Specifies test procedures and minimum performance criteria for evaluating roll-over protective structures mounted in front of the driver's seat on narrow-track tractors. It applies to driver-controlled tractors, but does not cover earthmoving equipment. It includes procedures for both dynamic and static testing. A theoretical analysis of roll-over protective structures, which would provide equivalent performance to physical testing, is included.

This Standard specifies procedures for the evaluation of mid-mounted rollover protective structures (ROPS) for the protection of drivers of narrow-track tractors. It also sets out test procedures and minimum performance criteria for those structures.It applies to driver-controlled tractors -(a) having a ground clearance not greater than 600 mm measured beneath the lowest points of the front or rear axles, allowing for the differential; and(b) having fixed or adjustable minimum track widths of -(i) less than 1150 mm for the axle fitted with the widest tyres; and the remaining axle adjustable so that the outer edges of the tyres do not protrude beyond the outer edge of the widest tyres; or(ii) less than 1150 mm for axles where wheels and tyres are all the same size.This Standard applies to driver-controlled tractors and is not intended to apply to earthmoving machinery as defined in AS 2294. It describes two different methods of testing a ROPS: a dynamic test, which may be applied to tractors having a mass of not less than 800 kg and not greater than 3000 kg; and a static test, which may be applied to tractors having a mass of not less than 560 kg and not greater than 3000 kg.NOTE: A ROPS is a structure whose primary purpose is to reduce the possibility of an operator from being crushed or otherwise injured in the event of a tractor rolling over. Wearing a seat belt in conjunction with using a ROPS, may provide additional protection in the event of a tractor turning over. Seat belts should comply with AS/NZS 2596 or SAE J386.

First published as AS 1636.3-1996.