Yanmar & ROPS

[mark777]

It may not be appropriate to post here but since the majority of the tractors I have are Yanmar then I ask what do you think?

Any time someone expresses an interest in a tractor (mine) I am confortable with all the aspects of a sale, including any parts that need to be found if future problems occur. I have, and do recommend most to TBN even when they don''t buy, aren't ready to buy or buy from someone else. The only thing I an mot comfortable with, and never have been is the absence of ROPS. Please understand that if someone were to call me a dealer that would be grossly overstated, but I do supply the tractors in this little area.

I have exhausted my efforts in searching for a universal application for roll over protection. And I don't mean one size fits all, but maybe two or three sizes. .....since everything I have is 25 HP and under. I am near what they call locally, tractor alley and have looked at dealer specific ROPS from Deere, NH, MF and other tractor dealerships, good stuff and mostly U.S. made. Just recently I went to the big grey importer in my area and looked at all their tractor after market ROPS. They have stacks of these palletized and install one on every tractor they sell. I have carefully examined these and the way they are mounted, and frankly they look to be just o.k. for a gentle side roll, but there is a big design flaw - No front or rear impact support. I don't know how they get away with this as it is advertised as a ROPS and not a canopy or light support.

Most of the people in my area have 2 to 10 acre horse rances and there is a pretty good demand for tractors my size FEL and BB and the Yanmar is usually a good match for their needs. I do let them know that these (little) tractors are often underestimated concerning power and the potential for a roll over.

My shop is currently set up to build everthing necessary to manufacture a ROPS system, including the girdle (axle tube mounts) with diagonal front and rear impact supports. I have a background in controlled deformation and accident reconstruction and certifications in this field (those and $1 will get you a cup of coffee). I don't have the appropriate tube bender and would have to farm this out. I am prepared to install and test a tractor by rolling, side to side (or 180*) and front and rear roll overs.

Yes....I know....the liability issues. This is where I am torn between a tractor without a ROPS / seat belts vs. one with an aftermarket (or self designed) ROPS. Has anyone overcome this moral - legal dilemma? Thank you for any input, experiences and response. Regards Mark

 

[cfoxmd]

Legal aspects of manufacturing a product with significant possible liability is a hard to answer question. Airplane manufacturers have had to deal with this for years and in starting in 1986 most small aircraft stopped being manufactured. One thing that is the method used by the kitplane manufacturers (experimental aircraft companies that produce about 2/3 of the aircraft currently being produced) is that the company runs bare of insurance for the product, and the corporation does not own anything. If sued, they put up a minimal defense and close the corporation. One judgement cannot force a bankruptcy. Then they set up another corporation, sign leases from themselves personally to their corporate entity-- they personally own the building, equipment, patents, etc.--and on they go. Essentially it separates the liability from the assets without the need for expensive liability insurance.

This doesn't really solve the moral dilemma, but it allows you to something better than nothing.

 

[YanmarFever]

Mark
I tried to email you with my take on this subject , but your email came back.
Ernie

 

[Inspector507]

Mark,
I don't know if this would interest you, but you might try.
Full Vision Inc.

 

[reb]

There are at least a few of us who would be interested in purchasing a heavy duty canopy or light support built to your specs. Manufacturing and selling those instead of ROPS should ease the liability situation.

 

[mark777]

Ernie, Thank you for trying. I don't know what happened, but I don't doubt it either. It is very frustrating to compose, write and send a response that goes nowhere. Sorry for that as I value your reply and experience. I did recieve two other responses via email and the information they provided is greatly appreciated. Regards, Mark.

 

[mark777]

Jerry,

Thank you. I went to their site immediately. I have an ISO 900* manufacturing company called 'World Services Inc' and they are very near to me. I think I might be pretty small potatoes compared to the primary account (Halliburton). Mark

 

[mark777]

Reb, If I could do it for costs and shop utilities (you know, free) I would do it in a heartbeat and just have people come pick them up. That is how strongly I believe in ROPS and protecting one another.

There was a recent post about the chap who rolled (sideways) His Kubota. Can you imagine what could have happened with out a ROPS and seatbelts?

I think in the real world, to even consider this, it would have to be the way cfoxmd outlined it. BTW I forgot to thank him and do so now. Thanks for the input, Mark

 

[kayssupply]

From what I can see, the one on Hoye's logo on the top of this page looks awful stout. I would like to see more of it.

 

[mark777]

Yes it does look stout. That is a ROPS and could be a FOPS. If I could only see the very top.
Mark