Ergonomic Compatibility of Tractor Operator Workplace Design

Tractor is the most commonly used power source on farms throughout the year. Tractor driving imposes a lot of physical and mental stress upon the operator. If the tractor workplace is not properly designed, operator would feel wretched; consequently his work performance may be poor. The design of tractors manufactured in India has not changed much in the past few decades from ergonomics point of view.Five popular Indian tractors of different makes, models and sizes were randomly selected for conducting tractor workplace study. The design parameters of the tractor workplace configuration were determined by using anthropometric dimensions of male tractor operators of Gujarat. It was found that selected workplace dimensions varied widely with the design values while comparison. The accessibility indices were also found negative for some tractors indicating that there is a need to change the controls arrangement of tractors for safe and efficient operation.The results from physiological and subjective evaluation showed that tractor driving requires lot of energy, thus need to design the workplace considering the ergonomic aspects.