The Effect of Windscreen on Field of Vision in Tractors

Year 2014, Volume: 10 Issue: 3, 199 - 205, 01.06.2014

Hakan Velioğlu , Hasan Silleli Selçuk Olum , Mustafa Kantaş Hamdi Taşbaş İbrahim Ergül

Abstract

Tractors are used in dusty and muddy conditions because of its functionality. However,

apparatus using for increasing the field of vision in tractors can not eliminate the risks associated

with these conditions. In some situations, windscreen may be entirely covered with mud and field

of vision may be limited by the only part of the wipers sweep. Efficiency of tractor wipers are

assessed according to the current regulations(in respect to the legislation issued by Ministry of

Science, Industry and Technology). “2008/2AT Type Approval Legislation related to Field of view

and windscreen wipers Agricultural Wheeled Tractors or Forestry Tractors” ( Valid in Turkey and

European Countries) and/or equivalent regulation “R-71 Approval of Agricultural and Forestry on

drivers’ field of vision” (valid in countries which are member of United Nations).

In this study, a research was carried out on agricultural tractors equipped with a cab in accordance

with aforementioned legislation. These two tractors have different track width, and they operated

by three expert drivers. With reference to “Type Approval Regulations 2008/2/AT and 2009/66

related to Steering Equipment of Agricultural Wheeled and Forestry Tractors” a special 100 meters

‘S’ shaped track formed by 2 circles has been designed. Test track was formed in respect to current

regulations and average rural road and its border determined as 3 and 4 meters wide by using

pins. Trials were carried out in two different speeds; at constant speed and normal drive and

windscreen was clear and dirty. After trials, it was observed that number of pins overthrown were

variable depends on operator’s experience, track width or high clearance shape of tractor, speed

and windscreen’s conditions or type. The assessment of Agricultural and Forestry Tractors in this

research showed the current regulations or standards cannot provide enough security. For that

reason, it was concluded that current regulations and standards should be revised in order to be

able to provide enough driving security.

Keywords

Field of view, wipers, driving security

References

• Lund M., L. Butters, 2011, An Investigation and Comparison into Operator Field of Vision for Modern Tractor Cabs.
• Scientific Papers, UASVM Bucharest, Series A, Vol. LIV, 2011, ISSN 1222-5339.
• Agricultural Tractor Driver’s Limitations of Visual Transmission in Aspect of Road Safety in Poland. TEKA Kom. Mot. Energ. Roln., 2005, 5, 158-167.
• Perktaş M.S, 2007, Türkiye’de Traktörlerin Karıştığı Trafik Kazalarının Değerlendirilmesi, Yüksek Lisans Tezi, Gazi Ünv. Fen Bilimleri Enst.
• (2009/66/AT) Type Approval Regulation Related to Steering Equipment
• (2008/2/AT) Tekerlekli Tarım veya Orman Traktörlerinin Görüş Alanı ve Ön Cam Silecekleri ile İlgili Tip Onayı Yönetmeliği.