Levels of Whole-Body Vibrations Transmitted to the Driver of a Tractor Equipped with Self-Levelling Cab during Soil Primary Tillage

Agricultural tractor drivers’ health preservation and comfort represent important aspects of the evolution agricultural machinery led to development devices aimed at improving working conditions, such as soundproof cab driver seat suspension, nowadays commonly adopted in tractors. The vibrations are one factors mostly affecting resulting from characteristics interaction specific tractor’s parts (tyres, axles, chassis, cab). Trying improve their products, manufacturers developed a prototype equipped with an automatic self-levelling system, whose goal is maintain driver’s vertebral column correct position during heavy operations primary soil tillage. A was tested assess its effectiveness maintaining horizontal any effects on transmitted levels whole-body vibration, tillage carried out by means mouldboard plough subsoiling plough, both plain hilly surfaces. results showed that device worked well slope lower than operating limits keeping cabin through progressive adjustments. slight reduction level vibration observed system tests plain, compared traditional condition.