RR251 - Structural deterioration of tractor safety cabs with age
An investigation was undertaken to determine the prevalence, structural severity and practical implications of tractor safety cab / roll-over protective structure (ROPS) structural deterioration with age within the UK.
A detailed survey of levels of cab deterioration present upon approximately 400 used tractors, manufactured in the period 1970-1990, was conducted at major UK vehicle auctions. The cabs of seven example used tractors, exhibiting representative levels of deterioration, were partially dismantled to enable detailed visual inspection of deterioration / corrosion present. Five of these vehicles were subsequently subjected to a recognised safety cab / ROPS structural testing procedure, to determine if the structures were capable of providing adequate roll-over protection.
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