Ergonomic Design of 4-wheel Tractor (Part 1)

Analysis of Seat and Pedal Positions

Abstract

In analyzing for the best seat height, brake pedal and clutch pedal positions, accessibility tests were initially conducted using commercial tractors, and eventually, using a test rig that was fabricated based on tractor survey data. Operator performance at various seat height and pedal position combinations on the test rig were analyzed.
The results indicated that in as far as accessibility of the pedal pads are concerned, the seat to pedal distance, operator gender, operator height and tractor pedal positions can significantly influence the performance of the operator. Furthermore, the most accessible pedal pads are located±15° from the center of the tractor. These, in combinations with 410mm seat height and 900mm seat back to pedal distance, or 470mm seat height and 800mm seat back to pedal distance, required the least time to depress the clutch and brake pedals.