Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to the roll-over protection structures of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors (Codified version)
Date: 2007-06-08
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Community certification, EC conformity marking, approximation of laws, codification of EU law, safety device, tractor

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 8.6.2007 
COM(2007) 310 final 

2007/0107 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL  

relating to the roll-over protection structures of wheeled agricultural or forestry 
tractors 

(Codified version) 

(presented by the Commission) 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

In  the  context  of  a  people’s  Europe,  the  Commission  attaches  great  importance  to 
simplifying  and  clarifying  Community  law  so  as  to  make  it  clearer  and  more 
accessible to the ordinary citizen, thus giving him new opportunities and the chance 
to make use of the specific rights it gives him. 

This aim cannot be achieved so long as numerous provisions that have been amended 
several times, often quite substantially, remain scattered, so that they must be sought 
partly  in  the  original  instrument  and  partly  in  later  amending  ones.  Considerable 
research work, comparing many different instruments, is thus needed to identify the 
current rules. 

For  this  reason  a  codification  of  rules  that  have  frequently  been  amended  is  also 
essential if Community law is to be clear and transparent. 

On  1  April  1987  the  Commission  therefore  decided1  to  instruct  its  staff  that  all 
legislative acts should be codified after no more than ten amendments, stressing that 
this  is  a  minimum  requirement  and  that  departments  should  endeavour  to  codify  at 
even  shorter  intervals  the  texts  for  which  they  are  responsible,  to  ensure  that  the 
Community rules are clear and readily understandable. 

The  Conclusions  of 
the  Edinburgh  European  Council 
(December 1992) confirmed this2, stressing the importance of codification as it offers 
certainty as to the law applicable to a given matter at a given time. 

the  Presidency  of 

Codification  must  be  undertaken  in  full  compliance  with  the  normal  Community 
legislative procedure. 

Given  that  no  changes  of  substance  may  be  made  to  the  instruments  affected  by 
codification, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission have agreed, 
by  an  interinstitutional  agreement  dated  20  December  1994,  that  an  accelerated 
procedure may be used for the fast-track adoption of codification instruments. 

is 

this  proposal 

to  undertake  a  codification  of  Council 
The  purpose  of 
Directive 77/536/EEC  of  28  June  1977  on  the  approximation  of  the  laws  of  the 
Member States relating to the roll-over protection structures of wheeled agricultural 
or forestry tractors3. The new Directive will supersede the various acts incorporated 
in it4; this proposal fully preserves the content of the acts being codified and hence 
does  no  more  than  bring  them  together  with  only  such  formal  amendments  as  are 
required by the codification exercise itself. 

COM(87) 868 PV. 
See Annex 3 to Part A of the Conclusions. 
Carried out pursuant to the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the 
Council – Codification of the Acquis communautaire, COM(2001) 645 final. 
See Annex X, Part A of this proposal. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

1 
2 
3 

4 

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5. 

The codification proposal was drawn up on the basis of a preliminary consolidation, 
in all official languages, of Directive 77/536/EEC and the instruments amending it, 
carried out by the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, by 
means  of  a  data-processing  system.  Where  the  Articles  have  been  given  new 
numbers,  the  correlation  between  the  old and  the  new  numbers  is  shown  in  a  table 
contained in Annex XI to the codified Directive. 

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(cid:208) 77/536/EEC (adapted) 

2007/0107 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL  

relating to the roll-over protection structures of wheeled agricultural or forestry 
tractors 

(Text with EEA relevance) 

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the  European  Community,  and  in  particular 
Article ⌦ 95 ⌫ thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee1, 

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty2, 

Whereas: 

(cid:208)  

Council  Directive 77/536/EEC of 28  June 1977 on the approximation of the laws of 
the  Member  States  relating  to  the  roll-over  protection  structures  of  wheeled 
agricultural or forestry tractors3 has been substantially amended several times4. In the 
interests of clarity and rationality the said Directive should be codified.  

for 

Directive  77/536/EEC  is  one  of  the  separate  Directives  of  the  EC-type  approval 
system  provided 
replaced  by 
Directive 2003/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 
on type-approval of agricultural or forestry tractors, their trailers and interchangeable 
towed machinery, together with their systems, components and separate technical units 
and  repealing  Directive  74/150/EEC5  and 
technical  prescriptions 

in  Council  Directive  74/150/EEC,  as 

lays  down 

OJ C , , p. . 
OJ C , , p. . 
OJ L 220, 29.8.1977, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 2006/96/EC (OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, 
p. 81). 
See Annex X, Part A. 
OJ L 171, 9.7.2003, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 2006/96/EC. 

(1) 

(2) 

1 
2 
3 

4 
5 

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concerning the design and construction of agricultural or forestry tractors, as regards 
the  roll-over  protection  structures.  Those  technical  prescriptions  concern  the 
approximation  of  the  laws  of  the  Member  States  to  enable  the  EC  type-approval 
procedure provided for in Directive 2003/37/EC to be applied in respect of each type 
of tractor. Consequently the provisions laid down in Directive 2003/37/EC relating to 
agricultural and forestry tractors, their trailers  and interchangeable towed machinery, 
together  with  their  systems,  components  and  separate  technical  units  apply  to  this 
Directive. 

(3) 

This  Directive  should  be  without  prejudice  to  the  obligations  of  the  Member  States 
relating  to  the  time-limits  for  transposition  into  national  law  and  application  of  the 
Directives set out in Annex X, Part B, 

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 

(cid:208) 77/536/EEC 

Article 1 

1.  Each  Member  State  shall  grant  EC  component  type-approval  for  any  type  of  roll-over 
protection  structure  and  its  tractor  attachment  which  satisfies  the  construction  and  testing 
requirements laid down in Annexes I ⌦ to ⌫ V hereto. 

(cid:208) 77/536/EEC (adapted) 

2. The Member State which has granted EC component type-approval shall take the measures 
required to verify, in so far as is necessary and if need be in cooperation with the competent 
authorities in the other Member States, that production models conform to the approved type. 
Such verification shall be limited to spot checks. 

(cid:208) 77/536/EEC 

Article 2 

Member States shall for each type of roll-over protection structure and its tractor attachment 
which  they  approve  pursuant  to  Article  1,  issue  to  the  manufacturer  of  the  tractor  or  of  the 
roll-over  protection  structure  or  to  his  authorised  representative,  an  EC  component 
type-approval mark conforming to the model shown in Annex VI hereto. 

Member States shall take all appropriate measures to prevent the use of marks liable to create 
confusion between roll-over protection structures which have been component type-approved 
pursuant to Article 1 and other devices. 

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Article 3 

1. No Member State may prohibit the placing on the market of roll-over protection structures 
or  their  tractor  attachment  on  grounds  relating  to  their  construction  if  they  bear  the  EC 
component type-approval mark. 

2.  Nevertheless,  a  Member  State  may  prohibit  the  placing  on  the  market  of  roll-over 
protection structures bearing the EC component type-approval mark which consistently fail to 
conform to the approved type. 

That  State  shall  forthwith  inform  the  other  Member  States  and  the  Commission  of  the 
measures taken, specifying the reasons for its decision. 

Article 4 

The  competent  authorities  of  each  Member  State  shall  within  one  month  send  to  the 
competent  authorities  of  the  other  Member  States  a  copy  of  the  component  type-approval 
certificates, an example of which is given in Annex VII, completed for each type of roll-over 
protection structure which they approve or refuse to approve. 

Article 5 

1. If the Member State which has granted EC component type-approval finds that a number of 
roll-over protection structures and their tractor attachments bearing the same EC component 
type-approval  mark  do  not  conform  to  the  type  which  it  has  approved,  it  shall  take  the 
necessary  measures  to  ensure  that  production  models  conform  to  the  approved  type.  The 
competent  authorities  of  that  State  shall  advise  those  of  the  other  Member  States  of  the 
measures  taken  which  may,  if  necessary,  where  there  is  serious  and  repeated  failure  to 
conform,  extend  to  withdrawal  of  EC  component  type-approval.  The  said  authorities  shall 
take the same measures if they are informed by the competent authorities of another Member 
State of such failure to conform. 

2. The competent authorities of the Member States shall within one month inform each other 
of any withdrawal of EC component type-approval and of the reasons for any such measure. 

Article 6 

Any decision taken pursuant to the provisions adopted in implementation of this Directive to 
refuse  or  withdraw  component  type-approval  for  roll-over  protection  structures  and  their 
tractor  attachments,  or  to  prohibit  their  placing  on  the  market  or  their  use,  shall  set  out  in 
detail the reasons on which it is based. Such decision shall be notified to the party concerned, 
who  shall  at  the  same  time  be  informed  of  the  remedies  available  to  him  under  the  laws  in 
force in the Member States and of the time-limits allowed for the exercise of such remedies. 

No Member State may refuse to grant EC type-approval or national type-approval in respect 
of a tractor on grounds relating to roll-over protection structures or their tractor attachments if 

Article 7 

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these  bear  the  EC  component  type-approval  mark  and  if  the  requirements  laid  down  in 
Annex VIII have been satisfied. 

