Safety Frame - ROPS

[Bensdexta]

I am seeking a folding safety frame (ROPS) for my Dexta.

Thus far Flatford in York is the only company I have found that still makes frames - there must be others?
But the leaflet they sent me for their F91 frame does not include the Dexta on the list of applicable tractors!
However I found a reference to an older Flatford F4 frame:

This does list the Dexta.


Please could folk who have a frame on their Dexta list the make and model of the frame they have.

Any views on buying a 2nd-hand frame would be appreciated?
BTW I found an interesting doc http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr251.pdf which concludes that old hollow section safety frames keep their strength well despite being decades old, whereas newer monocoque cabs are more susceptible to weakening due to corrosion. This is because they are often made of thinner steel and may be spot welded rather than continuous hollow section. Structural deterioration is most prevalent for tractors manufactured in 1981-1985.

Also I read (eg see posts on old site) that all tractors used for agricultural purposes must be fitted with an approved frame and must also have a seat belt to keep the driver on board.

Many thanks,

Ben

[kiwiland dexta]

Ben, there's a bloke out here who sells lots of parts, he sells Bareco frames, lists the same one for the dexta and some of the red tractors ( ) , lists the folding one as MF1F. Do they sell in your neck of the woods?

Regards, Derek.

[Bensdexta]

Derek,
Many thanks.
I believe that Old20 Parts are UK agents for Bareco, but these frames aren't cheap in UK - shipping I guess.
Also I note their website quotes a different frame for the Super Dexta than the Dexta. All but the earliest Dextas had a handbrake like the Super which can get in the way of the frame.
All the best,
Ben

[Bensdexta]

The Flatford F91 Folding Safety Frame is approved for the Dexta as seen in this pic of a serial plate.


Apparently the handbrake pawl may have to be moved, so I'm trying to find out what this involves.

Agriline can supply a safety frame. Does anyone have info on this frame as Agriline have no pics and info is sparse?
All the best,
Ben

[alang]

Ben,
I'm interested to pick-up on the 'legislation' issue.
My understanding was that as an owner driver I do not need a roll bar or seat belts for that matter. As both my tractors are roll bar free, no one else can drive them (which suits me).
At the shows and ploughing matches many don't have frames fitted.
If there is a definitive document can you or someone else highlight it please.
Regards
Alan

[Bensdexta]

Alan,

The HSE doc, see link in my earlier post, gives some background on the legislative position re ROPS. To quote:
"Today (2003) all agricultural tractors used for farm or other work (i.e. for business purposes and thereby eligible for classification as ‘work equipment’) require ROPS to be fitted where there is a risk of overturning in use."

So if it is a working farm/business tractor as mine is, then I believe I need ROPS even if I am the owner / driver, especially if I want to use red diesel. Brian who I believe is a former health and safety advisor, has posted on this on the old website.

On the other hand if it's a vintage tractor and not used for business purposes, as yours may be, I believe you do not need ROPS. I expect Brian can shed further light!

All the best,

Ben

[Brian]

The important words in the legislation relate to using the machine for work.

If the tractor is used as part of your business, in any way, it requires ROP. EVEN IF YOU ARE THE OWNER DRIVER. In fact, in the event of any incident that is HSE related, if you are an owner/operator, the courts and the HSE look on you as two people, the owner and the operator so any fines are doubled automatically. They fine you as an owner for allowing the incident to take place and as an operator for participation.

This applies to any tractor in any situation. They will also argue that if you are using the tractor to look after your horses or mow your fields, it is working. There is also a query about ploughing matches but that has not been tried through the courts as yet.

The only time you do not need ROP's is if the tractor is used solely for show.

Now I am well aware that most of us do not have ROP's and use our tractors. I work my land and would argue that it is my hobby, a large garden. But under the letter of the law, I am wrong.

[Bensdexta]

Brian,
Many thanks for the clarifications.
Hopefully HSE won't get even more 'interested' in the subject. Beholden on us all to keep safe and not aggravate the situation. I assume that ROPS includes a seat-belt if you don't have a safety cab. As an aside, I don't believe 4-wheel bikes (ATVs) need roll bars even for 'work'....yet. There have been some nasty roll-over accidents with ATVs.

I think I read in your post on the old website that there was 'talk' of needing 4-wheel braking on 'working' tractors. Now that would be a PITA. Are there any simple solutions should it become law?

BTW After following up kiwiland dexta's post on BareCo ROPS, these are available in UK from Old20 Parts Co. So that's 2 UK suppliers of new frames approved for Dexta that I've found so far, BareCo and Flatford. Anyone aware of any others?
All the best,
Ben

[alang]

Ben, Brian...
Interesting reading and thanks.
Do I take it that even if the tractor was originally supplied without a roll bar and has never had one fitted, that the onus is on the owner (past or present) to retro fit one.
As an MF apprentice in the sixties, I can recall having to retro fit safety devices like fan guards and mudguard extensions, but I don't recall fitting roll bars.
I do use my two as tools, even though my few acres are a hobby and not a business.
Regards
Alan

PS Are road runs classed as 'showing' or are they also a questionable area?

[alang]

Sorry not to be more joined-up but after reading the Dexta forum I moved on to the Miscellaneous topics and read about the Runaway Major.

No sign of a roll bar here then and I love the statement quoted in the second report of Brian links... “The health and safety of our cast and crew are of paramount importance. “ITV follows strict safety guidelines and a full risk assessment before filming"

Alan

[Bensdexta]

...Do I take it that even if the tractor was originally supplied without a roll bar and has never had one fitted, that the onus is on the owner (past or present) to retro fit one.
...
I do use my two as tools, even though my few acres are a hobby and not a business.
...
Are road runs classed as 'showing' or are they also a questionable area?

Alan,
I think it depends upon the use you put your tractors to. As Brian mentioned, technically if you use them on your fields for 'hobby' purposes you should have ROPS although you might be able to argue the risk of overturning is negligible and therefore no ROPS is necessary. Tractors competing in ploughing matches rarely have ROPS.
However, if the tractor is used for 'work' ie operated as part of a business, then it must have ROPS.
One sees many tractors without ROPS road running, so one assumes that road runs can be classed as 'showing' with a negligible risk of overturning so no ROPS is required. I hope Brian will correct me if I'm wrong!
All the best,
Ben

[Brian]

You are right Ben but remember, there is another criteria. On a road run the tractor will be using white diesel! As white diesel it what we hobbyist use, you have a strong argument for a "show" tractor. But if you are using red diesel it is a working tractor and as such must have a roll bar.

Alan,

Before 2003, you could get away with the owner driver argument and not fit ROP. After 2003 the regulations were tightened up because the HSE said that there were no "older" tractors used in the workplace, all had passed to that big scrapyard in the sky, and therefore, as roll bars and cabs had been mandatory since 1974, all tractors should now have them fitted.

[alang]

Brian,
I understand that it is most likely that I should fit a roll bar. I have one for the TEF that is propping a fence up.
I always use white diesel and shall cling to that slim thread.

Ben,
Thanks for raising this topic.

Regards
Alan