This study examines the vibration and noise levels produced by two different tractor engines made of different specifications such as varying horse power capacity, number of cylinders, cubic capacity of engines etc. Readings of sound level were taken at an arm’s length, 10m and 30m from the engines and the vibration levels on tractor at different engine speeds on surfaces of different tractor components in X, Y and Z directions. A digital Vibration meter VB-8201HA and digital sound level meter SL 4001 was used to measure vibration and noise levels produced by the tractors. As engine speed (RPM) increased, the noise levels also increased in all engines. The changes in the noise and vibration levels were similar during speed change from 1000 to 1500 RPM but during speed change from 1500 to 2000 RPM noise levels continued to increase while vibration levels were observed as reducing during speed change from 1500 to 2000 RPM. On bonnet of Tractor-1, maximum vibration levels recorded in velocity (mm/s) were 16.05, 63.42, 81.77 and in acceleration (m/s2), 11.03, 21.23, and 32.40 in longitudinal (X) i.e. front to rear direction at all engine speeds. On front axle on tractor-1, maximum vibrations were recorded in the vertical direction (10.07, 51.89, and 89.29 mm/s) at engine speed of 1000 and 2000 RPM which increased with increase in engine speed of the tractor. While at 1500 RPM, maximum vibrations were observed in lateral direction (Y) i.e. side to side direction. But on front axle of tractor-2, maximum vibrations were recorded in the horizontal (longitudinal) direction (60.78, 136.36 and 121.54 mm/s) at all engine speed. This increased with increase in engine speed of the tractor followed by lateral (side to side) vibrations at second place. On seat of the tractor, maximum vibrations were recorded in the longitudinal direction on tractor-1 followed by vibrations in vertical (top to bottom) direction at second place. On seat of the operator, maximum vibrations were recorded in the longitudinal direction on tractor-1 followed by vibrations in lateral (side to side) direction. While on the seat of the tractor-2, maximum vibrations were recorded in the longitudinal direction followed by vibrations in vertical (top to bottom) direction at second place. Noise levels in the units of dBA are recorded at ear level on both the tractors which were 89.4 and 86.3 on tractor-1 and tractor-2.

Download this article as