Article 8 

No Member State may refuse or prohibit the sale, registration, entry into service or use of any 
tractor  on  grounds  relating  to  the  roll-over  protection  structure  and  its  tractor  attachment  if 
these  bear  the  EC  component  type-approval  mark  and  if  the  requirements  laid  down  in 
Annex VIII have been met. 

This Directive shall apply to tractors defined in Article 2(j) of Directive 2003/37/EC having 
the following characteristics: 

Article 9 

(cid:208) 77/536/EEC (adapted) 
(cid:206)1 89/680/EEC Art. 1 

⌦ (a) ⌫ 

clearance beneath the rear axle of not more than 1 000 mm ⌦ ; ⌫ 

⌦ (b) ⌫ 

fixed  or  adjustable  track  width  of  one  of  the  driving  axles  of  1 150  mm  or 

more ⌦ ; ⌫ 

⌦ (c) ⌫ 

possibility  of  being  fitted  with  a  multipoint  coupling  device  for  detachable 

tools and a draw bar ⌦ ; ⌫ 

⌦ (d) ⌫  (cid:206)1 mass  between  1,5  and  6  tonnes   ,  corresponding  to  the  unladen 
⌦ mass ⌫  of  the  tractor,  as  defined  in  ⌦ point  2.1.1 ⌫  of  Annex  I  to 
in 
Directive 2003/37/EC, 
compliance with the present Directive and tyres of the largest size recommended by 
the manufacturer. 

the  roll-over  protection  structure  fitted 

including 

Article 10 

In the context of EC type-approval any tractor to which Article 9 refers must be fitted with a 
roll-over  protection  structure  which  satisfies  the  requirements  laid  down  in  Annexes  I 
⌦ to ⌫ IV. 

Article 11 

Any  amendments  necessary  to  adjust  the  requirements  of  Annexes  ⌦ I  to  IX ⌫  to  this 
Directive  to  take  account  of  technical  progress  shall  be  adopted  in  accordance  with  the 
procedure ⌦ referred to ⌫ in Article ⌦ 20(2) ⌫ of Directive 2003/37/EC. 

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Member  States  shall  communicate  to  the  Commission  the  texts  of  the  main  provisions  of 
national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive. 

Article 12 

(cid:208)  

Article 13 

Directive  77/536/EEC,  as  amended  by  the  acts  listed  in  Annex  X  is  repealed,  without 
prejudice to the obligations of the Member States relating to the time-limits for transposition 
into national law and application of the Directives set out in Annex X, Part B. 

References  to  the  repealed  Directive  shall  be  construed  as  references  to  this  Directive  and 
shall be read in accordance with the correlation table in Annex XI. 

Article 14 

This Directive shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in 
the Official Journal of the European Union. 

It shall apply from […]. 

(cid:208) 77/536/EEC Art. 13 

Article 15 

This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 

Done at Brussels,  

For the European Parliament 
The President 

For the Council 
The President 

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(cid:208) 77/536/EEC (adapted) 

LIST OF ANNEXES 

ANNEX I: 

Conditions for EC component type-approval 

ANNEX II: 

Conditions for testing the strength of the roll-over protection 
structures and of their attachment to tractors 

ANNEX III: 

Test procedures 

ANNEX IV: 

Figures 

ANNEX V: 

Test report model 

ANNEX VI: 

Marks 

ANNEX VII: 

Model of EC component type-approval certificate 

ANNEX VIII: 

Conditions for EC type-approval 

ANNEX IX: 

Annex to the EC type-approval certificate for a tractor with 
regard to the strength of the roll-over protection structures (safety 
cab or frame) and the strength of their attachment to the tractor. 

⌦ ANNEX X: ⌫  ⌦ Part A: Repealed Directive with list of its successive 

amendments 

Part B: List of time-limits for transposition into national law and 
application ⌫ 

⌦ ANNEX XI: ⌫  ⌦ Correlation table ⌫ 

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ANNEX I 

CONDITIONS FOR EC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL 

1. 

DEFINITION 

1.1. 

1.2. 

A roll-over protection structure (safety cab or frame) means the structure on a tractor 
the essential purpose of which is to avoid or limit risks to the driver resulting from 
roll-over of the tractor during normal use. 

The structures mentioned in 1.1 are characterised by the fact that, in the event of roll-
over,  they  ensure  an  unobstructed  space  inside  them  large  enough  to  protect  the 
driver. 

2. 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 

2.1. 

2.2. 

Every  roll-over  protection  structure  and  its  attachment  to  a  tractor  must  be  so 
designed and constructed as to fulfil the essential purpose laid down in 1. 

This  requirement  shall  be  checked  by  one  of  the  two  test  methods  described  in 
Annex III. The method chosen shall take account of the tractor mass as follows: 

– 

– 

– 

for tractors of mass specified by Article 9 — Annex III, Part B, 

for  tractors  of  mass  more  than  1,5 tonnes  and  not  more  than 3,5 tonnes  — 
Annex III, Part A, 

(cid:208) 1999/55/EC Art. 1 and Annex 
point 1 

as regards tractors with a reversible driving position (i.e. with a reversible seat 
and  steering  wheel)  or  fitted  with  optional  seats,  only  the  testing  method 
described in Annex III, Part B, shall apply. 

(cid:208) 77/536/EEC 

3. 

APPLICATION FOR EC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL 

3.1. 

The  application  for  EC  component  type-approval  with  regard  to  the  strength  of  a 
roll-over protection structure and the strength of its attachment to a tractor shall be 
submitted  by  the  tractor  manufacturer  or  by  the  manufacturer  of  the  roll-over 
protection structure or by their authorised representatives. 

3.2. 

The  application  for  EC  component  type-approval  shall  be  accompanied  by  the 
undermentioned documents in triplicate and by the following particulars: 

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3.3. 

3.4. 

– 

– 

– 

– 

general arrangement drawing either to a scale marked on the drawing or giving 
the main dimensions of the roll-over protection structure. This drawing must in 
particular show details of the mounting components, 

photographs from side and rear showing mounting details, 

brief  description  of  the  roll-over  protection  structure  including  type  of 
construction, details of mounting on the tractor and, where necessary, details of 
cladding, means of access and escape, details of interior padding and features 
to prevent continuous rolling and details of heating and ventilation, 

details  of  materials  used  in  structural  parts  including  attaching  brackets  and 
fixing bolts (see Annex V). 

A  tractor  representative  of  the  tractor  type  for  which  the  protection  structure  to  be 
approved  is  intended  shall  be  submitted  to  the  technical  service  responsible  for 
conducting  the  component  type-approval  tests.  This  tractor  shall  be  fitted  with  the 
roll-over protection structure. 

The holder of EC component type-approval may request its extension to other tractor 
types.  The  competent  authority  which  has  granted  the  original  EC  component 
type-approval shall grant the extension if the approved roll-over protection structure 
and  the  type(s)  of  tractor  for  which  the  extension  is  requested  comply  with  the 
following conditions: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

the  mass  of  the  unballasted  tractor,  as  defined  in  1.3  of  Annex  II,  does  not 
exceed by more than 5% the reference mass used in the test, 

the  method  of  attachment  and  the  tractor's  components  to  which  the 
attachments are made are identical, 

any  components  such  as  mudguards  and  bonnet  cowls  which  may  provide 
support for the roll-over protection device are identical, 

the position of the seat has not been changed. 

4. 

MARKINGS 

4.1. 

Every  roll-over protection structure  conforming to the approved  type shall bear the 
following markings: 

4.1.1. 

the trade mark or name; 

4.1.2. 

a component type-approval mark conforming to the model in Annex VI; 

4.1.3. 

serial number of the protection structure; 

4.1.4.  make and type(s) of tractor(s) for which the protection structure is intended. 

4.2. 

All these particulars must appear on a small plate. 

4.3 

These markings must be visible, legible and indelible. 

____________ 

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(cid:208) 77/536/EEC 

ANNEX II 

CONDITIONS FOR TESTING THE STRENGTH OF A ROLL-OVER PROTECTION 
STRUCTURE AND OF ITS ATTACHMENT TO A TRACTOR 

1. 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 

1.1. 

Test purposes 

Tests made using special rigs are intended to simulate such loads as are imposed on a 
roll-over  protection  structure  when  a  tractor  overturns.  These  tests,  described  in 
Annex  III,  must  enable  the  strength  of  the  roll-over  protection  structure  and  the 
attaching brackets to the tractor to be assessed. 

1.2. 

Preparation for test 

1.2.1.  A roll-over protection structure must be tested on a tractor of the type for which it is 
designed. It must be attached to the tractor in accordance with the instructions of the 
manufacturer  of  the  tractor  and/or  those  of  the  manufacturer  of  the  roll-over 
protection structure. 

1.2.2.  For  the  tests  a  tractor  must  be  fitted  with  all  structural  components  of  the  series 
production which may influence the strength of the roll-over protection structure or 
which may be necessary for the strength test. 

