ERGONOMIC STUDIES ON CONTROLS LAYOUT, DRIVERS ANTHROPOMETRIC AND NOISE EXPOSURE FOR EGYPTIAN FARM TRACTORS

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assoc. Prof., Agric. Eng. Dept., Kafrelsheikh Univ., Egypt.

2 Assistant Prof., Agric. Eng. Dept., Kafrelsheikh Univ., Egypt.

Abstract

Tractor driving imposes a lot of physical and mental stress upon the operator. Operator’s seat and noise are two of the detrimental factors that lead to unhealthy working conditions for the tractor operator. The optimal design of tractor seat and presence of cabin may be achieved by integrating anthropometric data with other technical features of the design. This paper describes the common Egyptian farm tractor controls layout such as foot brake, foot clutch, foot accelerator (throttle lever), steering wheel, PTO controller, hand brake, hydraulic lever, gear lever and light control buttons. Comparison of noise exposed on the operators of the farm tractors with and without a cabin is investigated.The sound levels (dB) were measured at ear level of the operators. Measurements of anthropometric data were also conducted to match and evaluate the existing main controls layout with driver body dimensions. A two-dimensional measuring device was constructed to measure the tractor controls layout. The measurements were taken as forward horizontal distance and vertical distance from seat reference point (SRP). Observed data indicated that there are large variations in the controls layout on horizontal and vertical axes for different tractor models. Also, large variation was obtained from anthropometric data and responses of drivers. The design of an operator workplace on mobile equipment is frequently a compromise because of conflicting requirements for the limited space available. The use of a cabin was useful in the insulation of the noise, particularly at higher frequencies (under load). The noise levels reached 90 dB when using tractors without cabins compared to 81 dB only incase of tractors mounted cabins. The measured noise levels varied also with increasing tractor forward speed as well as load conditions. In addition; cabins protects the operator from the factors having detrimental effects on the working efficiency such as high temperature and dusty environment. Therefore, mounting of cabins on the tractors currently being used without a cab in rental system in Egyptian farms is highly recommended to provide healthy working conditions for their operators.

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References

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