Vibration and noise characteristics of flap type olive harvesters

Abstract

The object of this study was to measure and evaluate the vibration and noise characteristics of five flap type portable harvesters using for olive harvesting and their effect on operator health during harvesting time. The vibration and sound pressure levels of different harvesters were measured at both idling and full load conditions. The vibration values of harvesters were measured and analyzed for both right and left hands and the sound pressure level was measured at ear level of the operator. The vibration total value was expressed as the root-mean-squares (rms) of three component values. The results indicated that in 10% of the exposed population traumatic vasospastic disease (TVD) appeared after 0.7–7.1 years for the left hand, 1.0–4.7 years for the right hand of the operator in continuous use of these harvesters, under usual working conditions. The sound pressure values at operator’s ear level of harvesters were found below risk levels when compared with ILO standards.