Components which may create a hazard in the zone of clearance must also be fitted 
so that they may be examined as to their compliance with the requirements of 4.1 of 
this Annex. 

1.2.3.  Tests shall be made with the tractor stationary. 

1.3. 

Tractor mass 

The  measured  mass  W  used  in  the  formulae  (see  Annex  III,  Parts  A  and  B)  to 
calculate the height of the fall of the pendulum weight and the crushing force, shall 
be at least that defined in 2.1.1 of Annex I to Directive 2003/37/EC (i.e. excluding 
optional accessories but including coolant, oils, fuel, tools and driver) plus the roll-
over  protection  structure  and  less  75  kg.  Not  included  are  optional  front  or  rear 
ballast  weights,  tyre  ballast,  mounted  implements,  mounted  equipment  or  any 
specialised components. 

2. 

APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 

2.1. 

Pendulum weight 

2.1.1.  A pendulum weight shall be suspended by two chains or wire ropes from pivot points 
not  less  than  6 m  above  the  ground.  Means  shall  be  provided  for  adjusting 

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independently the suspended height of the weight and the angle between the weight 
and the supporting chains or wire ropes. 

2.1.2.  The weight shall be 2 000 ± 20 kg excluding the weight of the chains or wire ropes 
which themselves shall not exceed 100 kg. The length of the sides of the impact face 
shall be 680 ± 20 mm (see Annex IV, fig. 4). The weight shall be filled in such a way 
that the position of its centre of gravity is constant. 

2.1.3.  Means shall be provided of pulling the weight back as a pendulum to a height which 
is  determined  for  each  test.  A  quick-release  mechanism  shall  allow  the  weight  to 
swing downwards without altering the tilt in relation to the supporting chains or wire 
ropes. 

2.2. 

Pendulum supports 

The  pendulum  pivot  points  shall  be  rigidly  fixed  so  that  their  displacement  in  any 
direction does not exceed 1% of the height of fall. 

2.3. 

Lashings 

2.3.1.  The tractor shall be lashed by means of restraining and tensioning devices to ground 
rails  rigidly  attached  to  a  non-yielding  concrete  base.  The  rails  shall  be  suitably 
spaced to enable the tractor to be lashed down as illustrated in Annex IV, figs. 5, 6 
and 7. For each test the tractor wheels and any axle stands used shall rest on the non-
yielding base. 

2.3.2.  Apart  from  the  tensioning  devices  and  ground  rail  attachments  the  tractor  shall  be 

lashed down with wire rope of the dimensions specified. 

This  wire  rope  shall  be  any  round  strand,  fibre  core,  construction  6 × 19  in 
accordance with ISO 2408. The nominal rope diameter shall be 13 mm. 

2.3.3.  The  central  pivot  of  an  articulated  tractor  shall  be  supported  and  lashed  down  as 
appropriate for the front, rear and side impacts and for the crushing tests and shall, in 
addition,  be  propped  from  the  side  for  the  side  impact.  The  front  and  rear  wheels 
need not be in line if this makes it more convenient to attach appropriate wire ropes. 

2.4.  Wheel prop and beam 

2.4.1.  A  beam  shall  be  used  as  a  prop  for  the  wheel  in  the  side  impact  as  shown  in 

Annex IV, fig. 7. 

2.4.2.  A softwood beam of approximately 150 mm square shall be clamped to the floor to 
brace  the  tyres  on  the  side  opposite  the  impact  as  shown  in  Annex  IV,  figs.  5,  6 
and 7. 

2.5. 

Props and lashings for articulated tractors 

2.5.1.  Additional props and lashings shall be used for articulated tractors. Their purpose is 
to ensure that the section of the tractor on which the roll-over protection structure is 
fitted is as rigid as that of a rigid tractor. 

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2.5.2.  Additional specific details are given in Annex III for the impact and crushing tests. 

2.6. 

Crushing rig 

A rig as shown in Annex IV, fig. 8, shall be capable of exerting a downward force on 
a  roll-over  protection  structure  through  a  rigid  beam  approximately  250 mm  wide 
connected  to  the  load-applying  mechanism  by  means  of  universal  joints.  Suitable 
axle stands shall be provided so that the tractor tyres do not bear crushing force. 

2.7.  Measuring apparatus 

2.7.1.  For the tests laid down in Annex III, Parts A and B, a device must be used on which 
a  moving  friction  collar  is  tightly  fitted  on  a  horizontal  rod  for  the  purpose  of 
measuring  the  difference  between  maximum  momentary  deflection  and  residual 
deflection during a side impact test. 

2.7.2.  For the tests laid down in Annex III, Part A, measurements shall be made after the 
laboratory test to determine whether any part of the protection structure has entered 
the zone of clearance prescribed in 2 of Annex III, Part A. 

2.7.3.  For the tests laid down in Annex III, Part B, equipment must be provided — which 
may include photographic equipment — so that after the laboratory  tests it may be 
established  whether  any  part  of  the  protection  structure  has,  during  these  tests, 
entered or come into contact with the zone of clearance prescribed in 2 of Annex III, 
Part B. 

2.8.  Measurement tolerances 

The following tolerances shall apply to measurements made during the tests: 

2.8.1. 

linear  dimensions  measured  during  test  (except  2.8.2);  protection  structure  and 
tractor  dimensions,  zone  of  clearance  and  tyre  deflections  when  lashed  for  impact 
tests: ± 3 mm; 

2.8.2. 

height of pendulum weight set for impact tests: ± 6 mm; 

2.8.3.  measured tractor mass: ± 20 kg; 

2.8.4. 

load applied in crushing tests: ± 2%; 

2.8.5. 

angle of weight-supporting chains or wire ropes at the point of impact: ± 2°. 

3. 

TESTS 

3.1. 

General requirements 

3.1.1. 

Sequence of tests 

3.1.1.1.  The  list  and  sequence  of  tests  shall  be  as  follows.  The  item  numbers  are  those  in 

which the tests are described in Annex III, Parts A and B: 

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1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

impact from the rear: 

crushing test at the rear: 

impact from the front: 

impact from the side: 

crushing test at the front: 

1.1, 

1.4, 

1.2, 

1.3, 

1.5. 

3.1.1.2.  If,  during  the  test,  any  part  of  the  restraining  equipment  moves  or  breaks,  the  test 

shall be repeated. 

3.1.1.3.  No  repairs  or  adjustments  to  the  tractor  or  roll-over  protection  structure  may  be 

carried out during the test. 

3.1.1.4.  The tractor gear-box shall be in neutral and the brakes off throughout the test. 

(cid:208) 1999/55/EC Art. 1 and Annex 
point 2 

3.1.1.5.  In the case of a tractor with a reversible driving position (i.e. with a reversible seat 
and steering wheel), the first impact shall be longitudinal and shall be applied at the 
heaviest  extremity  (with  more  than  50%  of  the  mass  of  the  tractor).  It  shall  be 
followed by a crushing test at the same extremity. The second impact shall be on the 
lightest  extremity,  and  the  third  impact  shall  be  from  the  side.  Lastly,  a  second 
crushing test shall be carried out on the lightest extremity. 

3.1.2.  Track width 

(cid:208) 77/536/EEC 

A track width setting for the rear wheels shall be chosen such that as far as possible 
the roll-over protection structure is not supported by the tyres during the tests. 

3.1.3.  Removal of non-hazard-creating components 

All components of the tractor and roll-over protection structure which, as complete 
units, constitute protection for the driver — including weather protection — shall be 
supplied with the tractor to be tested. It is permissible to remove front, side and rear 
windows  of  safety  glass  or  similar  material  and  any  detachable  panels,  fittings  and 
accessories which have no function of structural strength and which cannot create a 
hazard in the event of overturning. 

3.1.4.  Direction of impacts 

The side of the tractor on which the side impact is struck shall be that which is likely 
to give the greatest distortion. The rear impact shall be on the corner furthest from 
the side impact, and the front impact on the corner nearest the side impact. 

EN 

15 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
3.1.5.  Tyre pressures and deflections 

Tyres shall not be water ballasted. Pressures and deflections in those tyres which are 
lashed in the various tests shall be in accordance with the following table: 

Tyre pressure (bar) 

Deflection (mm) 

Radial-ply tyres 

Diagonal-ply tyres 

Front 

Rear 

Front 

Rear 

Front 

Rear 

1,20 

1,20 

1,00 

1,00 

25 

25 

1,80 

1,20 

1,50 

1,00 

20 

25 

2,40 

1,20 

2,00 

1,00 

15 

25 

Four-wheel 
drive, front 
and rear 
wheels of the 
same size 

Four-wheel 
drive, front 
wheels smaller 
than rear 

Two-wheel 
drive 

4. 

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS 

4.1. 

