He was using the machine to move logs and downed trees into position for cutting into firewood. The farmer was carrying the tree with his front end loader when it apparently rolled off the bucket and a branch struck him in the head and neck area, pinning him to the tractor. The tractor had no ROPS, nor was the man wearing any head protection. His wife found him pinned to the tractor seat, with head and neck injuries and a bluish complexion. CPR was unsuccessfully attempted and the man was pronounced dead at the local hospital.
Farmers frequently use tractors for all types of logging work on farms.
Falling limbs are always a hazard when working in and felling timber. A 4-post ROPS or full cab could have saved this farmer's life. ROPS with 4 posts provide protection from all sides and should be standard equipment for all machines used in commercial and also small-scale logging operations. Optimum protection would be provided with a cab or the addition of open mesh material on the sides of the cab area. This level of protection may not be suitable for farmers doing occasional logging, but should be considered if logging is a routine part of farm work.