Comparative Analysis of Vibration Impact on Operator Safety for Diesel and Electric Agricultural Tractors

The present paper investigates the comparative impact of vibrations on operator safety for two diesel and electric agricultural tractors under real operating conditions. Vibrations were measured using four triaxial accelerometers installed at critical points, including the seat base, backrest, floor, and operator’s head. Tests were conducted on two comparable tractor models, a diesel New Holland TCE 50 and an electric prototype TE-0, across four types of terrains (concrete, grass, uneven agricultural road, and plowed land) and at two working speeds (5 km/h and 10 km/h). The root mean square (RMS) accelerations, seat-to-head transmissibility, and isolation efficiency were calculated in compliance with ISO 2631 standards to evaluate the effects on operator health and comfort. The results showed superior vibration isolation efficiency for the electric tractor, particularly within the critical frequency range of 4–12 Hz, where human health risks are most significant and a better isolation efficiency of 98%, significantly reducing operator exposure to harmful vibrations. These findings highlight the potential of electric tractors to improve operator comfort, safety, and long-term health in agricultural applications.