A roll-over protection structure submitted for EC component type-approval shall be 
considered  as  having  satisfied  requirements  concerning  strength  if  it  fulfils  the 
following conditions: 

4.1.1. 

it is free from fractures and cracks as described in 3.1 of Annex III, Parts A and B; 

4.1.2. 

for Annex III, Part A tests: no part of the zone of clearance is outside the roll-over 
protection structure; 

for Annex III, Part B tests: no part of the zone of clearance has been entered by the 
roll-over protection structure during any of the impact or crushing tests or is outside 
the roll-over protection structure, as described in 3.2 of Annex III, Part B; 

4.1.3. 

for  Annex  III,  Part  A  tests:  the  difference  between  the  maximum  momentary 
deflection  and  residual  deflection,  referred  to  in  3.3  of  Annex  III,  Part  A,  does  not 
exceed 15 cm; 

for  Annex  III,  Part  B  tests:  during  the  side  impact  test  the  difference  between  the 
maximum  momentary  deflection  and  the  residual  deflection,  referred  to  in  3.3  of 
Annex III, Part B does not exceed 25 cm. 

4.2. 

There  is  no  other  feature  presenting  a  particular  hazard  to  the  driver,  for  example, 
glass of a type likely to shatter dangerously, insufficient padding inside the roof or 
where the driver's head may strike. 

EN 

16 

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5. 

TEST REPORT 

5.1. 

5.1.1. 

The  test  report  shall  be  attached  to  the  EC  component  type-approval  certificate 
referred  to  in  Annex  VII.  The  presentation  of  the  report  shall  be  as  shown  in 
Annex V. The report shall include: 

a  general  description  of  the  roll-over  protection  structure's  shape  and  construction 
including  materials  and  fixings;  external  dimensions  of  tractor  with  protection 
structure  fitted; main interior dimensions; minimum clearance from steering wheel; 
lateral distance from steering wheel to protection structure sides; height of protection 
structure roof above seat or seat reference point and above foot platform if there is 
one; details of provisions for normal entry and exit and for escape as determined by 
the  protection  structure  parts;  and  details  of  heating  and,  where  appropriate, 
ventilation system; 

5.1.2. 

details of any special features such as devices to prevent the continuous rolling of the 
tractor; 

5.1.3. 

a  brief  description  of  any  interior  padding  intended  to  minimise  head  or  shoulder 
injuries or to effect noise reduction; 

5.1.4. 

a statement of the type of windscreen and glazing fitted. 

5.2. 

5.3 

The report must identify clearly the tractor type (make, type, commercial description, 
etc.)  used  for  testing  and  the  types  for  which  the  roll-over  protection  structure  is 
intended. 

If EC component type-approval is being extended for other tractor types, the report 
must  include  the  exact  reference  of  the  report  of  the  original  EC  component  type-
approval as well as precise indications regarding the requirements laid down in 3.4 of 
Annex I. 

____________ 

EN 

17 

   EN 

 
(cid:208) 77/536/EEC 
(cid:206)1 1999/55/EC Art. 1 and Annex 
point 3(a) 

ANNEX III 

TEST PROCEDURES 

A — TEST METHOD I 

1. 

IMPACT AND CRUSHING TESTS 

1.1. 

Impact at the rear 

1.1.1.  The tractor shall be so placed in relation to the weight that the weight will strike the 
roll-over protection structure when the impact face of the weight and the supporting 
chains  or  wire  ropes  are  at  an  angle  of  20°  to  the  vertical  unless  the  roll-over 
protection structure at the point of contact has, during deflection, a greater angle to 
the vertical. In this case the impact face of the weight shall be adjusted by means of 
an additional support so that it is parallel to the roll-over protection structure at the 
point of impact at the moment of maximum deflection, the supporting chains or wire 
ropes remaining at an angle of 20° to the vertical. Steps must be taken to reduce the 
tendency  of  the  weight  to  turn  about  the  point  of  contact.  The  suspended  height  of 
the weight shall be so adjusted that the locus of its centre of gravity passes through 
the point of contact. 

The point of impact shall be that part of the roll-over protection structure likely to hit 
the  ground  first  in  a  rearward  overturning  accident,  normally  the  upper  edge.  The 
position of the centre of gravity of the weight shall be one-sixth of the width of the 
top of the roll-over protection structure inwards from a vertical plane parallel to the 
median plane of the tractor touching the outside extremity of the top of the roll-over 
protection structure. 

However, if a curve in the back of the roll-over protection structure starts at a greater 
distance  than  this  inside  this  vertical  plane,  the  impact  shall  be  administered  at  the 
beginning of the curve, i.e. at the point where this curve is tangential to a line at right 
angles to the median plane of the tractor (see Annex IV, fig. 9). 

If a protruding member would present an inadequate area for the weight, a steel plate 
of appropriate thickness and depth and about 300 mm in length shall be fastened to 
that member in such a manner that the strength of the roll-over protection structure is 
not affected. 

1.1.2.  Tractors  with  rigid  bodies  shall  be  lashed  down.  The  points  of  attachment  of  the 
lashings  shall  be  approximately  2  m  behind  the  rear  axle  and  1,5  m  in  front  of  the 
front  axle.  They  shall  either  be  in  the  plane  in  which  the  centre  of  gravity  of  the 
pendulum  will  swing  or  more  than  one  lashing  shall  give  a  resultant  force  in  this 
plane, as in Annex IV, fig. 5. 

EN 

18 

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The lashings shall be tightened so that the deflections in the front and rear tyres are 
as indicated in 3.1.5 of Annex II. When the lashings have been tightened, a wooden 
beam  150  mm  square  shall  be  clamped  in  front of the rear wheels and driven  tight 
against them. 

1.1.3.  Articulated tractors shall have both axles lashed down. The axle of that section of the 
tractor on which the roll-over protection structure is mounted shall be treated as the 
rear axle in Annex IV, fig. 5. The point of articulation will then  be supported  by a 
beam  100  mm  square  and  will  be  lashed  down  firmly  by  means  of  wire  ropes 
attached to the ground rails. 

1.1.4.  The weight shall be pulled back so that the height of its centre of gravity above that 

at the point of impact is given by the formula: 

H = 125 + 0,020 W 

where H is the height of fall in millimetres and W the mass of the tractor as defined 
in 1.3 of Annex II. 

The  weight  shall  then  be  released  and  allowed  to  crash  against  the  roll-over 
protection structure. 

1.2. 

Impact at the front 

1.2.1.  The tractor shall be so placed in relation to the weight that the weight will strike the 
roll-over protection structure when the impact face of the weight and the supporting 
chains  or  wire  ropes  are  at  an  angle  of  20°  to  the  vertical  unless  the  roll-over 
protection structure at the point of contact has, during deflection, a greater angle to 
the vertical. In this case the impact face of the weight shall be adjusted by means of 
an additional support so that it is parallel to the roll-over protection structure at the 
point of impact at the moment of maximum deflection, the supporting chains or wire 
ropes remaining at an angle of 20° to the vertical. Steps must be taken to reduce the 
tendency  of  the  weight  to  turn  about  the  point  of  contact.  The  suspended  height  of 
the weight shall be so adjusted that the locus of its centre of gravity passes through 
the point of contact. 

The point of impact shall be that part of the roll-over protection structure likely to hit 
the ground first if the tractor overturned sideways whilst travelling forward, normally 
the top front corner. The position of the centre of gravity of the weight shall be not 
more  than  80  mm  from  a  vertical  plane  parallel  to  the  median  plane  of  the  tractor 
touching the outside extremity of the top of the roll-over protection structure. 

However, if a curve in the front of the roll-over protection structure starts at a greater 
distance than 80 mm inside this vertical plane, the impact shall be administered at the 
beginning of the curve, i.e. at the point where this curve is tangential to a line at right 
angles to the median plane of the tractor (see Annex IV, fig. 9). 

1.2.2.  Tractors with rigid bodies shall be lashed down as indicated in Annex IV, fig. 6. The 
points of attachment of the lashings shall be approximately 2 m behind the rear axle 
and 1,5 m in front of the front axle. 

EN 

19 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
The lashings shall be tightened so that the deflections in the front and rear tyres are 
as indicated in 3.1.5 of Annex II. When the lashings have been tightened, a wooden 
beam  approximately  150  mm  square  shall  be  clamped  behind  the  rear  wheels  and 
driven tight against them. 

1.2.3.  Articulated tractors shall have both axles lashed down. The axle of that section of the 
tractor on which the roll-over protection structure is mounted shall be treated as the 
front axle in Annex IV, fig. 6. The point of articulation shall then be supported by a 
beam  approximately  100  mm  square  and  shall  be  lashed  down  firmly  by  means  of 
wire ropes attached to the ground rails. 

1.2.4.  The weight shall be pulled back so that the height of its centre of gravity above that 

at the point of impact is given by the formula: 

1.3. 

Impact at the side 

H = 125 + 0,020 W. 

1.3.1.  The tractor shall be so placed in relation to the weight that the weight will strike the 
roll-over protection structure when the impact face of the weight and the supporting 
chains or wire ropes are vertical unless the protection structure at the point of contact 
is,  during  deflection,  other  than  vertical.  In  this  case  the  impact  face  of  the  weight 
shall  be  adjusted  by  means  of  an  additional  support  so  that  it  is  parallel  to  the 
protection structure at the point of impact at the moment of maximum deflection, the 
supporting  chains  or  wire  ropes  remaining  vertical.  The  suspended  height  of  the 
weight shall be so adjusted that the locus of its centre of gravity passes through the 
point of contact. 

