Analysis of Mechanical Vibrations Generated by Tractors: A First Approach to the Absorption of the Human Body

The aim of this work was to evaluate the level of vibrations produced by different types of tractors - also used with different operating machines connected – and the magnitude of vibrations impacting the whole human body. Experimental tests concerning vibrations were carried out on several tractors of different age and size, with different connected operating machines. All the parameters of the tractors and operating machines tested were recorded (speed, tires, type of soil, type of operation, etc.). Measures were also carried out measuring to the weight and height of the driver. Vibrations were measured and analyzed with an instrument aimed at measuring acceleration on the three axles every second. Noise was also measured. Results show that the amount of vibrations increases with increasing speed and vibrations during work in vineyard rise in hill vineyard due to uneven ground caused by runoff. The test made with an old tractor with an undamped seat and only the safety frame with a healthy weight range person show that the vibrations on the z axis are very high given the high speed for the type of terrain, uncultivated field and dirt road. In other test with a tractor equipped with a cushioned cab and a mechanical seat with parallelogram suspension, we note the reduction of the component on the vertical z axis, while the y and x components increase due to rolling, pitch and serpentine movements. Also in this case, the component on the x axis increases due to the contribution of the arms on the steering wheel. However, our study suggested that further and exhaustive studies, both from the point of view of new tractors equipped with shock absorbers and from the point of view of the effect on drivers, should be encouraged.