I would say that there are two forces at work here; one is the argocat that has in the sales brochure a figure quoted regarding the % of gradient that the machine is capable (safely) of traversing. But then we all know that in actual fact the machine is capable of far more than that. Then we have the second part which is the driver who may be quite confident of the machines and his own ability up to a certain point, which may be similar to the figures quoted in the sales brochure. It follows that there must be hundreds of machines that have never been stretched to their limit and likewise many who have operators who regularly put their machines in situations that many others would never dream of attempting. The type of terrain that the machine has to regularly operate on will surely be the deciding factor as to having a ROPS fitted or not.
I have seen a few track vehicles tip over that had ROPS fitted and at least one that killed the driver, I have however never seen an Argocat upside down and no I dont have a ROPS fitted.
I can't even remember how many times I've rolled my cars. The first time I rolled without a roll cage was the last time I ever rode without a roll cage. I was trapped underneath a Max II & was lucky enough to have ENOUGH friends around to lift it off of me. But I have to agree, it is all about where & how you ride. If I had to dodge tree limbs all the time with or without a roll cage, I would definetly be wearing a helmet with a visor on it. And the cage is not enough. You need to be strapped in. These pics are of one time I never even used the roll cage, but I was sure glad I had it. The Model Citizen rolled (endoed) only once on level ground (balloon tires), but because she was strapped in, it landed back on all 6 wheel & she avoided getting seriously hurt. In fact, it was over so quick, she actually enjoyed it.
Comment