Welcome! Please use the navigational links to explore our website.
PartsASAP LogoCompany Logo Auction Link (800) 853-2651

Shop Now

   Allis Chalmers Case Farmall IH Ford 8N,9N,2N Ford
   Ferguson John Deere Massey Ferguson Minn. Moline Oliver

Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register
Author 
Terry

07-08-2004 17:58:10




Report to Moderator

Everything I have read on the Web, etc. says to always wear your seat belt if you have ROP installed. I have ROP on my tractor and normally wear the seat belt. However, I often use the tractor in the woods along a creek (hauling logs, etc.) When I am creeping along in unfamiliar territory at 1 mph, it seems to me that the seat belt would be a hazard. At this speed, I feel that if the tractor were to tip over, I could always jump off the opposite way the tractor is falling. If I were wearing a seat belt and the tractor tipped over into the stream, I can easily imagine a scenario where I would be knocked unconscious when the tractor landed on its side and I would then drown in the stream. I would appreciate getting the opinion of others who have had some experience in this area. Thanks. Terry

[Log in to Reply]   [No Email]
Terry

07-30-2004 06:33:30




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
Just got back from a two week vacation to find 19 responses to my question about seat belts. It was unanimous for wearing the belt. What a great service this forum is. This much advice, all from people with experience, could very well end up saving my life. It is hard to tell these days what is really dangerous by reading info put out by dealers, etc. Everyone is so afraid of getting sued (understandably) that the manuals will tell you not to do anything even if the chance of getting hurt is negligible. You all have convinced me, though. I'll be wearing my belt and use extra caution as well. So many of you talked about your own roll over experiences, it makes me wonder how many didn't write because they're no longer with us. Thanks to all of you.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Lee

07-10-2004 22:10:13




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
Operating equipment is always dangerous nerer upset one the closest I ever came was tipping a 544 over until oil was running out filler cap. but the fact is seat belts will either save you or kill you you must use good judgement stop and look if doubt find safer way around danger. Dont get me wrong Ive done a lot of stupid stunts and was lucky i lived



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Matt from CT

07-09-2004 10:25:53




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
Wear the belts.

I've been thrown from things twice.

Once when I was stupid 17 y/o...didya know you could get thrown from a John Deere 400 series riding lawn mower? Full speed, whip that sucker around on the dewey slope...amazing how fast I was airborne. As in no time to think of much other than how am I going to land.

Second was on a (pedal) mountain bike. Sudden dip in the trail, felt my center of gravity shooting up through my torso just like the time I was chucked by the mower. I just let out a primodial scream as I went through the air -- left a good 70' of "skid marks" with my body before I came to a rest on the trail. There was no time to react to the changing center of gravity...it was already fait accompli by the time I felt it.

So now I know not to whip around equipment on hillsides, especially slick ones. And I know to get my big butt hanging *way* behind the seat when going down steep or potentially steep hills!

Fortunately it seems the Lord has blessed me with a lot of luck, 'cause I've never seriously hurt myself no matter what stupid stuff or close calls I've had. I don't know how to describe just how fast you'll feel your center of gravity moving and how much the only thing you'll have time to think of is how you want to land...not what side you're jumping off -- you're being thrown and you're not gonna have a choice in that.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
mike

07-09-2004 09:51:16




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
Terry,
In my younger life I ran a tree shear doing forestry work. These things would cut a tree off and tote it to a pile for the skidders. Turning these things over was a for sure sooner or later and I did manage to put it on it's side a couple of times. Safest place to be is in that seat. As for being knocked out, I always grabbed something sturdy on the opposite side of the tractor and held on like a squirrel. The thing that always concerned me was what was I falling over into. I watched for stumps and stobs from broken off bushes and such. be careful, you really don't want to take that ride. I've been there done that.
Get off your tractor and walk over the area you're planning on entering to look for obstacles.
You won't catch me driving off into something where I can't see the ground unless I've walked it and know it's safe.
Good luck,
Mike

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
BigMac

07-09-2004 09:08:10




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
Terry,

Wear the belt. Always wear the belt.

I rolled a tractor into a pond traveling at about 1/2 mile an hour. Had I not been wearing the belt I would have been fish food.

If you are attached to the tractor, it can't hurt you by rolling over on you.

BigMac



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Carsten

07-09-2004 08:22:18




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
Before I bought my bobcat I happened to read the OASHA web site and their reports on fatal accidents which could have been avoided if proper safety had been followed.. That plus a rented Bobcat rolling/ sliding down a hill taught me the benefit of always wearing the seatbelt.
In addition to that after one of the aux. hydralic lines burst I found out that safety glasses are a must as well.
There are other safety hazards as well that I have not seen posted. With my Bobbact when clearing trees I had several times had trees and big limps slide ove the bucket and head straight for me. I have been able to stop in time but it is a little bit scary when you stare at a big piece of wood inched from your face or chest.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
paul

07-09-2004 08:18:12




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
You will never be able to jump off a rolling tractor. Happens way way way too fast. You will _not_ make it. The only way out is if you are flung off far enough as it rolls. Do _not_ kid yourself, you will _not_ jump off. never.

Now, anything can happen. It's possible you will be flung off the machine & be unharmed, while being belted in you might hit a rock & be killed. who knows?

The best _odds_ are if you are belted in. That is no garentee, but it is the best odds.

