Human exposure to whole body vibrations on a farm tractor with radial-ply tires

The aim of this study was to evaluate the whole body vibrations incidents in a tractor operator using radial ply tires, with three different inflation pressures in operation of seeding. The study was divided into three treatments with four replicates each. Was used a tractor Massey Ferguson 5450, TDA 4x2, 75kW, connected to a planter of the same brand, model 509. Radial ply tires were used VF Michelin 480/60 R28 for the front axle and VF 600/60 R38 for the rear, at pressures of 41, 69 and 96kPa. The equipment for data acquisition was the 4447 Type of Brüel & Kjær, same brand of software for analysis, the 4447 Vibration Explorer. All treatments showed results that were in the range extremely uncomfortable, according to the limits considered by International standard 2631. Statistical analysis identified no significant difference when the inflation pressure of the tire was changed. The X, horizontal forward axis was the one with the highest incidents of vibration to the operator. It was concluded that for an 8-hour workday work, the operator is exposed above the level of comfort limit established by the 2631 International Standard.

ergonomics; inflation pressure; agricultural tires