Anthropometric considerations in the design improvement of the local two wheel tractor

The general objective of the lecture is to present an improved design of the local two wheel tractor using anthropometric profile of farmers involved in agricultural production in the CALABARZON [Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces, Philippines] area. The local traction type two wheel tractor is the most common type of tractor being used in the agricultural sector for land preparation, planting, cultivating, harvesting and transport. It is a single-axle machine powered by an engine ranging from 3hp to 15hp and provides pulling power allowing various implements to be attached to its drawbar while the operator walks behind to provide control. Many farmers adopted the said technology because it substitute laborious and very tedious work in the farm especially in land preparation operation. It can also lessen drudgery compared to the traditional man-animal system. However, technical perfections of the various designs were done by designers without considering fitness of the machine to the end user. Hence, problems were identified in the utilization of such machine, various designs comes in various specifications which do not usually conform with the physical physique of the operator. This poses problems in its maneuverability, control and balance making the man-machine system less efficient. It also poses health risks such as cuts on the foot of the operator because of in appropriate designs. The introduction of anthropometry in the modification and improvement of the local two wheel tractor attempts to make the machine more user friendly for its efficient and effective utilization. Anthropometry is the systematic measurement of the physical properties of the human body, primarily describing the body size and shape. It also deals with the mechanical aspect of motions of the body. Anthropometric profile of farmers in the CALABARZON region was gathered from farmers in the country. Thirty eight body measurements were established which have direct effect in the design of agricultural machine and workstations. These were used in the analysis and modification of the tractions type two wheel tractor. Dimension such as working height, handle length, handle to handle distance, handle grip and grip length and implement - foot clearance were adjusted to befit around 90% of the expected and user of the two wheel tractor. The improvement of the design will benefit not only the farmer operators but the whole agricultural sector. On the other hand, the anthropometric data that was generated can be used to optimize the dimensions of a diverse range of agricultural machines for better adoption and efficient utilization.