops down and don't strap in . No doubt it should be considered as a bad habit . But, You asked an honest question and deserve an honest answer . John
RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
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- Bethel, Vermont
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- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
Yeah, all the time...
It's habitual now...I actually feel quite uncomfortable without a seat belt...
It's habitual now...I actually feel quite uncomfortable without a seat belt...
JimR
Elite Member
In all honesty never. I might if someone hadn't removed it from my Cub before I bought it. I am in and out of the seat so often I think I would never use it. The only time I am sitting for a long period is when I mow. The mowing is on flat ground and I wouldn't wear it then.
<font color="blue"> And when you've been wearing them as long as I have, it just ain't comfortable without it. </font>
Ever get that "naked" feeling when you forget to put your watch on? That's how I feel without my seat belt on. It just feels uncomfortable. G
Ever get that "naked" feeling when you forget to put your watch on? That's how I feel without my seat belt on. It just feels uncomfortable. G
Henro
Super Member
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2003
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- 5,007
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- Few miles north of Pgh, PA
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- Kubota B2910, BX2200, KX41-2V mini EX
<font color="blue">I'd be interested in hearing how many of you actually use the seat belt...why you do or why you don't ... </font>
I think it comes down to whether you choose to do things that are likely to extend your life or shorten it.
If you tend to want to live the longest possible life your decisions will reflect that.
You will probably wear a helmet if you ride a motorcycle, wear a seat belt in a car, have a reserve parachute is you sky dive, etc.
If you research it, you will find that a great many tractor deaths could have been prevented if a seat belt/ROPS were used.
The recommendation is to use the seat belt if you have a ROPS.
I am not sure if statistics are available regarding loss of life with tractors that had ROPS, but whose operators were not using seat belts with the ROPS.
Common sense sure tells me that using a safety belt to keep me within the safety envelope defined by the ROPS and the tractor itself is sensible.
Myself, I guess I wear mine about 85% of the time. I don’t wear it when backing my tractor out of the shed, only to park it while it warms up. I don’t wear it when moving the tractor a couple feet when digging a ditch with my backhoe. I do wear it when cutting grass, even on the “flat” parts, because I have some banks and ditches that worst case the tractor could fall into.
The best advice anyone can give is to wear your seat belt as much as you can. Thereby maximizing your potential longevity.
I think it comes down to whether you choose to do things that are likely to extend your life or shorten it.
If you tend to want to live the longest possible life your decisions will reflect that.
You will probably wear a helmet if you ride a motorcycle, wear a seat belt in a car, have a reserve parachute is you sky dive, etc.
If you research it, you will find that a great many tractor deaths could have been prevented if a seat belt/ROPS were used.
The recommendation is to use the seat belt if you have a ROPS.
I am not sure if statistics are available regarding loss of life with tractors that had ROPS, but whose operators were not using seat belts with the ROPS.
Common sense sure tells me that using a safety belt to keep me within the safety envelope defined by the ROPS and the tractor itself is sensible.
Myself, I guess I wear mine about 85% of the time. I don’t wear it when backing my tractor out of the shed, only to park it while it warms up. I don’t wear it when moving the tractor a couple feet when digging a ditch with my backhoe. I do wear it when cutting grass, even on the “flat” parts, because I have some banks and ditches that worst case the tractor could fall into.
The best advice anyone can give is to wear your seat belt as much as you can. Thereby maximizing your potential longevity.
I use mine EVERY time on and off the tractor. So much that the buckle on my seatbelt wore out.
I don't think there is a safe time to not wear it. Even just driving out of the garage could easily cause a fatal over-turn. For example, if your folding ROP's snags the header of the garage door because you forgot you put it up inside the garage, you could flip backwards in about 1/2 second - too quick to react.
If you think your tractor is too small to be dangerous, you are wrong. Even 500 lb riding lawn mowers have proven to be fatal in actual roll-over deaths.
In cars, its statistically not a matter of IF you will have an accident, but WHEN. So, every time I get in the car, I say to myself, "Prepare for impact!".
- Rick
I don't think there is a safe time to not wear it. Even just driving out of the garage could easily cause a fatal over-turn. For example, if your folding ROP's snags the header of the garage door because you forgot you put it up inside the garage, you could flip backwards in about 1/2 second - too quick to react.
If you think your tractor is too small to be dangerous, you are wrong. Even 500 lb riding lawn mowers have proven to be fatal in actual roll-over deaths.
In cars, its statistically not a matter of IF you will have an accident, but WHEN. So, every time I get in the car, I say to myself, "Prepare for impact!".
- Rick
Car/Road Vehicle: All the time.
Motorcycle: always a helmet
Tractor: I know I will get bashed for this, but no ROPS installed, therefore not wearing a seatbelt (does it have one? dunno) not that it makes a big difference, but it is a good size tractor, wider wheelbase=more stable. However I have run smaller, newer, ROPed/seatbelted tractors, and I used both then
Motorcycle: always a helmet
Tractor: I know I will get bashed for this, but no ROPS installed, therefore not wearing a seatbelt (does it have one? dunno) not that it makes a big difference, but it is a good size tractor, wider wheelbase=more stable. However I have run smaller, newer, ROPed/seatbelted tractors, and I used both then
ByronBob
Veteran Member
Like most things in life it's all about choices we have to make. Some people wear them and some don't. When the law changed in NY to wear a seat belt in a car I refused due to the ignorance of my youth. A few seat belt tickets later I changed.
But with tractors there's no law to force you to do it. So it comes down to a choice you make when you turn the key. I would recommend you wear it (even though I may not) just because it's the right thing to tell you.
But with tractors there's no law to force you to do it. So it comes down to a choice you make when you turn the key. I would recommend you wear it (even though I may not) just because it's the right thing to tell you.
PineRidge
Super Member
I put on the seat belt before starting the engine.
Reason: Common sense
Reason: Common sense
MrJoe
Silver Member
100% of the time. Belt on before turning key.
When I look back on where I am today, one incident stands out. To make a long story short, if a friend had a ROPS and a seat belt he would not be "dead of irreparable massive internal injuries". I leave the scene to your imaganation. Joe
When I look back on where I am today, one incident stands out. To make a long story short, if a friend had a ROPS and a seat belt he would not be "dead of irreparable massive internal injuries". I leave the scene to your imaganation. Joe
The rule of thumb is ROPS/Seatbelt, no ROPS/no seatbelt.
I wear my seatbelt nearly all of the time I'm on the tractor. There have been plenty of times that I've found situations that nearly turned me over. If it had happened without the seatbelt, I have little doubt that would have ended up UNDER the ROPS. John
I wear my seatbelt nearly all of the time I'm on the tractor. There have been plenty of times that I've found situations that nearly turned me over. If it had happened without the seatbelt, I have little doubt that would have ended up UNDER the ROPS. John
riptides
Super Star Member
I would not own a tractor without a ROPS and seat belt.
If I had that combination 10 years ago, I might have two eyes instead of one. Hard lesson to learn. Harder living with a reminder every day.
You have a seat belt and ROPS, I would think you should wear the belt.
-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
If I had that combination 10 years ago, I might have two eyes instead of one. Hard lesson to learn. Harder living with a reminder every day.
You have a seat belt and ROPS, I would think you should wear the belt.
-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
