Studies on noise and vibration of agricultural machines.

Abstract

This paper reports on studies carried out regarding noise and vibration on a tractor and a binder which are the most commonly used for agricultural purposes. 1) The sound levels on both of a tractor and a binder were over 100 dBA, and the level on binder was larger about 6 dB than that on tractor. The 1/3 octave band sound pressure levels on a tractor exceeded the permissible criteria for 8 hr in the frequency range of 315 Hz and those on a binder exceeded it for 2 hr in the range of 630 Hz. 2) The vibration level on the handlebars of a tractor was the highest in the Y direction (117. 5 dB) and that under the seat was the highest in the vertical direction (97.5dB). The 1/3 octave band vibration acceleration levels for a tractor in the Y direction exceeded the exposure guideline for 4 hr in the frequency range of 16 to 50 Hz and those under the seat in the vertical direction exceeded the permissible criteria for 8 hr in the frequency range of 31.5 Hz. 3) The vibration level on the handlebars of a binder was the highest in the Z direction (114.1 dB) for the metal handlebars and (112. 1 dB) for the rubber grips. The band levels on a binder in the Z direction exceeded the guideline for 4 hr in the frequency range of 50 Hz and from 16 to 25 Hz. 4) We confirmed that there was sufficient danger of to hearing due to noise and vibration hazards in using both a tractor and a binder continuously for long periods of time in comparison with the exposure guideline and permissible criteria.