On February 1st, 2025, the changing manufacturing standard EN474 2022: part 1 & 6 came into effect.

Thwaites has worked with its distributors and customers and can confirm the solutions that are now available to ensure contractors and hirers remain safe and compliant.

By way of reminder of the changing standard refers to:

Part 1: mandates that front mounted dumpers with an operating weight in excess of 4,500kg will be manufactured with a ROPS & FOPS cab protection

Part 6: states that front mounted dumpers ‘’with an operating mass of over 3,500 kg & under 4,500kg shall be provided with an additional means, to prevent the operator from being ejected from the overall dimensions of the machine in the event of a machine tip-over or roll-over.”

Thwaites dumpers in the 1-tonne to 4.5-tonne range will be below the threshold and unaffected by the new standard.

Dumpers in the 6-tonne and 9-tonne range however are affected.

To comply with the standard, the Thwaites 9-tonne Front Tip dumper will be offered exclusively fully cabbed only.

Thwaites-ROPS-Plus
The 6-tonne Power Swivel and Front Tip dumpers will now be offered with a Fully Cabbed Dumper or be fitted with ROPS+

The 6-tonne Power Swivel and Front Tip dumpers will now be offered with two fully compliant solution options.

Option 1: A Fully Cabbed Dumper

Option 2: Fitted with ROPS+.

Many contractors and hirers inform Thwaites that they prefer an ‘open dumper’ hence this designed and developed solution now offers an alternative option, ROPS+.

ROPS+ is an extension of the Roll Over Protection System, (ROPS). Made from the same high tensile steel, the wrap around design places the operator in the optimum position to minimise risk, should a machine roll over occur.

The ‘Halo’ latch bar is pulled over and locked into position in front of the operator. The seat must be sat on and the seat belt must be worn, with both having safety sensors that prevent any workarounds.

The machine will start, but not drive, until the ‘Triple Lock’ of:

1) Operator sat on seat.

2) Operators seat belt fastened across the waist.

3) Operator deploys the overhead bar.

The following additional value has been designed into ROPS+:

• An additional handle when mounting the dumper, further reduces the risk of slips and falls.

• A padded panel to right and left of the operator, provides further upper body protection, with the rear box completing the all-around safeguard.

• The engine cover has been reinforced to accommodate the weight of the ROPS+ ensuring the integrity of the design.

• A rear-view camera giving the operator 360-degree visibility.