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"BCOUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 4 March 1974
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to certain parts and characteristics
of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors
(74/151/EEC)
(OJ L 84, 28.3.1974, p. 25)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
"M1 Council Directive 82/890/EEC of 17 December 1982 L 378 45 31.12.1982
"M2 Commission Directive 88/410/EEC of 21 June 1988 L 200 27 26.7.1988
"M3 Directive 97/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
of 23 September 1997L 277 24 10.10.1997
Corrected by:
"C1 Corrigendum, OJ L 226, 18.8.1976, p. 16 (74/151/EEC)1974L0151 — EN — 30.10.1997 — 003.001 — 1
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 4 March 1974
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to
certain parts and characteristics of wheeled agricultural or forestry
tractors
(74/151/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic
Community, and in particular Article 100 thereof;
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission;
Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament (1);
Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2);
Whereas the technical requirements with which tractors must comply
pursuant to national laws relate, inter alia , to the maximum permissible
laden weight, the location and fitting of rear registration plates, fuel
tanks, ballast weights, audible warning devices and permissible sound
level and exhaust systems (silencer);
Whereas these requirements differ from one Member State to another;
whereas it is therefore necessary that all Member States adopt the same
requirements either in addition to or in place of their existing rules, in
order, in particular, to allow the EEC type-approval procedure which was
the subject of the Council Directive of 4 March 1974 (3) on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the
type-approval of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors to be applied
in respect of each type of tractor,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
1. ‘Agricultural or forestry tractor’ means any motor vehicle, fitted
with wheels or "C1endless tracks 3and having at least two axles, the
main function of which lies in its tractive power and which is specially
designed to tow, push, carry or power certain tools, machinery or trailers
intended for agricultural or forestry use. It may be equipped to carry a
load and passengers.
2. This Directive shall apply only to tractors defined in paragraph I
which are equipped with pneumatic tyres and have at least two axles and
a maximum design speed of between 6 and "M340 km/h 3.
Article 2
No Member State may refuse to grant EEC type-approval or national
type-approval of a tractor on grounds relating to:
— the maximum permissible laden weight,— the location and fitting of the rear registration plates,
— fuel tanks,
— ballast weights,!B
(1) OJ No 28, 17. 2. 1967, p. 462/67.
(2) OJ No 42, 7. 3. 1967, p. 620/67.
(3) See p. 10 of this Official Journal.!M1
!B1974L0151 — EN — 30.10.1997 — 003.001 — 2
— audible warning devices,
— the permissible sound level and exhaust system (silencer),is these satisfy the requirements set out in the relevant Annexes.
Article 3
No Member State may refuse the registration or prohibit the sale, entry
into service or use of tractors on grounds relating to the parts and
characteristics listed in Article 2 if these satisfy the requirements set out
in the relevant Annexes.
Article 4
The amendments necessary for adapting to technical progress the
requirements of the Annexes, apart from those set out at points I.1 and
I.4.1.2 of Annex VI, shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure
laid down in Article 13 of the Council Directive on the type-approval of
wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors.
Article 5
1. Member States shall put into force the provisions necessary in order
to comply with this Directive within eighteen months of its notification
and shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.
2. Member States shall ensure that the texts of the main provisions of
national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive are
communicated to the Commission.
Article 6
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.!B1974L0151 — EN — 30.10.1997 — 003.001 — 3
ANNEX I
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE LADEN WEIGHT
1. The technically permissible maximum laden weight as stated by the
manufacturer shall be accepted by the competent administration as themaximum permissible laden weight provided that:
1.1. the results of any tests which that administration makes, in particular those
in respect of braking and steering, are satisfactory.
1.2. the maximum permissible laden weight does not exceed 14 metric tons and
the maximum permissible weight per axle does not exceed 10 metric tons.
2. Whatever the state of loading of the tractor, the weight transmitted to the
road by the wheels on the forward axle must not be less than 20 % of theunladen weight of that tractor.!
B1974L0151 — EN — 30.10.1997 — 003.001 — 4
ANNEX II
1. SHAPE AND DIMENSIONS OF THE SP ACE FOR MOUNTING
REAR REGISTRATION PLATES
The space for mounting shall comprise an even or virtually even
rectangular surface with the following minimum dimensions:
— length 240 mm;
— height 165 mm.
2. LOCATION OF THE SP ACE FOR MOUNTING AND THE FIXING
OF THE PLATES
The space for mounting shall be such that, after correct fixing, the plates
shall have the following characteristics:
2.1. Position of the plate in relation to the width of the vehicle
The centre point of the plate may not be situated to the right of the plane of
symmetry of the tractor in Member States where traffic drives on the rightor to the left of that plane where traffic drives on the left.
In Member States where traffic drives on the right, the left-hand edge of
the plate may not be situated to the left of the vertical plane which isparallel to the plane of symmetry of the tractor and which touches theextreme outer edge of the vehicle.
