Rollover Tractor Simulator

This project is the only one of its kind in the nation.  It has a 40-horsepower Challenger 275 tractor bolted to a trailer 20 feet long and 8 feet wide.  Push a button and the tractor turns over demonstrating the need to use the Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS).

The simulator is sponsored by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers; Kentucky Fire Commission, Fire/Rescue Training Office, Dixie Firefighters Association, and Whayne Supply Agri-Business Division, Challenger Tractors; and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, center, joins Governor Steve Beshear,
First Lady Jane Beshear and other dignitaries in cutting the ribbon to officially
launch the new rollover tractor simulator.
(Kentucky Department of Agriculture photo by Chris Aldridge)

JOHN DEERE, KDA LAUNCH NEW ROLLOVER TRACTOR SIMULATOR

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – John Deere, in conjunction with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, unveiled a 4105 compact tractor rollover protection structure (ROPS) safety display at a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville.

The safety display is a one-of-a-kind tractor simulator that demonstrates how a rollover protection structure (ROPS) prevents a seat belted operator from being severely injured or killed. The Department unveiled its first rollover tractor simulator at the National FFA Convention in Louisville in 2003. The Farm and Home Safety Program also uses a miniature grain bin and grain wagon to teach the importance of putting safety first on the farm. The program also teaches ATV and lawn mower safety.

“I am pleased to welcome John Deere as a partner for promoting farm safety in Kentucky,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “The Farm and Home Safety Program has reached thousands of Kentuckians since the Kentucky Department of Agriculture launched it 11 years ago. This partnership with John Deere will give the program even greater exposure, and that will mean fewer farm injuries and more lives saved in Kentucky.”

The Farm and Home Safety Program works in partnership with fire departments, air rescue, operations, farm groups, equipment dealers and others throughout Kentucky. The simulator will also be showcased at the Louisville Zoo on Sept. 22 with the Hartland Equipment John Deere dealership.

John Deere (Deere & Company - NYSE: DE) is the world's leading provider of advanced products and services for agriculture and forestry and a major provider of advanced products and services for construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.

Grain Safety Trailer Miniature versions of a grain bin, grain wagon, augers and other equipment found on a grain farm are mounted on a 28-foot gooseneck trailer.  The mobile demonstration unit will allow the farm safety team to teach grain farm safety and rescue at virtually any location around the Commonwealth.

For more information on KDA's Farm and Home Safety Program contact the Division of Agriculture Education, Farm Safety and Farmland Preservation at 502/564-4983 ext 282.