Noise levels emitted by agricultural tractors with and without implements activation

Abstract

The noise levels emitted by agricultural machines can be harmful to the worker's health, and it is sometimes neglected in rural areas. This work aimed to measure the noise level emitted by three agricultural tractors of different power activating two types of implements to assess whether there were risks to operators' health and the supporter workers around the tractor. The noise level data were collected using a decibel meter in ten points on each machine side (forward, rear, left, and right) for a total of 40 points around each tractor. Three different tractors were evaluated in different scenarios: without any implement, coupling and activating a spreader, and coupling and activating a rotary hoe. The tractor was parked at the centre of the mash with an engine speed that ensured 540 rotation per minute (RPM). to the power take-off (PTO) during the entire data collection. The data were analyzed by charts, linear regression, and hierarchical clustering analysis. The results indicated that the sound pressure levels in all of the studied situation exceed the standard's limits regulatory standard 15, making hearing protectors essential during the working day.