The point of impact shall be that part of the roll-over protection structure likely to hit 
the ground first in a sideways overturning accident, normally the upper edge. Unless 
it  is  certain  that  another  part  of  this  edge  would  hit  the  ground  first,  the  point  of 
impact  shall  be  in  the  plane  at  right  angles  to  the  median  plane  of  the  tractor  and 
passing through the middle of the seat at the mid-point of adjustment. Steps must be 
taken to reduce the tendency of the weight to turn about the point of contact. 

1.3.2.  For  rigid  tractors,  any  axle  the  position  of  which  is  rigid  relative  to  the  protection 
structure shall be lashed down on the side on which the impact is to be administered. 
In  the  case  of  a  two-wheel  drive  tractor  this  will  normally  be  the  rear  axle;  this 
arrangement is shown in Annex IV, fig. 7. The two lashings shall pass over the axle 
from  points  directly  below  it,  one  passing  to  a  point  of  attachment  approximately 
1,5 m  in  front  of  the  axle  and  the  other  to  a  point  approximately  1,5  m  behind  the 
axle. The lashings shall be tightened so that there is a deflection in the tyre adjacent 
to the lashing as indicated in 3.1.5 of Annex II. After lashing, a wooden beam shall 
be placed as a prop against the wheel opposite the weight and secured to the floor so 
that  it  is  held  tightly  against  the  wheel  rim  during  impact  as  shown  in  Annex  IV, 
fig. 7.  The  length  of  the  beam  shall  be  chosen  so  that  when  in  position  against  the 
wheel it is at an angle of 30 ± 3° to the horizontal. Its length shall be 20 to 25 times 
its  thickness  and  its  width  two  to  three  times  its  thickness.  Both  axles  shall  be 
prevented from moving sideways by means of a beam clamped to the floor against 
the  outside  of  the  wheel  on  the  side  opposite  that  on  which  the  impact  is  to  be 
administered. 

EN 

20 

   EN 

 
 
 
1.3.3.  An articulated tractor must be lashed down so that the section of the tractor bearing 
the  protection  structure  is  fixed  rigidly  to  the  ground  as  in  the  case  of  a 
non-articulated tractor. 

Both axles of articulated tractors shall be lashed to the ground. The axle and wheels 
of  that  section  of  the  tractor  on  which  the  protection  structure  is  mounted  shall  be 
lashed  and  propped  as  in  Annex  IV,  fig.  7.  The  point  of  articulation  shall  be 
supported by a beam at least 100 mm square and lashed down to the ground rails. A 
prop will be positioned against the point of  articulation and secured to the floor so 
that  it  has  the  same  effect  as  a  prop  against  the  rear  wheel  and  provides  support 
similar to that achieved for a rigid tractor. 

1.3.4.  The weight shall be pulled back so that the height of its centre of gravity above that 

at the point of impact is given by the formula: 

1.4. 

Crushing at the rear 

H = 125 + 0,150 W. 

The tractor shall be positioned in the rig described in 2.6 of Annex II and shown in 
Annex IV, figs. 8 and 10, in such a way that the rear edge of the beam is over the 
rearmost top load-bearing part of the protection structure and the median longitudinal 
plane of the tractor is midway between the points of application of force to the beam. 

The axle stands shall be placed under the axles in such a way that the tyres do not 
bear the crushing force. The force applied shall correspond to twice the mass of the 
tractor as defined in 1.3 of Annex II. It may be necessary to lash down the front of 
the tractor. 

1.5. 

Crushing at the front 

1.5.1.  This shall be identical to the crushing test at the rear except that the front edge of the 
beam shall be over the frontmost top part of the roll-over protection structure. 

1.5.2.  Where the front part of the protection structure roof will not sustain the full crushing 
force, the force shall be applied until the roof is deflected to coincide with the plane 
joining the upper part of the roll-over protection structure with that part of the front 
of  the  tractor  capable  of  supporting  the  tractor's  mass  when  overturned.  The  force 
shall then be removed and the tractor re-positioned so that the beam is over that point 
of  the  protection  structure  which  would  then  support  the  rear  of  the  tractor  when 
completely overturned, as shown in Annex IV, fig. 10, and the full force reapplied. 

2. 

ZONE OF CLEARANCE 

2.1. 

The  “zone  of  clearance”  is  defined  by  planes  as  follows,  the  tractor  being  on  a 
horizontal surface: 

– 

– 

horizontal, 95 cm above the compressed seat, 

vertical, perpendicular to the median plane of the tractor and 10 cm behind the 
back of the seat, 

EN 

21 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
– 

– 

– 

vertical, parallel to the median plane of the tractor and 25 cm to the left of the 
centre of the seat, 

vertical, parallel to the median plane of the tractor and 25 cm to the right of the 
centre of the seat, 

an inclined plane in which lies a horizontal line which is at right angles to the 
median plane of the tractor, 95 cm above the compressed seat and 45 cm (plus 
the normal fore and aft movement of the seat) in front of the back of the seat. 
This inclined plane passes in front of the steering wheel and at its nearest point 
is 4 cm from the rim of the steering wheel. 

2.2. 

The back of the seat shall be determined ignoring any padding thereon. The seat shall 
be  in  its  rearmost  adjustment  for  normal  seated  operation  of  the  tractor  and  in  its 
highest position if this is independently variable. Where the suspension of the seat is 
adjustable it shall be at its mean setting and the load on it shall be 75 kg. 

3. 

MEASUREMENTS TO BE MADE 

3.1. 

Fractures and cracks 

After  each  test  all  structural  members,  joints  and  attaching  brackets  on  the  tractor 
shall  be  visually  examined  for  fractures  or  cracks,  any  small  cracks  in  unimportant 
parts being ignored. 

3.2. 

Zone of clearance 

3.2.1.  After  each  test  the  roll-over  protection  structure  shall  be  examined  to  see  whether 
any part of the protection structure has entered a zone of clearance round the driving 
seat as defined in 2. 

3.2.2. 

In addition, the protection structure shall be examined to determine whether any part 
of the zone of clearance is outside the protection of the protection structure. For this 
purpose it shall be considered to be outside the protection of the structure if any part 
of  it  would  have  come  in  contact  with  flat  ground  if  the  tractor  had  overturned 
towards  the  direction  from  which  the  impact  came.  For  this  purpose  the  tyre  and 
track setting shall be assumed to be the smallest indicated by the manufacturer. 

3.3.  Maximum momentary deflection 

During  the  side  impact  test  the  difference  between  the  maximum  momentary 
deflection  and  the  residual  deflection  at  a  height  of  950  mm  above  the  loaded  seat 
shall be recorded. One end of the rod described in 2.7.1 of Annex II shall be attached 
to  the  upper  part  of  the  roll-over  protection  structure  and  the  other  end  passed 
through a hole in the vertical standard. The position of the friction collar on the rod 
after the impact indicates the maximum momentary deflection. 

EN 

22 

   EN 

 
 
 
3.4. 

Permanent deflection 

After the final compression test the permanent deflection of the protection structure 
shall  be  recorded.  For  this  purpose,  before the  start  of  the  test,  the  positions  of  the 
main roll-over protection structure members in relation to the seat shall be recorded. 

B — TEST METHOD II 

1. 

IMPACT AND CRUSHING TESTS 

1.1. 

Impact at the rear 

1.1.1.  The tractor shall be so placed in relation to the weight that the weight will strike the 
roll-over protection structure when the impact face of the weight and the supporting 
chains  or  wire  ropes  are  at  an  angle  of  20°  to  the  vertical  unless  the  roll-over 
protection structure at the point of contact has, during deflection, a greater angle to 
the vertical. In this case the impact face of the weight shall be adjusted by means of 
an additional support so that it is parallel to the roll-over protection structure at the 
point of impact at the moment of maximum deflection, the supporting chains or wire 
ropes remaining at an angle of 20° to the vertical. Steps must be taken to reduce the 
tendency  of  the  weight  to  turn  about  the  point  of  contact.  The  suspended  height  of 
the weight shall be so adjusted that the locus of its centre of gravity passes through 
the point of contact. 

The point of impact shall be that part of the roll-over protection structure likely to hit 
the  ground  first  in  a  rearward  overturning  accident,  normally  the  upper  edge.  The 
position of the centre of gravity of the weight shall be one-sixth of the width of the 
top of the roll-over protection structure inwards from a vertical plane parallel to the 
median plane of the tractor touching the outside extremity of the top of the roll-over 
protection structure. 

However, if a curve in the back of the roll-over protection structure starts at a greater 
distance  than  this  inside  this  vertical  plane,  the  impact  shall  be  administered  at  the 
beginning of the curve, i.e. at the point where this curve is tangential to a line at right 
angles to the median plane of the tractor (see Annex IV, fig. 9). 

