Roll-Over Prevention on Riding Lawnmowers and Tractors
A large percentage of fatalities on riding lawnmowers and tractors is due to a lack of a roll-over protective system (ROPS) and dangerous use on slopes.
To help prevent accidents and death, it is recommended that you follow the safety guidelines set forth by the manufacturer and always use a the ROPS.
The number one issue is driving across a slope instead of straight up or down.
Most commercial lawnmowers are only safe up to a 15 degree slope.
A higher center point of gravity will cause a side overturn more quickly.
What the mower can handle can change in a split second on uneven terrain.
What appears to be a safe slope can turn dangerous and deadly without warning.
For slopes greater than 15 degrees, the use of an attachable mower unit that can reach further down a slope without the tractor following is recommended.
Using the ROPS and a seat-belt (if provided) can greatly reduce injuries and prevent death on riding mowers and tractors.
Always use the ROPS in the full upright position.
Many manufactures have an articulated ROPS for easier storage.
Never drive the mower with the ROPS in the bent position.
A few other points to remember are: When going downhill, avoid depressions and holes.
When going uphill, avoid bumps, stumps and rocks.
Do not drive too close to a ditch bank.
They typically have moist ground that can shift easily.
Use proper hitch points if applicable.
Use caution while on any hillside.
If you suspect that the slope is greater than 15 degrees, do not attempt to take the machinery on it.
Avoid excessive speeds in turns.
Added rollover danger with tricycle front end tractors.
Back up the hillsides.
Drive down hills.
Never disable or remove the ROPS.
Always use the ROPS in the full upright position.
If your equipment did not come equipped with ROPS, it is possible that there may be one that can be retro-fitted.
Most manufacturer's recognize that older models need protection and have retro-fitted ROPS available.
When operating a tractor or mower remember: Never start the mower from the ground, always be in the seat.
Keep equipment in good repair.
Securely fasten your seat belt if the machine has a ROPS with a seat belt.
Where possible, avoid operating the tractor near ditches, embankments, and holes.
Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes, and on rough, slick or muddy surfaces.
Stay off slopes too steep for safe operation.
Watch where you are going, especially at row end, on roads, and around trees.
Be sure everyone is clear before moving.
Operate the equipment smoothly - no jerky turns, starts, or stops.
Hitch only to the draw-bar and hitch points recommended by tractor manufacturers.
When the tractor is stopped, set brakes securely and use parking brake if available.
Remove the keys from the tractor.
Train young operators to operate mowers properly, not only to physically manipulate the machine but to recognize hazards and know how to avoid them.
Terrain should always be taken into consideration when driving mowers and tractors.
To help prevent accidents and death, it is recommended that you follow the safety guidelines set forth by the manufacturer and always use a the ROPS.
The number one issue is driving across a slope instead of straight up or down.
Most commercial lawnmowers are only safe up to a 15 degree slope.
A higher center point of gravity will cause a side overturn more quickly.
What the mower can handle can change in a split second on uneven terrain.
What appears to be a safe slope can turn dangerous and deadly without warning.
For slopes greater than 15 degrees, the use of an attachable mower unit that can reach further down a slope without the tractor following is recommended.
Using the ROPS and a seat-belt (if provided) can greatly reduce injuries and prevent death on riding mowers and tractors.
Always use the ROPS in the full upright position.
Many manufactures have an articulated ROPS for easier storage.
Never drive the mower with the ROPS in the bent position.
A few other points to remember are: When going downhill, avoid depressions and holes.
When going uphill, avoid bumps, stumps and rocks.
Do not drive too close to a ditch bank.
They typically have moist ground that can shift easily.
Use proper hitch points if applicable.
Use caution while on any hillside.
If you suspect that the slope is greater than 15 degrees, do not attempt to take the machinery on it.
Avoid excessive speeds in turns.
Added rollover danger with tricycle front end tractors.
Back up the hillsides.
Drive down hills.
Never disable or remove the ROPS.
Always use the ROPS in the full upright position.
If your equipment did not come equipped with ROPS, it is possible that there may be one that can be retro-fitted.
Most manufacturer's recognize that older models need protection and have retro-fitted ROPS available.
When operating a tractor or mower remember: Never start the mower from the ground, always be in the seat.
Keep equipment in good repair.
Securely fasten your seat belt if the machine has a ROPS with a seat belt.
Where possible, avoid operating the tractor near ditches, embankments, and holes.
Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes, and on rough, slick or muddy surfaces.
Stay off slopes too steep for safe operation.
Watch where you are going, especially at row end, on roads, and around trees.
Be sure everyone is clear before moving.
Operate the equipment smoothly - no jerky turns, starts, or stops.
Hitch only to the draw-bar and hitch points recommended by tractor manufacturers.
When the tractor is stopped, set brakes securely and use parking brake if available.
Remove the keys from the tractor.
Train young operators to operate mowers properly, not only to physically manipulate the machine but to recognize hazards and know how to avoid them.
Terrain should always be taken into consideration when driving mowers and tractors.
