Three-axial evaluation of whole-body vibration in agricultural telehandlers: The effects of an active cab-suspension system

Abstract

Agricultural and earth-moving machinery operators are particularly exposed to whole-body vibration (WBV), which has severe effects on health and affects comfort and performance. Few studies have investigated vibrational safety and comfort issues in telescopic handlers. These vehicles are widespread in many off-road applications-such as construction, agriculture, and mining-used to handle loads and to lift persons and equipment. This study investigated the effects of an active hydro-pneumatic cab-suspension system fitted to a telehandler on a driver's vibration exposure along the x-, y-, and z-axes, through both objective and subjective assessments. Sixteen healthy professional telehandler drivers took part in the study. Objective measurements were acquired at the operator's seat, and subjective ratings were taken while participants drove the telehandler with either a deactivated or activated suspension system at 12 kph on an ISO 5008 smooth track. The results showed that the activation of the cab-suspension system reduced the root-mean-square acceleration along the x- and z-axes (p =.038 and p =.000, respectively). Moreover, the frequency analysis showed a reduction in the acceleration along the z-axis in the range of 2-25 Hz (p <.05 for all comparisons); in particular, the acceleration was reduced by 50% in the higher frequency range (4-20 Hz). A reduction in the vibration intensity was perceived by the participants along the y- and z-axes (p =.009 and p =.003, respectively). Implications for the future development of suspension systems are discussed.

Risk Assessment for Musculoskeletal Disorders in Forestry: A Comparison between RULA and REBA in the Manual Feeding of a Wood-Chipper

“…The analysis of the postural attitude of the worker during the interaction with workstation’s elements and working environment is essential in the evaluation and prevention of biomechanical overload risks in workplaces [1]. Awkward working postures may decrease the workers’ concentration and increase accidents frequency and biomechanical overload [2,3,4,5,6], giving rise to musculoskeletal disorders in the different body regions involved, as at the main limb joints level and the vertebral column [7].…”

The Evolution of Vehicle Pneumatic Vibration Isolation: A Systematic Review

“…Also, air suspension is one of the most efective vibration isolation systems suitable for providing the needed comfort for drivers of such vehicles, thus reducing driver fatigue and improving driving safety [123]. In some applications, such as construction trucks, tractors, and other agriculture vehicles where metallic springs are used for road-chassis vibration isolation, the cabin subsuspension system mostly relies on pneumatic springs for optimal vibration isolation [124][125][126]. Farm tractors' vibration isolation was improved by installing two hydropneumatic suspensions at the cabin's two rear mounting positions and a semiactive optimal control algorithm [123][124][125].…”