
Information Concerning Whole Body Vibration Level
This section provides vibration data and a method for estimating the vibration level for skid steer loaders.
Note: Vibration levels are influenced by many different parameters. Many items are listed below.
Operator training, behavior, mode and stress
Job site organization, preparation, environment, weather and material
Machine type, quality of the seat, quality of the suspension system, attachments and condition of the
equipment
It is not possible to get precise vibration levels for this machine. The expected vibration levels can be
estimated with the information in Table 2 in order to calculate the daily vibration exposure. A simple
evaluation of the machine application can be used.
Estimate the vibration levels for the three vibration directions. For typical operating conditions, use the
average vibration levels as the estimated level. With an experienced operator and smooth terrain, subtract
the Scenario Factors from the average vibration level in order to obtain the estimated vibration level. For
aggressive operations and severe terrain, add the Scenario Factors to the average vibration level in order
to obtain the estimated vibration level.
Note: All vibration levels are in meter per second squared.
Table 1
"ISO Reference Table A - Equivalent vibration levels of whole body vibration emission for
earthmoving equipment."
Machine Type
Typical Operating
Activity
Vibration Levels Scenario Factors
X
axis
Y axis
Z axis
X axis
Y axis
Z axis
Skid Steer
Loader
load and carry motion
0,86
0,73 0,93 0,30 0,33 0,35
Note: Refer to "ISO/TR 25398 Mechanical Vibration - Guideline for the assessment of exposure to whole
body vibration of ride on operated earthmoving machines" for more information about vibration. This
publication uses data that is measured by international institutes, organizations and manufacturers. This
document provides information about the whole body exposure of operators of earthmoving equipment.
Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, SEBU8257, "The European Union Physical Agents (Vibration)
Directive 2002/44/EC" for more information about machine vibration levels.
The Caterpillar suspension seat meets the criteria of "ISO 7096". This represents vertical vibration level
under severe operating conditions. This seat is tested with the input "spectral class EM9". The seat has a
transmissibility factor of "SEAT<0.9".
The whole body vibration level of the machine varies. There is a range of values. The low value is 0.5
meter per second squared. The machine meets the short term level for the design of the seat in "ISO
7096". The value is 1.59 meter per second squared for this machine.
Guidelines for Reducing Vibration Levels on Earthmoving Equipment
Properly adjust machines. Properly maintain machines. Operate machines smoothly. Maintain the conditions
of the terrain. The following guidelines can help reduce the whole body vibration level: