We want to help you understand what a FOPS is and what it does.
And as a quick aside --- we are here to help you purchase a new tractor and implements when the time is right.
Let’s get to it.
Tractor Safety
The importance of tractor safety cannot be overstated.
When many people think of tractor safety issues --- one of the first things that comes up is rolling over.
One of the most important safety features on a tractor is the ROPS --- which is a “Rollover Protective Structure” designed to protect the operator in the event that their tractor rolls over backward or sideways.
These types of accidents can cause anything from a very minor injury to an unfortunate fatality.
And there’s another type of injury that should always be top of mind. This is the potential for falling debris to hit a tractor operator on the head. While it not as common as a rollover --- falling debris is an issue that must be addressed to keep the tractor operator safe.
To avoid these kinds of injuries, it is important to outfit your tractor with a FOPS.
FOPS
What is a FOPS?
A FOPS is a “Falling Object Protection System.”
Usage
FOPS are fitted to tractors, as well as mining and construction machinery.
They are used on machinery that is operating in an area where there is a danger of falling debris. Debris that could easily hit the tractor operator on the head.
Structure and Design
The FOPS is an assembly made mainly of plastic materials.
On many modern tractors, the FOPS and ROPS are combined right in the cab structure. In some cases, they are still separate.
Some heavy-duty machines are outfitted with an additional durable frame over the cab.
These durable frames feature thick bars that prevent objects from hitting the cab. This helps protect the cab and the operator.
Some cabs are even fitted with bullet-proof and shatter-proof glass to protect the operator from airborne fragments. Some machinery has the added feature of cab guards fitted to the windows. This is more common in machinery used for demolition or forestry work.
We highly recommend that you fit your tractor with a FOPS for extra protection.
Hopefully, this brief article has helped you get a very basic understanding of “Falling Object Protection Systems” (FOPS) and why they are so important.
For a slew of reading and video information about tractors, implements, and more rural living topics, check out our extensive information blog here.
If you need any further help or have any questions about safety, the FOPS, tractors, implements, or anything else, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944. Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.
Team Tractor Ranch - #1 Tractor Dealer in Arizona. We sell and service most major brands of tractors including Yanmar, Kubota, John Deere, TYM, Mahindra, Kioti, Case, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Ford, Deutz, Case IH, Farmall, International Harvester, Branson Tractors, LS, Shibura, Claas Tractor, McCormick Tractors, Valtra, Solis, YTO, Montana, and Nortrac.
