Vibration propagated through the tractor directly affects the operator, therefore to minimise problems, it is desirable to analyse the critical points of this propagation. The tractor operator is exposed to the harmful effects of the vibration on their health, besides experiencing a reduction in their ability to work as a result of fatigue. More investigation into the parameters of vibration frequencies in the cushions therefore becomes necessary. The objective of this study was to analyse the transmissibility of vibrations in the elastomeric cushion of an agricultural tractor with cab, using two depths of scarification (15 and 30 cm), at two speeds (3.5 and 4.5 km h-1) and three ballast configurations (all metal, part metal and all liquid), with weight to power ratios of 49.5, 43 and 49 kg kW-1 respectively. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Santa Maria, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, using a split-lot design. A tractor with an engine power of 62.5 kW (85 cv) coupled to a Jan-branded chisel plough was used, with the data being recorded using accelerometers (Type 4513 B marca Bruel & Kjaer) installed on the cab floor, on the platform and on the cushion. It was concluded that vibration transmissibility through the cushion in the vertical direction was amplified in the range of 0-15 Hz for all-metal ballast, 0-19 Hz for part-metal ballast, and 71-76 Hz for all-liquid ballast.
Agricultural tractors; Vibration; Ergonomics
