Romanian researchers redefine tractor seat comfort

ROMANIA – A study from the Technology and Business Incubator INMA in Bucharest is drawing new attention to the daily strain tractor operators face.

The team, led by Teofil-Alin Oncescu, focused on the seat of a self-propelled electric tractor built for work in protected horticultural spaces, mainly greenhouses. Their goal was simple. They wanted to protect operators’ health and reduce the strain that comes from long hours on rough ground.

The researchers built a 3D model of the seat using SolidWorks 2023 and then applied Finite Element Analysis through Altair SimSolid. This helped them understand how the seat reacts under vibration.

They found eight natural frequencies between 0 and 80 Hz, a range that strongly affects how the human body senses movement. Oncescu said “We wanted to capture what operators actually feel and allow manufacturers to make better design choices.”

Testing on real terrain

To see how well the model reflects real work, the team placed triaxial accelerometers on the seat cushion and backrest. They then drove an electric tractor prototype along a rough grassy dirt track to gather real vibration data.

The test group included men aged 27 to 50 with average body measurements. Once they collected the data, the team processed it using Fast Fourier Transform to identify vibration patterns and how much of the vibration moved from the tractor floor to the seat. According to Oncescu, “The tests helped us see the full transfer of movement and where designers can cut it down.”

The study shows that long-term exposure to the wrong vibration levels can cause fatigue and long-term back problems. It also gives manufacturers clear areas to adjust seat structure, materials, and padding.

Wider innovation in agricultural machinery

This research adds to a growing effort across Europe to improve both safety and comfort in modern farm equipment. Many companies are now testing electric tractors and other low-emission machines to meet stricter environmental rules and reduce operating costs.

In a recent update, several European equipment makers confirmed new investments in electric tractor development. One company stated that its latest greenhouse tractor will launch next year and will cost 23000 EUR (approx US$25150).

Another producer is upgrading its seat support system for around 1200 EUR (approx US$1312). These updates show a stronger focus on operator comfort, lower running costs and safer designs.

Researchers in Bucharest believe their work can support this shift. As Oncescu noted, “Once designers know the exact vibration points that affect comfort, they can build seats that protect operators far better.”

The findings give manufacturers enough detail to improve comfort in both electric and traditional tractors, helping workers feel less strain during long hours in the field.

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