Rollover law

The problem with this bill is not so much its intent, but its practicality. First, roll bars that are properly engineered for older tractors simply don't exist. And if you could buy them, they would cost as much as the tractor is worth, so no one will buy them. Since most tractors never leave the farmstead, the bill is pretty much unenforceable. (Is the local sheriff going to arrest you because an old tractor sitting on your place doesn't have a roll bar? I doubt it.)

But let's step back and consider why this bill was introduced. It's simple: a lot of people are getting killed and injured in rollover accidents on older tractors. This is due to a number of reasons:

1. Many operators have little experience with these machines and don't understand their limitations.

2. Even experienced operators can make mistakes operating in the woods or in rough terrain. It doesn't matter that you've spent thousands of hours on tractors if (like me) most of that time was spent on the flatlands of the High Plains.

3. Farm tractors are being used to do things they were not designed to do, such as pulling stumps.

You don't have to look any further than the archives of this forum to know that tractor safety is a serious issue. So rather than complain about government interference, I'd like to hear some alternatives. For example, here in Michigan we have an excellent motorcycle safety program. It is funded by the state, operated by several colleges and supported by ABATE (an organization opposed to helmet laws). Is there a need for a similar program for tractor operators? I think so. For example, if I hadn't read it here, I wouldn't have known how dangerous it is to operate around trees with grape vines. (We all know a grape vine can snag a tractor or an operator, but who ever thought about vines pulling dead branches out of trees an onto an operator?) That's the sort of information new tractor owners need to know.

Any suggestions?

Manufacturers popped up all over and the bars are now quite cheap.

The weight is over the rear axle so front weights are not needed.

The UK law I think would work much better. I can't believe anyone would protest a roll bar on a working tractor. Because tractors don't have suspension it is extremely hard to estimate the exact rollover point and small bumps can toss it over. I don't know anyone who has been in a tractor rollover who expected it. Many had used the machine since being a kid.

Some euro companies just openly publish guidelines to build your own roll bar. Its a formula, if your tractor weighs this much and is this tall and use want this style, use x size metal with x thickness for sides and whatever for top.

Personally I know I would put off having a roll bar on one as long as possible if it wasn't law even though I know they can save your life pretty easy. I figure a law may smarten many of the procrastinating folk like me up.

This is coming from a guy who cuts safety guards off pto shafts first time they give me trouble...