If a protruding member would present an inadequate area for the weight, a steel plate 
of appropriate thickness and depth and about 300 mm in length shall be fastened to 
that member in such a manner that the strength of the roll-over protection structure is 
not affected. 

1.1.2.  Tractors  with  rigid  bodies  shall  be  lashed  down.  The  points  of  attachment  of  the 
lashings  shall  be  approximately  2  m  behind  the  rear  axle  and  1,5  m  in  front  of  the 
front  axle.  They  shall  either  be  in  the  plane  in  which  the  centre  of  gravity  of  the 
pendulum  will  swing  or  more  than  one  lashing  shall  give  a  resultant  force  in  this 
plane, as in Annex IV, fig. 5. 

The lashing shall be tightened so that the deflections in the front and rear tyres are as 
indicated in 3.1.5 of Annex II. After the lashings have been tightened a wooden beam 
150 mm square shall be clamped in front of the rear wheels and driven tight against 
them. 

EN 

23 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
1.1.3.  Articulated tractors shall have both axles lashed  down.  The  axle for  that  section of 
the tractor on which the roll-over protection structure is mounted shall be treated as 
the rear axle in Annex IV, fig. 5. The point of articulation will then be supported by a 
beam  100  mm  square  minimum  and  will  be  lashed  down  firmly  by  means  of  wire 
ropes attached to the ground rails. 

1.1.4.  The weight shall be pulled back so that the height of its centre of gravity above that 

at the point of impact is given by the formula: 

H = 2,165 × 10−8 × WL2 or H = 5,73 × 10−2 × I 

where: 

H 

W 

L 

I 

= 

= 

= 

= 

the height of fall in millimetres, 

the mass of the tractor as defined in 1.3 of Annex II, 

the maximum tractor wheelbase in millimetres, 

the moment of inertia of the rear axle, with wheels removed, in kilograms 
per square metre (kg/m2). 

The  weight  shall  then  be  released  and  allowed  to  crash  against  the  roll-over 
protection structure. 

1.1.5.  There  shall  be  no  rear  impact  in  the  case  of  a  tractor  at  least  50  %  of  the  mass  of 

which, as defined in 1.3 of Annex II, bears on the front axle. 

1.2. 

Impact at the front 

1.2.1.  The tractor shall be so placed in relation to the weight that the weight will strike the 
roll-over protection structure when the impact face of the weight and the supporting 
chains  or  wire  ropes  are  at  an  angle  of  20°  to  the  vertical  unless  the  roll-over 
protection structure at the point of contact has, during deflection, a greater angle to 
the vertical. In this case the impact face of the weight shall be adjusted by means of 
an additional support so that it is parallel to the roll-over protection structure at the 
point of impact at the moment of maximum deflection, the supporting chains or wire 
ropes remaining at an angle of 20° to the vertical. Steps must be taken to reduce the 
tendency  of  the  weight  to  turn  about  the  point  of  contact.  The  suspended  height  of 
the weight shall be so adjusted that the locus of its centre of gravity passes through 
the point of contact. 

The  point  of  impact  shall  be  that  part  of  the  protection  structure  likely  to  hit  the 
ground first if the tractor overturned sideways whilst travelling forward, normally the 
top front corner. The position of the centre of gravity of the weight shall be not more 
than 80 mm from a vertical plane parallel to the median plane of the tractor touching 
the outside extremity of the top of the roll-over protection structure. 

However, if a curve in the front of the roll-over protection structure starts at a greater 
distance than 80 mm inside this vertical plane, the impact shall be administered at the 
beginning of the curve, i.e. at the point where this curve is tangential to a line at right 
angles to the median plane of the tractor (see Annex IV, fig. 9). 

EN 

24 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
1.2.2.  Tractors with rigid bodies shall be lashed down as illustrated in Annex IV, fig. 6. The 
points of attachment of the lashings shall be approximately 2 m behind the rear axle 
and 1,5 m in front of the front axle. 

The lashings shall be tightened so that the deflections in the front and rear tyres are 
as indicated in 3.1.5 of Annex II. When the lashings have been tightened, a wooden 
beam  150  mm  square  shall  be  clamped  behind  the  rear  wheels  and  driven  tight 
against them. 

1.2.3.  Articulated tractors shall have both axles lashed down. The axle of that section of the 
tractor on which the roll-over protection structure is mounted shall be treated as the 
front axle in Annex IV, fig. 6. The point of articulation shall then be supported by a 
beam 100 mm square minimum and shall be lashed down firmly by means of wire 
ropes attached to the ground rails. 

1.2.4.  The weight shall be pulled back so that the height of its centre of gravity above that 

at the point of impact is given by the formula: 

1.3. 

Impact at the side 

H = 125 + 0,020 W. 

1.3.1.  The tractor shall be so placed in relation to the weight that the weight will strike the 
roll-over protection structure when the impact face of the weight and the supporting 
chains or wire ropes are vertical unless the protection structure at the point of contact 
is,  during  deflection,  other  than  vertical.  In  this  case  the  impact  face  of  the  weight 
shall  be  adjusted  by  means  of  an  additional  support  so  that  it  is  parallel  to  the 
protection structure at the point of impact at the moment of maximum deflection, the 
supporting  chains  or  wire  ropes  remaining  vertical.  The  suspended  height  of  the 
weight shall be so adjusted that the locus of its centre of gravity passes through the 
point of contact. 

The  point  of  impact  shall  be  that  part  of  the  protection  structure  likely  to  hit  the 
ground first in a sideways overturning accident, normally the upper edge. Unless it is 
certain that another part of this edge would hit the ground first, the point of impact 
shall  be  in  the  plane  at  right  angles  to  the  median  plane  of  the  tractor  and  passing 
through the middle of the seat at the mid-point of adjustment. Steps must be taken to 
reduce the tendency of the weight to turn about the point of contact. (cid:206)1 In the case 
of a tractor with a reversible driving position (i.e. with a reversible seat and steering 
wheel), the point of impact shall be determined in relation to the intersection of the 
median  plane  of  the  tractor  and  of  a  plane  perpendicular  to  it,  by  a  straight  line 
passing through a point that is equidistant from the two seat reference points.  

1.3.2.  For  rigid  tractors,  any  axle  the  position  of  which  is  rigid  relative  to  the  protection 
structure shall be lashed down on the side on which the impact is to be administered. 
In  the  case  of  a  two-wheel  drive  tractor  this  will  normally  be  the  rear  axle;  this 
arrangement is shown in Annex IV, fig. 7. The two lashings shall pass over the axle 
from  points  directly  below  it,  one  passing  to  a  point  of  attachment  approximately 
1,5 m  in  front  of  the  axle  and  the  other  to  a  point  approximately  1,5  m  behind  the 
axle. The lashings shall be tightened so that there is a deflection in the tyre adjacent 
to the lashing as indicated in 3.1.5 of Annex II. After lashing, a wooden beam shall 

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be placed as a prop against the wheel opposite the weight and secured to the floor so 
that  it  is  held  tightly  against  the  wheel  rim  during  impact  as  shown  in  Annex  IV, 
fig. 7.  The  length  of  the  beam  shall  be  chosen  so  that  when  in  position  against  the 
wheel it is at an angle of 30 ± 3° to the horizontal. Its length shall be 20 to 25 times 
its  thickness  and  its  width  two  to  three  times  its  thickness.  Both  axles  shall  be 
prevented from moving sideways by means of a beam clamped to the floor against 
the  outside  of  the  wheel  on  the  side  opposite  that  on  which  the  impact  is  to  be 
administered. 

1.3.3.  An articulated tractor must be lashed down so that the section of the tractor bearing 
the  protection  structure  is  fixed  rigidly  to  the  ground  as  in  the  case  of  a  non-
articulated tractor. 

Both axles of articulated tractors shall be lashed to the ground. The axle and wheels 
of  that  section  of  the  tractor  on  which  the  protection  structure  is  mounted  shall  be 
lashed  and  propped  as  in  Annex  IV,  fig.  7.  The  point  of  articulation  shall  be 
supported by a beam at least 100 mm square and lashed down to the ground rails. A 
prop will be positioned against the point of  articulation and secured to the floor so 
that  it  has  the  same  effect  as  a  prop  against  the  rear  wheel  and  provides  support 
similar to that achieved for a rigid tractor. 

1.3.4.  The weight shall be pulled back so that the height of its centre of gravity above that 

at the point of impact is given by the formula: 

1.4. 

Crushing at the rear 

H = 125 + 0,150 W. 

The tractor shall be positioned in the rig described in 2.6 of Annex II and shown in 
Annex  IV,  figs.  8  and  10  in  such  a  way  that  the  rear  edge  of  the  beam  is  over  the 
rearmost  top  load-bearing  part  of  the  roll-over  protection  structure  and  the  median 
longitudinal plane of the tractor is midway between the points of application of force 
to the beam. 

The axle stands shall be placed under the axles in such a way that the tyres do not 
bear the crushing force. The force applied shall correspond to twice the mass of the 
tractor as defined in 1.3 of Annex II. It may be necessary to lash down the front of 
the tractor. 

