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Evaluation of some ergonomic factors in Feller-buncher and Skidder tractors used in wood harvesting

This work was carried out in forest tractors used in a mechanized system for wood harvesting in a stand of eucalyptus, to evaluate quanti-qualitatively the dimensions of access, seat, commands, field view, thermal conditions and vibration in the operators' station. The access to the operator's station in the Feller-Buncher tractor presented a degree of difficulty classified in the qualitative evaluation as average and the Skidder as good. The opening of the access doors presents an angle smaller than 90º, thus rendering the entrance and exit of the operator more difficult. The operators station of the Feller-Buncher tractor was classified as medium in the qualitative evaluation, due to the free space of the support platform being 30% of the total area, and in the Skidder 55%, therefore being classified as good. The front field view in Feller-Buncher, even having a wider windscreen area, is limited by the presence of the headstock in by day as well as by night operations, therefore being smaller than the Skidder's.

Mechanical logging; ergonomics; operator


Sociedade de Investigações Florestais Universidade Federal de Viçosa, CEP: 36570-900 - Viçosa - Minas Gerais - Brazil, Tel: (55 31) 3612-3959 - Viçosa - MG - Brazil
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