--->Paul

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Les...fortunate

07-09-2004 04:40:20




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
I have worn a seat belt for so many years that I now feel nekkid when I get up on my old tractor and there ain't one there.
Don't fool yourself into thinking you can jump off, especially opposite the way the thing is tipping over. I would say that scenario is very unlikely.
Wear your seatbelt.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Jerry/MT

07-08-2004 21:57:37




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
Rollovers happen so quickly you are unlikely to be able to jump clear.Keep your seat belt on and the odds are very much in your favor.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Wayne

07-08-2004 20:45:27




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
Dad watched a guy roll a 260 Fiat scraper 360 degrees back in the early 70s. It was just after they had pretty much mandated ROPS on all new equipment and the guy happened to be wearing his seatbelt. Dad said when he went to dump he cut the machine sideways to quick and over he went spilling the load out the top. Funny thing was he went a complete 360 and wound up back on the wheels and never let off it. The forman ran out trying to stop him hollering "What the He-- are you doing" to which the guy replied "I lost that load boss, I'm headed back for another one". Dad said as bit as a 260 scraper is it all happened within just a couple of seconds. If the guy hadn't had on a seatbelt I know he would have been thrown out and crushed by the machine. This would have made a dangerous but humerous outcome into a horrible tragedy. Wear the seatbelt. True it may kill you in one instance and in another it might save you, but the odds it will save you are far greater...and it don't pay to play the odds when they aren't in your favor.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Davis in SC

07-08-2004 21:37:45




Report to Moderator
 Re: Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Wayne, 07-08-2004 20:45:27  
Wayne , Interesting story, glad it did not end in a tragedy. My neighbor across the road used to work construction, he told me a story about a co-worker being killed running a Wabco scraper. It blew a tire, tossed him out , & ran over him... Same old story on seatbelts: people worry about drowning or being trapped in a fire.... I prefer to wear a belt, in case of a "near accident" it keeps you in place so you stand a chance to recover. Regards, Davis

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
buickanddeere

07-08-2004 19:57:40




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
A good working seat belt worn snug down over the hips puts the odds in your favour. I usually work safe wear saftey glasses,ear plugs,wear seat belts etc. Last fall when running a Bob Cat escavator the dirt encrusted and rusty seatbelt buckle just about convinced me to forget about it. When cleaning out a ditch along one of the most solid looking places the bank collapsed. Even though it was a slow roll there was no where to run or time to do it. That choice to wear the seat belt made the difference between being crushed between the machine and ditch. To just being really embarassed and muddy. If you are fast and strong enough to jump clear, you didn't need the machine to help with the work in the first place.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Adam B.

07-08-2004 19:40:03




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
On the other hand...if your tractor did NOT have a ROPS, or if you have a foldable ROPS in the folded position, you are warned to NOT wear a seatbelt, because in a rollover you will be trapped in the seat and crushed.

Wearing a seatbelt is the operator's choice. I know of at least two people who refuse to wear one because they've been in accidents and even the paramedics had to admit they'd have most likely been killed if they were buckled in. Statistics for/against typically only look at how many people SURVIVED an accident with or without a seat belt and don't speculate about how many people likely died because they were or were not wearing one.

It's your life, make your own choice about what you feel is right.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Ron

07-08-2004 19:11:09




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
Ask anyone who has flipped a tractor and they will tell you that it happened so fast they had no clue what was happening until it was all over.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
kyhayman

07-08-2004 19:10:43




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
Seat belts are one of those 'law of average' things. Yes, people do get killed in accidents (car and tractor) where they would have survived had they not had on a seat belt. Statistically you odds are much better with it on than without.

On a personal note, I rolled a 2090 case in a location like that, creek bank gave way. As usual for me, no seat belt. Cab saved me. There is not way I could have bailed out, even on an open tractor, happened too fast. To this day I dont know how I wound up turned completely in the seat, head under dash feet in the seat.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
New-Gen

07-09-2004 05:02:55




Report to Moderator
 Re: Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to kyhayman, 07-08-2004 19:10:43  
I rolled a JD 105 combine off a truck one time and ended up on my hands and knees on the dash.
The scariest part of that deal was when that big wrench you use to unslug the cylinder came flying past my ear!!



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Mattlt

07-09-2004 06:06:27




Report to Moderator
 Re: Re: Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to New-Gen, 07-09-2004 05:02:55  
Good point. How many of us (myself included) our guilty of having loose materials in our pickup cabs? Crescent wrenches, hitch pins, flashlights, etc, all can become missles in the event of a rollover or other type of collision.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Hugh MacKay

07-10-2004 02:25:11




Report to Moderator
 Re: Re: Re: Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dange in reply to Mattlt, 07-09-2004 06:06:27  
Matt: Good point, I had a young lad driving my dump truck on construction. Truck was equiped with an outside the cab tool box. In his wisdon he decided items like 12 ton hydraulic jack, wheel wrench and other assorted tools, would be more convenient in cab. He and I had more than one heated discussion about this. One day on job, he upset truck on side, drivers side down. No real damage to truck other than mirror on drivers side. Luckily he only got hit on side of his head by an 1-1/4" wrench. He said the scary part was the hydraulic jack going by his nose and out the window. Needless to say we had no more discussions about the use of the tool box.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
john d

07-08-2004 19:03:39




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
In case of a rollover, you MIGHT be able to jump clear. It probably WON'T be as easy as you think it will. Getting caught between your ROPS cage and the ground (or stream bed) is a bad way to die. Wear the belt.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
rustyfarmall

07-08-2004 18:03:06




Report to Moderator
 Re: Seat Belts - Can use be more dangerous in reply to Terry, 07-08-2004 17:58:10  
Wear the seat belt. Stay away from the stream!



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
[Options]  [Printer Friendly]  [Posting Help]  [Return to Forum]   [Log in to Reply]

Hop to:


TRACTOR PARTS TRACTOR MANUALS
We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home  |  Forums


Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy