I think most of us are not as flexible as we used to be! lol! I know I am not! ---- gotta cheat a bit when I weld now days too!
Pump guards are kinda needed, no matter how careful you are----your gonna bump something!! lol! it just happens!
Didnt have one on the TD-9 dozer I had ----ya had a few close calls with it! The TD-9 loader I had was a big front cover on it ----it was made out of 1/4 or 1/2 inch stuff punched with round holes for air flow to rad. and covered the whole front of the tractor.
They do save the pump and rad. from damage.

"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."