Experimental analysis of occupational whole-body vibration exposure of agricultural tractor with large square baler

• Square balers influence longitudinal whole body vibration exposure on agricultural tractors.
• Four-wheel drive influences the longitudinal dynamic response of tractors with balers.
• Driving downhill with four wheel drive increases the whole-body vibration exposure compared to driving uphill with four wheel drive.

This study investigates longitudinal whole-body vibration in agricultural tractors powering a large square baler. The aim is to test the hypothesis that four-wheel drive has an influence on the longitudinal dynamic response. A number of experimental measurements are carried out on a specific vehicle combination driving uphill and downhill. The whole-body vibration exposure is measured at the operator seat under different conditions.The statistic results show a significant difference on the whole-body vibration exposure depending on operating conditions. Driving uphill and downhill with four-wheel drive activated showed the highest difference with increased vibration level at downhill driving.The results indicate that four-wheel drive influences the longitudinal dynamics and hence the whole-body vibration exposure on tractors with large square balers.Relevance to industryThe findings of this work are highly relevant to the manufacturers of agricultural tractors and machinery as well advisers within occupational health. The paper demonstrates potential in reducing damaging vibrations by simple manual or automatic control of four-wheel drive.