Ergonomic Assessment of Self-Propelled Machinery Seats for Agricultural Workers

Gajendra Singh,Smrutilipi Hota,Vk Tewari,Chanchal Gupta

doi:10.35248/2165-7556.19.9.251

Abstract

Excessive vibrations in self-propelled machinery engaged in agricultural farm operations cause mechanical failures and subject the operators to discomfort. Laboratory tests were carried out in a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement (type of seat×engine, speeds×subject) with a view to evaluate the self-propelled machinery seat ergonomically. Various performance parameters like 1/3rd octave band vibration acceleration, Working Heart Rate (WHR), Oxygen Consumption Rate (OCR), Energy Expenditure Rate (EER) were measured during the operation of self-propelled machinery with different types of seats (SM-1 to SM-5) and statistically analyzed. The 1/3rd octave band vibration acceleration of self-propelled machinery was found to be lowest with SM-5 seat i.e. 0.983, 0.646, 1.019 m/sec2 and highest with SM-1 seat i.e. 4.21, 2.77 and 9.819 m/sec2 in X, Y and Z direction, respectively. It was observed that the vibration acceleration in Z direction is higher as compared to X and Y direction and vibration acceleration has a linear correlation with engine speed. The vibration acceleration and physiological parameters viz. working heart rate, oxygen consumption rate and energy expenditure rate of the subjects were found lesser for SM-5 as compared to other four seats at different engine speed for the self-propelled machinery. Different types of seat, engine speed and subject has statistically significant effect on 1/3rd octave band vibration acceleration, WHR, OCR and EER at 1% level.

Highlights

Self-propelled machinery are the most commonly used on-farm power source for small land holding throughout the year, unlike other agricultural machinery having specific and seasonal use
This paper describes the ergonomic assessment of commonly available self-propelled machinery in Indian farms which includes measurement of 1/3rd octave band vibration acceleration and physiological parameters during the operation of self-propelled machinery with different types of operator’s seat
A developed simulator was used for the experiment in which actual field conditions can be simulated. 1/3rd octave band vibration acceleration and physiological parameters like Working Heart Rate (WHR), Oxygen Consumption Rate (OCR) and Energy Expenditure Rate (EER) of the selected subjects were measured during the experiment

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Self-propelled machinery are the most commonly used on-farm power source for small land holding throughout the year, unlike other agricultural machinery having specific and seasonal use. New tractors have relatively higher safety and ergonomically designed components Some features, such as operator access to the cab and access for servicing or maintenance, have improved very little over time, and scope remains for improvement in safety features of new models of tractors. Are vibrations of low frequency due to non-uniform road roughness, unbalanced rotating engine elements, vehicle components in combination and so on These vibrations affect the entire body of the operator leading to quick fatigue, inefficient working along with diminished working performance and temporary or permanent damage to driver’s health. This paper describes the ergonomic assessment of commonly available self-propelled machinery in Indian farms which includes measurement of 1/3rd octave band vibration acceleration and physiological parameters during the operation of self-propelled machinery with different types of operator’s seat

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Findings

CONCLUSION