Safe Workplace for Agricultural Tractor: Design Principle and Application

Abstract

This study focuses on developing a safe workplace for agricultural tractor drivers and recommending the optimum location for tractor control. Thirteen anthropometric body dimensions of 8,025 Indian male agricultural workers were considered for developing reach envelopes for hand- and foot-operated controls. The optimum reach for hand controls is in the range of 456 to 700 mm forward and 265 to 492 mm above the seat reference point. Similarly, for foot-operated control, the foot could reach within the range 429 to 897 mm forward and 367 mm below, and 30 mm above the seat reference point.