In Member States where traffic drives on the left, the right-hand edge of
the plate may not be situated to the right of the vertical plane which isparallel to the plane of symmetry of the tractor and which touches theextreme outer edge of the vehicle.
2.2. Position of the plate in relation to the longitudinal plane of symmetry
of the tractor
The plate shall be perpendicular or practically perpendicular to the plane
of symmetry of the tractor.
2.3. Position of the plate in relation to the vertical plane
The plate shall be vertical within a tolerance of 5°. However, where the
shape of the tractor so requires, it may be inclined to the vertical:
2.3.1. at not more than 30° when the surface bearing the registration number is
inclined upwards, provided that the height of the upper edge of the plate isnot more than 1.20metres from the ground;
2.3.2. at not more than 15° when the surface bearing the registration number is
inclined downwards, provided that the height of the upper edge of the plateis more than 1.20metres from the ground.
2.4. Height of the plate from the ground
The height of the lower edge of the plate from the ground shall not be less
than 0.30metres: the height of the upper edge of the plate from the ground
shall be not more than 1.20metres. However, where it is impossible in
practice to comply with this latter provision, the height may exceed 1.20
metres, but it must then be as close to that limit as the constructional
characteristics of the tractor allow, and must in no case exceed 2.5metres.
2.5. Determination of the height of the plate from the ground
The heights given in 2.3 and 2.4 shall be measured with the tractor
unladen.!
B1974L0151 — EN — 30.10.1997 — 003.001 — 5
ANNEX III
TANKS FOR LIQUID FUEL
1. Fuel tanks must be made so as to be corrosion resistant. They must satisfy
the leakage tests carried out by the manufacturer at a pressure equal todouble the working pressure but in any event not less than "
M20,3 bar
3. Any excess pressure or any pressure exceeding the working pressure
must be automatically compensated by suitable devices (vents, safetyvalves etc.). The vents must be designed in such a way as to prevent anyfire risk. The fuel must not escape through the fuel-tank cap or through the
devices provided to compensate excess pressure even if the tank is
completely overturned: a drip shall be tolerated.
2. Fuel tanks must be installed in such a way as to be protected from the
consequences of an impact to the front or to the rear of the tractor; thereshall be no protruding parts, sharp edges etc. near the tanks.!
B1974L0151 — EN — 30.10.1997 — 003.001 — 6
ANNEX IV
BALLAST WEIGHTS
If, in order to satisfy the provisions laid down for EEC type-approval, a tractor has
to be fitted with ballast weights, these weights must be provided by themanufacturer "
M2 3, designed for fixing to the tractor, and bear
the mark of the firm manufacturing them and an indication of their approximate
weight in kilograms.!B1974L0151 — EN — 30.10.1997 — 003.001 — 7
ANNEX V
AUDIBLE W ARNING DEVICE
1. The warning device must bear the EEC approval mark prescribed by the
Council Directive of 27 July 1970 on the approximation of the laws ofMember States relating to audible warning devices for motor vehicles (
1).
2. Characteristics of the Audible Warning Device when fitted to the
tractor
2.1. Acoustic tests
When a tractor is type approved, the characteristics of the warning device
fitted to that type of tractor shall be tested as follows:
2.1.1. The sound pressure level of the device when fitted to the tractor shall be
measured at a point 7 metres in front of the tractor, at a site which is openand as level as possible. The engine of the tractor shall be stopped. Theeffective voltage shall be that laid down in point 1.2.1. of Annex I to the
Directive referred to at 1 above.
2.1.2. Measurements shall be made on the ‘A’ weighting scale of the IEC
(International Electrotechnical Commission) standard.
2.1.3. The maximum sound pressure level shall be determined at a height
between 0.5and 1.5metres above ground level.
2.1.4. The said maximum must be not less than 93 dB (A).!
B
(1) OJ No L 176, 10. 8. 1970, p. 12.1974L0151 — EN — 30.10.1997 — 003.001 — 8
ANNEX VI
I. PERMISSIBLE SOUND LEVELS
I.1. Limits
The sound level of the tractors referred to in Article 1 of this Directive,
when measured under the conditions set out in this Annex, may notexceed the following levels:
89 dB (A) for tractors with an unladen weight exceeding 1.5metric
tons;
85 dB (A) for tractors with an unladen weight not exceeding 1.5metric
tons.
I.2. Measuring instruments
The noise emitted by tractors shall be measured by means of a
sound-level meter of the type described in Publication 179, 1st Edition
(1965) of the International Electrotechnical Commission.
I.3. Conditions of measurement
Measurements shall be made on unladen tractors in a sufficiently silent
and open area (ambient noise and wind noise at least 10 dB (A) below
the noise being measured).
This area may take the form, for instance, of an open space of 50 metre
radius having a central part of at least 20 metres radius which is
practically level; it may be surfaced with concrete, asphalt, or similar
material and may not be covered with powdery snow, tall grass, loosesoil or ashes.
