Today, many tractor accidents that occur are overturns or rollovers that are caused by terrains, inappropriate speed, poor ballast or poor attention. When this happens, the tractor operators risk sustaining severe injuries or even death. But, this can be prevented by retrofitting your farm equipment with tractor ROPS, or rollover protective structures, and using a seatbelt whenever you are on the tractor.
What are ROPS?
Rollover Protection Structures (ROPS) are bars or cages designed for wheel- and track-type tractors to create a protective zone for the operator should a rollover happen. When used together with a seatbelt, the rollover protection system will prevent the operator from being thrown from the zone or crushed. There are three types of ROPS for tractors including a two-post frame, four-post frame, and an enclosed cab ROPS. They all serve the same function, so you can choose whatever option you want.
Why You Need Tractor ROPS
It is estimated that 1 of 10 track operators overturns their tractor at some point in their life. So, the possibility of a rollover is high, especially if you live in hilly areas. The onetime effort in retrofitting a tractor with ROPS will protect the operator for the rest of the tractor’s lifetime. According to research, the use of ROPS together with seatbelts offers 99% protection against death or serious injuries. A ROPS also helps to reduce the degree of a rollover, consequently, reducing the damage that occurs to the tractor. Some ROPS that feature enclosed cab help to prevent the operator from getting knocked out of the seat.
Maintenance of ROPS
It is necessary to service and maintain your tractor ROPS periodically to ensure maximum performance. Check for cracks, rust or signs of wear that could cause failure of your rollover structure. If any of these signs are available, consult with the manufacturer or dealer to determine the right fix. ROPS can also be misused or abused, so never try to drill holes into their frames. They should also not be used for attaching chains, hooks or cables.
Retrofitting your tractor with tractor ROPS is beneficial to both you and the tractor. So, if you haven’t done that, it’s wise to find some time and get it added to the tractor. While ROPS and seatbelts work well together, ROPS provide the bulk of the protection, therefore, they need to be secure all the time.
