[Peyton-Johnson]

I am assisting in the investigation of a combine accident where a Gleaner R66 windshield blew out during bean harvest. The investigation is looking at damage to the cab skirt, valance and valance brackets as potential causes of the windshield failure. This damage may have been caused by debris buildup on the feeder housing being pushed up into the cab/valance when the header was raised. Is anyone familiar with debris buildup causing this type of problem on a Gleaner or any other combine manufactured by AGCO? Has anyone received notice from a manufacturer or equipment dealer about this problem and its potential to damage a combine windshield? Is anyone familiar with a switch that shuts down the equipment when a windshield blows out? Any information provided will be much appreciated.

 

[Don Boles]

I am assisting in the investigation of a combine accident where a Gleaner R66 windshield blew out during bean harvest. The investigation is looking at damage to the cab skirt, valance and valance brackets as potential causes of the windshield failure. This damage may have been caused by debris buildup on the feeder housing being pushed up into the cab/valance when the header was raised. Is anyone familiar with debris buildup causing this type of problem on a Gleaner or any other combine manufactured by AGCO? Has anyone received notice from a manufacturer or equipment dealer about this problem and its potential to damage a combine windshield? Is anyone familiar with a switch that shuts down the equipment when a windshield blows out? Any information provided will be much appreciated.

Familiar with build up on feeder house?
All makes do that and left to pile up certainly have the potential to do the damage you describe.

Zero notices, it's left to common sense.

No switches to shut down equipment when windshield breaks.

 

[bathm]

Sounds like lawyer looking for class action

 

[SKfarming]

Sounds like lawyer looking for class action

Give a sleazy conniving thief an opportunity, and I'm sure they will take everything you got........

Can say it's ignorance, but I don't think you can put enough warning labels on a combine to prevent this.......

 

[Gleaner Baldwin]

There is no alarm system for stupid or zero maintanance program. Move on class action lawyer, no one here is interested.

 

[Peyton-Johnson]

There is no alarm system for stupid or zero maintanance program. Move on class action lawyer, no one here is interested.

I can assure you there is no class action involved or anticipated. This inquiry is made on behalf of a farmer and his family. I understand debris can build up on the feeder housing and must be periodically removed. The question is whether there are instances where that debris can cause damage to the cab skirt, valance, valance brackets or windshield when the header is raised.

 

[SKfarming]

The question is whether there are instances where that debris can cause damage to the cab skirt, valance, valance brackets or windshield when the header is raised.

Yes, without a doubt if let build up too long.

 

[miniskfarm]

Is anyone familiar with a switch that shuts down the equipment when a windshield blows out? Any information provided will be much appreciated.

I believe that is the same switch that turns it on, typically located on the control console and is powered by the operators right hand.

 

[noacres]

I believe that is the same switch that turns it on, typically located on the control console and is powered by the operators right hand.

Does it say in the operators manual: "If the window blows out, press the off switch to turn the machine off?"

I expected to find that note near "Never drive the machine off a cliff" or "Driving full speed into the back of a loaded grain cart may cause damage to the machine".


I don't see it written in either chapter of the user manual.


-NoAcres

 

[Peyton-Johnson]

Does it say in the operators manual: "If the window blows out, press the off switch to turn the machine off?"

I expected to find that note near "Never drive the machine off a cliff" or "Driving full speed into the back of a loaded grain cart may cause damage to the machine".


I don't see it written in either chapter of the user manual.


-NoAcres

This was posted by benny, a senior member of this forum, on 7/23/10:

Our combine has some sort of safety switch and if the window breaks it shuts down, same as if the air conditioner were to malfunction.

benny's post is the reason why I asked the question about the switch.

 

[albertabuck]

Does it say in the operators manual: "If the window blows out, press the off switch to turn the machine off?"

I expected to find that note near "Never drive the machine off a cliff" or "Driving full speed into the back of a loaded grain cart may cause damage to the machine".


I don't see it written in either chapter of the user manual.


-NoAcres

It's funny how fifty years ago such comments were actually stated in the operator manuals, most often depicted with a cartoon of the machine and operator in a comedy type setting. Such was common before and thru the Sixties bit disappeared in the Seventies.

Not sure but I wouldn't be surprised if those cartoon safety messages were deleted because someone deemed them to politically incorrect

But lets face facts, common sense is so infrequent these days, it's mistaken for genius, thats why they figure we all need a computer to run and control everything and everything needs to be completely idiot proofed

 

[wheatking]

Peyton. Was someone killed in an accident from the windshield falling out.

 

[farminflyboy]

This was posted by benny, a senior member of this forum, on 7/23/10:

Our combine has some sort of safety switch and if the window breaks it shuts down, same as if the air conditioner were to malfunction.

benny's post is the reason why I asked the question about the switch.

Benny is a smart ass and was referring to the key. There is a sticker that says that the second seat is only for instruction, not riding, and unfortunately that poor father from Abilene is dealing with the reasons for that. Also they should have been wearing their seat belts. As a father I am truly heart broken for that family, but litigation is only going to continually pick the scab of their wound so it can never heal right. Maybe they are wanting to find fault with the manufacture because it is easier to cope with then their personal liability in this case.

 

[farminflyboy]

Peyton. Was someone killed in an accident from the windshield falling out.

The girl from Abilene Kansas.

Girl, 5, killed in farming accident in Kan.

 

[Gleaner Baldwin]

What is wrong with people these days. Isn't there anything such as personal responsibility? Accidents happen. Trying to get financial gain will not bring back the girl. It is not Agco's fault. If anyone is "at fault" in an accident like this it is the person who was operating and maintaining the combine.

Shame on the lawyer that is pushing this!

 

[D Mayes]

Really sad that someone was killed. Tough lose loosing a child. It is also sad that someone will want to blame someone else for their lack of operating skills and stupidity. Windshields should never be considered restraining devices. They are there for comfort and climate control only! Any farmer or lawyer that thinks different is not very smart in my opinion. Guess it is a good thing this farmer didn't farm back in the day before we even had cabs. Stop blaming the equipment for lack of care and maintenance.

 

[Peyton-Johnson]

What is wrong with people these days. Isn't there anything such as personal responsibility? Accidents happen. Trying to get financial gain will not bring back the girl. It is not Agco's fault. If anyone is "at fault" in an accident like this it is the person who was operating and maintaining the combine.

Shame on the lawyer that is pushing this!

I agree, Gleaner Baldwin, what is wrong with people these days? I thought this forum was a place where farmers helped each other by sharing information. I had hoped my post would lead to the discovery of information, the key ingredient in any investigation. Instead, my post has attracted ugly commentary and unwarranted insults. So unexpected.

Just as you all should not judge, I will not judge the farming community based upon my experience with this forum. To those of you kind enough to reply with dignity, thank you.

 

[cptusa]

Peyton, could you explain your involvement in assisting in the investigation of this case? I am not looking for details, as in my capacity I fully understand that certain elements cannot nor should not be released. Honestly, in my opinion, you have came across as a lawyer looking for a reason to sue, if that is not the case I apologize. We as a farming community generally are apprehensive when people are on a fishing expedition, which it seems as if you may be. But if you would elaborate your involvement in this case you may possibly get better answers.

 

[miniskfarm]

This was posted by benny, a senior member of this forum, on 7/23/10:

Our combine has some sort of safety switch and if the window breaks it shuts down, same as if the air conditioner were to malfunction.

benny's post is the reason why I asked the question about the switch.

I would like to see a link to that thread to know the full context of the conversation.

 

[arcticcatktm]

why weren't the given seatbelts in use, they not there for nothing. if they weren't used then why is the manufacturer to blame.