Evaluation of Rubber Pad for Vibration Isolation

This study examines the vibrations produced by mini tractor under different vibration isolation pad at a different speed. A digital vibration meter VB-08201HA was used to measure vibrations generated by a mini tractor. The vibration levels of tractor on plane surface of seat resting plate in X, Y, and Z directions were measured in acceleration (m/s2) at 1250, 1500 and 1750 rpm of tractor with the use of Thick ribbed natural rubber isolation pad (T-1), Thin ribbed natural rubber isolation pad (T-2), cork pad (T-3), thin ribbed natural rubber isolation pad with neoprene rubber sheet (T-4) and without anti-vibration rubber pad (T-5). As per results, minimal level of vibration in the longitudinal direction (2.49 m/s2) was found by the use of thin ribbed natural rubber isolation pad with neoprene sheet. In the lateral direction, maximum vibration reduction was found under thick ribbed natural rubber isolation pad (2.93 m/s2). In the vertical direction, minimum levels of vibration were found under cork pad (6.52 m/s2). As per the review of literature vertical vibrations are most sensitive to the operator. Therefore the use of cork pad for control of the vibration, in the tractor seat, is recommended.