PRESENCE AND DIMENSIONAL ASSESSMENT OF POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO) PROTECTION OF NEW BRAZILIAN AGRICULTURAL TRACTORS

Abstract

Contact with tractor moving parts is one of the most frequent causes of accidents with agricultural machinery. Thus, the present study aims to verify the presence of PTO master shield and its dimensional specification, in new Brazilian agricultural tractors, according to ABNT NBR ISO 500-1 (2016) standard. Was evaluated 43 agricultural wheeled tractors models, with power above 36,8 kW, distributed in seven dealers located in Santa Maria, RS. Data collection was based on the visual verification of the presence or absence of PTO master shield (NR 31, 2013), as well as it dimensional variables (ABNT NBR ISO 500-1, 2016) verified through the use of measuring tape. Regarding the presence, 100% of the analyzed models contained the PTO master shield. Regarding the PTO master shield dimensions, tractor models classified as PTO type 2 or 3, fulfilled 100% of the current standard, however, considering PTO type 1, 79.31% showed total compliance. Regarding the tractor manufacturers brands, four out of seven was totally non-compliant, two brands was non-compliant in most of the dimensional variables studied and only the brand “D” was 100% compliant in all variables analyzed. Thus, the most agricultural tractors manufacturers studied are placing on the Brazilian market tractors who are not totally compliant with PTO master shield standard, which may favor the occurrence of accidents.