Optimal Handle Grip and Engine Mount Combination for Minimized Hand Vibration from Gasoline Hand Tractors

摘要

The study determined the optimal combination of commercially available handle grips and engine mounts to reduce the hand-transmitted vibration experienced by hand tractor operators. Different categories of handle grips (BMX, motorbike, mountain bike, and tennis wraps) were considered and six types of engine mounts were used. The handle grips were analyzed as to which subcategory would have the largest percentage reduction in hand-transmitted vibration; moreover, the handle grips were experimented on with different engine mounts. Results showed that the use of handle grips and engine mounts significantly reduced the vibration transmitted to the tractor operator at idling operation. Engine mount B (Suzuki Brand Model 11220-40N00) and motor bike handle grip E (HGBE Brand Model 0066) proved to be the best combination in terms of the highest total reduced vibration, with a total reduced vibration of 43.52% and a total reduced vibration per unit cost of 0.80 (% US$(-1)). Meanwhile, engine mount D (Isuzu Brand Model C240) and motor bike handle grip E (HGBE Brand Model 0066) was the best combination in terms of cost effectiveness, with 1.74 (% US$(-1)) reduced vibration per unit cost and 36.53% total reduced vibration.