An analysis of the impact of agricultural tractor seat cushion materials to the level of exposure to vibration

Abstract

During everyday operations with tractors, drivers are exposed to harmful effects of various factors. In addition to unfavourable temperature and humidity, dust and noise, one of the factors harmful to driver’s health is vibrations. They come from the tractor engine and from the roughness of the ground and are transferred to the cab and through the seat to the body of the driver. In case of high level magnitude vibrations and a long period of exposure to them, many health problems occur. The harmful effect of the vibrations is especially obvious in older models of tractors. High intensities of vibrations (above permitted limits) were found during the measurements of vibrations at the driver seat in such tractors. This study is an attempt to reduce the vibration levels using various vibration-absorbing components, such as cushions, at driver’s seat. The results of the measurements showed that the vibration levels were significantly lower in comparison to original seats.