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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1998-03-18, Page 88Page 32A — Farm Progress '98 ROPS save lives Tractor rollovers arc the largest single cause of agricultural machinery - related deaths. Between 1991 and 1995, over- turns accounted for 109 fatal accidents on Canadian farms. Rollovers can occur so fast that you cannot react in time to jump off the tractor or get out of the way. As a result, drivers and passengers fall off and are crushed by the wheels or the implement. Common overturn haz- ards are caused by oper- ating on or near rough terrain, steep slopes, ditches or streams, or from incorrectly adjusted brakes, sharp turns and high speeds. A load hitched higher than the drawbar can also quickly tip a tractor backward. Safe practices can reduce the chance of a tractor rolling over but not com- pletely eliminate it. The universal use of Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) and seatbelts can greatly reduce the chances of being killed if an ' overturn does occur.You should always wear a seatbelt on trac- tors equipped with a ROPS. You shouldn't use a seatbelt on equipment without a ROPS, 'there is a slight chance you may be thrown clear. ROPS arc 'available a's protective steel frames or quiet, dust proof enclo- sures. Many manufactur- ers now offer retrofit ROPS for most of their older models. At time of purchase, make sure the ROPS meets perfor- mance criteria estab- lished by the Canadian Standards Association. A homemade ROPS is not recommended. -rP t: ,c4 SAVE NOW! Focus on Shell Value! Act Now and Save on Selected Prenuwn Shell Lubricants - but only for a Limited Time! EDWARD FUELS HWY. #4. CLINTON 482-7381 HWY :43 GODERICH HWVY. =4. TEESWATER 524-8386 392-6100