1.5. 

Crushing at the front 

1.5.1.  This test shall be identical to the crushing test at the rear except that the front edge of 

the beam shall be over the frontmost top part of the roll-over protection structure. 

1.5.2.  Where the front part of the roll-over protection structure roof cannot sustain the full 
crushing force, the force shall be applied until the roof is deflected to coincide with 
the plane joining the upper part of the roll-over protection structure with that part of 
the front of the tractor capable of supporting the tractor's mass when overturned. The 
force shall then be removed and the tractor re-positioned so that the beam is over that 
point  of  the  roll-over  protection  structure  which  would  then  support  the  rear  of  the 

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tractor  when  completely  over-turned  as  shown  in  Annex  IV,  fig.  10,  and  the  full 
force reapplied. 

2. 

ZONE OF CLEARANCE 

2.1. 

The zone of clearance is illustrated in Annex IV, fig. 3, and is defined in relation to a 
vertical  reference  plane  generally  longitudinal  to  the  tractor  and  passing  through  a 
seat  reference  point,  described  in  2.3,  and  the  centre  of  the  steering  wheel.  The 
reference  plane  shall  be  assumed  to  move  horizontally  with  the  seat  and  steering 
wheel during impacts but to remain perpendicular to the floor of the tractor or of the 
roll-over protection structure if this is resiliently mounted. 

Where the steering wheel is adjustable, its position should be that for normal seated 
driving. 

2.2. 

The boundaries of the zone shall be taken as: 

2.2.1. 

vertical planes 250 mm on either side of the reference plane extending upwards from 
the seat reference point for 300 mm; 

2.2.2. 

parallel planes extending from the upper edge of planes 2.2.1 to a maximum height 
of 900 mm above the seat reference point and inclined in such a way that the upper 
edge of the plane on the side from which the side impact is struck is at least 100 mm 
from the reference plane; 

2.2.3. 

a horizontal plane 900 mm above the seat reference point; 

2.2.4. 

an inclined plane perpendicular to the reference plane and including a point 900 mm 
directly  above  the  seat  reference  point  and  the  rearmost  point  of  the  seat  structure 
including its suspension; 

2.2.5. 

a vertical plane perpendicular to the reference plane extending downwards from the 
rear-most point of the seat; 

2.2.6. 

a curvilinear surface, perpendicular to the reference plane, with a radius of 120 mm 
tangential to planes 2.2.3 and 2.2.4; 

2.2.7. 

2.2.8. 

a  curvilinear  surface,  perpendicular  to  the  reference  plane,  having  a  radius  of 
900 mm and extending forward for 400 mm from and tangential to plane 2.2.3 at a 
point 150 mm forward of the seat reference point; 

an  inclined  plane  perpendicular  to  the  reference  plane,  joining  surface  2.2.7  at  its 
forward  edge  and  passing  40  mm  from  the  steering  wheel.  In  the  case  of  a  high 
steering wheel position this plane is replaced by a tangent plane to surface 2.2.7; 

2.2.9. 

a vertical plane, perpendicular to the reference plane, 40 mm forward of the steering 
wheel; 

2.2.10.  a horizontal plane through the seat reference point; 

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(cid:208) 1999/55/EC Art. 1 and Annex 
point 3(b) 

2.2.11.  in the case of a tractor with a reversible driving position (i.e. with a reversible seat 
and  steering  wheel),  the  clearance  shall  be  a  combination  of  the  two  clearances 
determined by the two positions of the steering wheel and seat; 

2.2.12.  in the case of a tractor which can be fitted with optional seats, the tests shall be based 
on  the  combined  clearance  of  the  seat  reference  points  for  all  available  seat-fitting 
options.  The  roll-over  protection  structure  must  not  enter  the  combined  clearance 
around the various seat reference points; 

2.2.13.  where  a  new  option  for  the  seat  is  proposed  after  the  test  has  taken  place,  a 
calculation is made to determine whether the clearance around the new seat reference 
point is located entirely within the combined clearance established previously. If this 
is not the case, a new test is required. 

2.3. 

Seat location and seat reference point 

(cid:208) 77/536/EEC 

2.3.1.  For  the  purpose  of  defining  the  zone  of  clearance  in  2.1,  the  seat  shall  be  at  the 
rearmost point of any horizontal adjustment range. It shall be set at the mid-point of 
the  vertical  adjustment  range  where  this  is  independent  of  adjustment  of  its 
horizontal position. 

The reference point shall be established using the apparatus illustrated in Annex IV, 
figs. 1 and 2, to simulate loading by a human occupant. The apparatus shall consist 
of a seat pan board and backrest boards. The lower backrest board shall be jointed in 
the region of the ischium humps (A) and loin (B), the joint (B) being adjustable in 
height. 

2.3.2.  The  reference  point  is  defined  as  the  point  in  the  median  longitudinal  plane  of  the 
seat where the tangential plane of the lower backrest and a horizontal plane intersect. 
This horizontal plane cuts the lower surface of the seat pan board 150 mm in front of 
the abovementioned tangent. 

2.3.3.  Where a seat suspension is provided with adjustment for the weight of the driver, this 

shall be set so that the seat is at the mid-point of its dynamic range. 

The apparatus shall be positioned on the seat. It shall then be loaded with a force of 
550 N at a point 50 mm in front of joint (A), and the two parts of the backrest board 
shall be lightly pressed tangentially against the backrest. 

2.3.4. 

If it is not possible to determine definite tangents to each area of the backrest (above 
and below the lumbar region) the following should be done: 

2.3.4.1.  where no definite tangent to the lower area is possible: the lower part of the backrest 

board is pressed against the backrest vertically; 

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2.3.4.2.  where  no  definite  tangent  to  the  upper  area  is  possible:  the  joint  (B)  is  fixed  at  a 
height  of  230  mm  above  the  seat  reference  point,  if  the  lower  part  of  the  backrest 
board is vertical. Then the two parts of the backrest board are lightly pressed against 
the backrest tangentially. 

3. 

MEASUREMENTS TO BE MADE 

3.1. 

Fractures and cracks 

After  each  test  all  structural  members,  joints  and  attaching  brackets  on  the  tractor 
shall  be  visually  examined  for  fractures  or  cracks,  any  small  cracks  in  unimportant 
parts being ignored. 

3.2. 

Zone of clearance 

3.2.1.  During each test the roll-over protection structure shall be examined to see whether 
any  part  of  the  roll-over  protection  structure  has  entered  a  zone  of  clearance  round 
the driving seat as defined in 2.1 and 2.2. 

3.2.2. 

In addition, the roll-over protection structure shall be examined to determine whether 
any part of the zone of clearance is outside the protection of the roll-over protection 
structure. For this purpose it shall be considered to be outside the protection of the 
roll-over protection  structure if any part of it would have  come in  contact  with flat 
ground  if  the  tractor  had  overturned  towards  the  direction  from  which  the  impact 
came. For this purpose the tyre and track setting shall be assumed to be the smallest 
specified by the manufacturer. 

3.3.  Maximum momentary deflection 

During  the  side  impact  test  the  difference  between  the  maximum  momentary 
deflection  and  the  residual  deflection  at  a  height  of  900  mm  above  and  150  mm 
forward of the seat reference point shall be recorded. One end of the rod described in 
2.7.1  of  Annex  II  shall  be  attached  to  the  upper  part  of  the  roll-over  protection 
structure  and  the  other  end  passed  through  a  hole  in  the  vertical  standard.  The 
position  of  the  friction  collar  on  the  rod  after  the  blow  indicates  the  maximum 
momentary deflection. 

3.4. 

Permanent deflection 

After the final compression test the permanent deflection of the protection structure 
shall  be  recorded.  For  this  purpose,  before  the  start  of  the  test,  the  position  of  the 
main  roll-over  protection  structure  members  in  relation  to  the  seat  reference  point 
shall be recorded. 