The surface of the test track shall be such as not to cause excessive tyre
noise. This condition applies only to measurement of the noise made bytractors in motion.
Measurement shall be carried out in fine weather with little wind. No
person other than the observer taking the readings from the apparatus
may remain near the tractor or the microphone, as the presence of
spectators near either the tractor or the microphone may considerablyaffect the readings from the apparatus. Marked fluctuations of thepointer which appear to be unrelated to the characterstics of the general
sound level shall be ignored in taking readings.
I.4. Method of measurement
I.4.1. Measurement of noise of tractors in motion (for type-approval).
At least two measurements shall be made on each side of the tractor.
Preliminary measurements may be made for adjustment purposes but
shall be disregarded.
The microphone shall be situated 1.2metres above ground level at a
distance of 7.5metres from the path of the tractor’s centre line, CC,
measured along the perpendicular PP’ to that line (figure 1).
Two lines AA’ and BB’, parallel to line PP’ and situated respectively 10
metres forward and 10 metres rearward of the line, shall be marked out
on the test track. Tractors shall approach line AA’ at a steady speed, asspecified below. The throttle shall then be fully opened as rapidly aspracticable and held in the fully opened position until the rear of the
tractor (
1) crosses line BB’; the throttle shall then be closed again as
rapidly as possible.
The maximum sound level recorded shall constitute the result of the
measurement.
I.4.1.1. The test speed shall be three-quarters of the maximum speed which can
be attained in the highest gear used for road movement.
I.4.1.2. Interpretation of results
I.4.1.2.1. To take account of inaccuracies in the measuring instruments, the result
obtained from each measurement shall be determined by deducting 1dB (A) from the meter reading.!
B
(1) If the tractor includes a trailer, this shall not be taken into account in determining when
line BB’ is crossed.1974L0151 — EN — 30.10.1997 — 003.001 — 9
I.4.1.2.2. Measurements shall be considered valid if the difference between two
consecutive measurements on the same side of the tractor does not
exceed 2 dB (A).
I.4.1.2.3. The highest sound level measured shall constitute the test result. Should
that result exceed by 1 dB (A) the maximum permissible sound level for
the category of tractor tested, two further measurements shall be made.Three of the four measurements thus obtained must fall within theprescribed limits.
Figure 1
!B
!M21974L0151 — EN — 30.10.1997 — 003.001 — 10
!M2
I.4.2. Measurement of noise with tractor stationary (not for type approval, but
must be recorded).
I.4.2.1. Position of sound-level meter
Measurements shall be made at point X (shown in figure 2) at a
distance of 7 metres from the nearest surface of the tractor.
The microphone shall be situated 1.2metres above ground level.
I.4.2.2. Number of measurements
At least two measurements shall be made.
I.4.2.3. Tractor test conditions
The engine of a tractor without a speed governor shall be run at
three-quarters of the rpm speed at which, according to the tractor
manufacturer, it develops its maximum power. The rpm speed of theengine shall be measured by means of an independent instrument, e.g. aroller bed and a tachometer. If the engine is fitted with a governor
preventing the engine from exceeding the speed at which it develops its
maximum power, it shall be run at the maximum speed permitted by thegovernor.
Before taking any measurements, the engine shall be brought to its
normal running temperature.
I.4.2.4. Interpretation of results
All sound-level readings recorded shall be given in the report.
The method used to calculate the engine power shall also be shown
where possible. The state of loading of the tractor must also be given.
The measurements shall be considered valid if the difference between
two consecutive measurements on the same side of the tractor does not
exceed 2 dB (A).
The maximum figure recorded shall constitute the result of the
measurement.
Figure 2
!B
!M21974L0151 — EN — 30.10.1997 — 003.001 — 11
II. EXHAUST SYSTEM (SILENCER)
II.1. If the tractor is fitted with a device designed to reduce the exhaust noise
(silencer), the requirements of this Item II shall apply. If the inlet of theengine is fitted with an air filter which is necessary in order to ensurecompliance with the permissible sound level, the filter shall be
considered to be part of the silencer, and the requirements of this Item
II shall also apply to that filter.
II.2. A drawing of the exhaust system must be annexed to the tractor
type-approval certificate
II.3. The silencer must be marked with a reference to its make and type
which is clearly legible and indelible.
II.4. The use of fibrous absorbent material is permitted in the construction of
silencers only if the following conditions are fulfilled:
II.4.1. The fibrous absorbent material may not be placed in those parts of the
silencer through which gases pass;
II.4.2. Suitable devices must ensure that the fibrous absorbent material is kept
in place for the whole time that the silencer is being used;
II.4.3. The fibrous absorbent material must be resistant to a temperature at
least 20 % higher than the operating temperature (degrees C) whichmay occur in the region of the silencer where those fibrous absorbentmaterials are situated.!
B1974L0151 — EN — 30.10.1997 — 003.001 — 12