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ANNEX IV 

FIGURES 

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1,5 m 

2,0 m

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2,0 m 

1,5 m 

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37 

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____________ 

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ANNEX V 

EC

EC

EC 

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EN 

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____________ 

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(cid:208) 77/536/EEC (adapted) 

ANNEX VI 

MARKS 

The  EC  component  type-approval  mark  shall  consist  of  a  rectangle  surrounding  the 
lower-case letter “e” followed by the distinguishing number of the Member State which has 
granted the component type-approval: 

1 

2 

3 

4 

for Germany, 

for France, 

for Italy, 

for the Netherlands, 

5. 

for Sweden 

6 

for Belgium, 

7 

8 

9 

11 

for Hungary 

for the Czech Republic, 

for Spain, 

for the United Kingdom, 

(cid:208) Act of Accession of 1985 
Art. 26 and Annex I, p. 213 

(cid:208) Act of Accession of 1994, 
Art. 29 and Annex I, p. 206 

(cid:208) Act of Accession of 1985 
Art. 26 and Annex I, p. 213 

(cid:208) Act of Accession of 2003 

(cid:208) Act of Accession of 1985 
Art. 26 and Annex I, p. 213 

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12 

for Austria, 

13 

for Luxembourg, 

17 

for Finland, 

18 

for Denmark, 

19 

for Romania, 

20 

for Poland, 

21 

for Portugal, 

23 

for Greece, 

(cid:208) Act of Accession of 1994 
Art. 29 and Annex I, p. 206 

(cid:208) Act of Accession of 1985 
Art. 26 and Annex I, p. 213 

(cid:208) Act of Accession of 1994 
Art. 29 and Annex I, p. 206 

(cid:208) Act of Accession of 1985 
Art. 26 and Annex I, p. 213 

(cid:208) 2006/96/EC Art.1 and Annex, 
Part A, pt. 20 

(cid:208) Act of Accession of 2003 

(cid:208) Act of Accession of 1985 
Art. 26 and Annex I, p. 213 

(cid:208) 87/354/EEC Art. 1 and Annex 
point 9(a) 

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(cid:208) Act of Accession of 1985 
Art. 26 and Annex I, p. 213 

(cid:208) Act of Accession of 2003 

(cid:208) 2006/96/EC, Art.1 and Annex, 
Part A, pt. 20 

(cid:208) Act of Accession 2003 

24 

for Ireland, 

26 

27 

29 

32 

for Slovenia, 

for Slovakia 

for Estonia, 

for Latvia, 

34 

for Bulgaria 

36 

49 

50 

for Lithuania 

for Cyprus 

for Malta 

It must also include in the vicinity of the rectangle the EC component type-approval number 
which corresponds to the number of the EC component type-approval certificate issued with 
regard  to  the  strength  of  the  type  of  roll-over  protection  structure  and  its  attachment  to  the 
tractor. 

(cid:208) 77/536/EEC 

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Example of an EC component type-approval mark 

The  roll-over  protection  structure  bearing  the  EC  component  type-approval  mark  shown 
above  is  a  structure  for  which  EC  component  type-approval  was  granted  in  Germany  (e  1) 
under the number 1471. 

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(cid:208) 77/536/EEC 

ANNEX VII 

EC

EC

EC 

EC 

EC 

EC

EC

EC

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(cid:208) 77/536/EEC (adapted) 

ANNEX VIII 

CONDITIONS FOR EC TYPE-APPROVAL 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

5.1. 

5.2. 

5.3. 

6. 

7. 

The  application  for  EC  type-approval  of  a  tractor,  with  regard  to  the  strength  of  a 
roll-over protection structure and the strength of its attachment to the tractor shall be 
submitted by the tractor manufacturer or by his authorised representative. 

A  tractor  representative  of  the  tractor  type  to  be  approved,  on  which  a  protection 
structure  and  its  attachment,  duly  approved,  are  mounted,  shall  be  submitted  to  the 
technical services responsible for conducting the type-approval tests. 

The technical service responsible for conducting the type-approval tests shall check 
whether the approved type of protection structure is intended to be mounted on the 
type  of  tractor  for  which  the  type-approval  is  requested.  In  particular,  it  shall 
ascertain  that  the  attachment  of  the  protection  structure  corresponds  to  that  which 
was tested when the EC component type-approval was granted. 

The  holder  of  the  EC  type-approval  may  ask  for  its  extension  for  other  types  of 
protection structures. 

The competent authorities shall grant such extension on the following conditions: 

the new type of roll-over protection structure and its tractor attachment have received 
EC component type-approval; 

it is designed to be mounted on the type of tractor for which the extension of the EC 
type-approval is requested; 

the attachment of the protection structure to the tractor corresponds to that which was 
tested when EC component type-approval was granted. 

A  certificate,  of  which  a  model is shown in  Annex  IX, shall be  annexed to  the EC 
type-approval  certificate  for  each  type-approval  or  type-approval  extension  which 
has been granted or refused. 

If the application for EC type-approval for a type of tractor is introduced at the same 
time as the request for EC component type-approval for a type of roll-over protection 
structure intended to be mounted on the type of tractor for which EC type-approval is 
requested, the checks laid down in 2 and 3 will not be made. 

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(cid:208) 77/536/EEC 

ANNEX IX 

MODEL 

Name of  
competent authority 

ANNEX TO THE EC TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATE FOR A TRACTOR TYPE WITH REGARD 
TO THE STRENGTH OF ROLL-OVER PROTECTION STRUCTURES (SAFETY CAB OR FRAME) 
AND THE STRENGTH OF THEIR ATTACHMENT TO THE TRACTOR 

(Article 4(1) of Directive 2003/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on type-approval of 
agricultural or forestry tractors, their trailers and interchangeable towed machinery, together with their systems, 
components and separate technical units and repealing Directive 74/150/EEC) 

EC type-approval No ……………………………………………………….............................................................. 
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. extension1 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

1 
2 

Trade name or mark of tractor ……………………………………………………………………………. 

Tractor type ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 

Name and address of tractor manufacturer ……………………………………………………………….. 

If applicable, name and address of manufacturer’s authorised representative …………………………… 

Trade name or mark of roll-over protection structure ……………………………………………………. 

Extension of EC type-approval for the following type(s) of protection structure ……............................... 

Tractor submitted for EC type-approval on ………………………………………………………………. 

Technical service responsible for EC type-approval conformity control ………………………………… 

Date of report issued by that service ……………………………………………………………………… 

Number of report issued by that service ………………………………………………………………….. 

EC type-approval with regard to the strength of the roll-over protection structures and the strength of 
their attachment to the tractor has been granted/refused2 ………………………………………………… 

The extension of the EC type-approval with regard to the strength of the roll-over protection structures 
and the strength of their attachment to tractor has been granted/refuse2………………………………….. 

Place ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

Date ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 

Signature ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 

____________ 

If applicable, state whether this is the first, second, etc extension of the original EC type-approval. 
Delete where inapplicable. 

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(cid:207) 

ANNEX X 

Part A 

Repealed Directive with list of its successive amendments 
(referred to in Article 13) 

Council Directive 77/536/EEC 
(OJ L 220, 29.8.1977, p. 1) 

Part X of Annex I to the 1979 Act of 
Accession 
(OJ L 291, 19.11.1979, p. 108)  

Part IX A of Annex I to the 1985 Act of 
Accession 
(OJ L 302, 15.11.1985, p. 209)  

Council Directive 87/354/EEC 
(OJ L 192, 11.7.1987, p. 43) 

Council Directive 89/680/EEC 
(OJ L 398, 30.12.1989, p. 26) 

Point XI.C.II.2 of Annex I to the 1994 Act 
of Accession 
(OJ C 241, 29.8.1994, p. 205). 

Commission Directive 1999/55/EC 
(OJ L 146, 11.6.1999, p. 28) 

Point I.A.21 of Annex II to the 2003 Act of 
Accession 
(OJ L 236, 23.9.2003, p. 53). 

Council Directive 2006/96/EC 
(OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, p. 81) 

Only the references made to 
Directive 77/536/EEC by point 9 of 
the Annex 

Only the reference to 
Directive 77/536/EEC made in 
Article 1 and point 20 of Part A of the 
Annex  

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Part B 

List of time-limits for transposition into national law and application 
(referred to in Article 13) 

Directive 

Time-limit for transposition 

Date of application  

77/536/EEC 

87/354/EEC 

89/680/EEC 

1999/55/EC 

2006/96/EC 

29 December 1978 

31 December 1987 

3 January 1990 

30 June 2000 

____ 

____ 

____ 

1 July 2000(1) 

1 January 2007 

____ 

(1) 

In conformity with Article 2 of Directive 1999/55/EC: 

“1. 

From 1 July 2000, Member States may not: 

– 

refuse to grant EC type-approval, to issue the document provided for in the third indent 
of Article 10(1) of Directive 74/150/EEC, or to grant national type-approval, in respect 
of any type of tractor, or 

– 

prohibit the entry into service of tractors, 

if the tractors in question meet the requirements of Directive 77/536/EEC as amended by this 
Directive. 

2. 

From 1 January 2001, Member States: 

– 

– 

may  no  longer  issue  the document  provided for  in  the  third  indent of Article  10(1) of 
Directive 74/150/EEC  in  respect  of  any  type  of  tractor  which  does  not  meet  the 
requirements of Directive 77/536/EEC as amended by this Directive, 

may refuse to grant national type-approval in respect of a type of tractor which does not 
meet the requirements of Directive 77/536/EEC, as amended by this Directive.” 

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ANNEX XI 

CORRELATION TABLE 

Directive 77/536/EEC 

This Directive 

Articles 1 to 8 

Articles 1 to 8 

Article 9, first to fourth indents 

Article 9(a) to (d) 

Articles 10 and 11 

Articles 10 and 11 

Article 12(1) 

Article 12(2) 

_____ 

_____ 

Article 13 

_____ 

Article 12 

Article 13 

Article 14 

Article 15 

Annexes I to IX 

Annexes I to IX 

_____ 

_____ 

Annex X 

Annex XI 

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