CELEX: 51978PC0678
Language: en
Date: 1978-12-06
Title: PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DIRECTIVE ON THE approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the operating space, access to the driving position (entry and exit facilities), and to the doors and windows of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors, (presented by the Commission to the Council)

ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (78) 678
Vol. 1978/0259
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 ---pagebreak--- ♦
          COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                                              COM(78)678 final
                                                              Brussels , 6 December 1978
                          PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DIRECTIVE ON THE
     approximation of "the laws of the Member States relating to the operating space ,
     access to the driving position ( entry and exit facilities ) , and to the doors and
                   windows of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors ,
                       (presented "by the Commission to the Council )
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COM(78 ) 678 final
 ---pagebreak---                         EXPLANATORY MEMCRANIlUM
IMTtODUCTIQN
                                                                             i
Over 430 000 tractors were manufactured in the Community in 1977 »
representing turnover of almost 3 000 million EUA.      Pour out of ten
of these tractors were supplied to the home market of the Member State
of manufacture .    Last year Community exports of this comnodity
exceeded imports by almost 1 000 million EUA .
These figures illustrate the economic significance of this sector and
explain why , as early as 1969 » "the Council , on a proposal from the
Commission , felt that the removal of "barriers to trade in this sector
was of primary importance ( l ). There were a large number of national
rules in force obliging manufacturers to adapt tractors to the market
for which they were intended.
The Commission immediately embarked on the necessary work .      In accordance
with the method adopted for motor vehicles , the Commission proposed to
the Council a type-approval directive for wheeled agricultural or
forestry tractors ( 2 ).   This was adopted in 1974.   The directive lays
down that several proposals may be forwared to the Council each dealing
with various technical specifications for tractors .     As these are
adopted , Community specifications will gradually move towards harmonization.
Thirteen separate directives have already been adopted .     This proposal
is the fourth to be forwarded in the sector concerned this year .
The Commission is determined to continue its efforts and if the Council        ;
maintains the same momentum in adopting the relevant directives , full
harmonization of specifications for tractors , as envisaged by the
type-approval directive , will be achieved within a very short time .
( 1 ) General programme for the removal of technical barriers to trade ,
      0JH° C 76 , 17.6.1969 .
(2 ) OJ     L 84, 28.3.1974.
 ---pagebreak---                                                   - 2 -
 II . GENERAL
       This proposal for a directive comes under the Community ty pa -approval procedure , which
                                                                         *
       was the subject of Council Directive 74 / 150/ EEC of 4 March 1974 «
       This Community type-approval procedure for wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors
       has not so far covered the operating space or windows.;    Since the adoption of the
       directive , some Member States have felt the need to lay down requirements at national
       level governing these parts of the tractor .
       It is for this reason that the Commission , in agreement with the experts from the
       Member States , considered it advisable to include in the amendment to the directive , which is at
       the same "time to be laid "before Council , provisions on the operating space and
       windows , for which reference will be made to separate directives „   This step will       j
       supplement the Community type–approval procedure and enable the procedure to be
       applied in the near future .
       This document deals with the Commission 's proposals relating to operating space , access
       to the driving position ( entry and exit facilities ] and to windows and doors of
       wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors having a fixed or variable drive-axle track
       of 1 150 mm or more .   The proposals lay down design requirements which aim at ensuring
       that the tractor driver can work in safety and without undue fatigue ( operating space),
       that he can enter and leave the driving position easily and without danger and can
       safely operate the doors and windows , including the emergency exits .
III . COMMENTS ON THE ARTICLES
       The directive applies to wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors with a maximum
                                                                                       • • • /• •
  fi ) OJ N° L 84 , 28.3.1974 , p. 10 .
 ---pagebreak---                                                      - 3 -
       design speed of between 6 and 25 km/h and a fixed "or variable drive-axle track of 1 "150 ipm
       or more (Article 1 ).
           ί
       Arfcicle 2 incorporates into the EEC type approval procedure the requirements relating to
         {       .                                                           •'                 r
       the operating space , access to driving position and to windows and doors, as well as
       provisions to ensure that tractors are used in conformity with the requirements of         :
                                                                                                  1
       the directive in certain new Member States which do not yet have a national type–          j
       approval procedure .                                                                       i
                                                                                                  I
                                                                                             «     I
       Article 3 lays down the procedure for adapting the directive to technical progress .       <
       This procedure is described in Article 13 of the Council Directive of 4 March 1974
       on the type-approval of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors .
       Article 4 lays down that Member States shall have a period of eighteen months within
     . which to adapt to the directive (Article 4(l )).                                    .
       Finally , the Commission must be informed in good time of all draft provisions prepared
       by Member States in the field covered by the Directive ; such information must enable
       it to formulate any comments it may have "on the draft (Article 4(2)).
I tEV, CONSULTATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE
4              '   """ " I '  '         1     – »«ιι I ■ >ι I II ».ι Ι·..ι ■  II ■ – ι··,. ρ
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       The opinion of these two bodies is required pursuant to Article 100C2J of the Treaty .
 ---pagebreak--- THE COUNCIL OF " THE " EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,
(-Living regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Cc-mrunity , and in
particular Article 1CQ thoraof ,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ,                           ■         (
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament ,
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee ,
Whereas the technical requirements with which tractors must comply pursuant to
national legislation covers , amongst other things , the operating space , access
to the driving position ( entry and exit facilities ), as well as . doors and windows ;
Whereas these requirements differ from one Member States to another ; whereas
the same requirements should be adopted in all Member States , either in addition
to or in place of existing legislation , with a view to the implementation , for
each type of tractor , of the EEC type–approval procedure which is the subject
of Council Directive 74 / 150 /EEC of 4 March 1974 on the approximation of the
laws of the Member States relating to the type-approval of wheeled agricultural
or forestry tractors^] as amended by Directive N° „ „ . . ....... 0 . ■ . • '
H°iS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE :
                                    Article 1
 1 „ Tractor ( agricultural or forestry ) means any motor vehicle , fitted with wheels
     or endless tracks , having at least two axj.es , 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 1 above which
     are fitted with pneumatic tyres and which have two axles and a maximum design
     speed of between S and 25 km/h and a fixed or variable drive-axle track of
      1 150 mm of more .
     ( 1 ) 0J N° 84, 28.3.1974 , P. 10/24
     ( 2) 0J N° ,              , P.
 ---pagebreak---                                   - 2 -
                              r Article 2                     ~
    No Member State may refuee EEC typa-app^&val or national typo-approval of a tracto!
    or refuse or prohibit the sale , registration , entry into service or use of a tree–
                                                         •'                           r
    tor on grounds relating to :
    – the operating space ;
    – access to the driving position (entry and exit facilities);
    – doors and windows
    where rfche secomply with the provisions of Annex I to this Directive .
                                 Article 3
    Any amendments that are necessary xn order to adapt the requirements of Annex I to
    technical progress shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in
    Article 13 of Directive 74/150/EEC. '
                                 Article 4
                                         m
                                                     %
1 . Member States shall bring into force the provi^pns necessary in order to comply
    with this Directive within eighteen months after its notification and shell
    forthwith inform the Commission thereof .
2 . As soon as this Directive has been notified, Member States shall ensure that the
    Commission is informed, in sufficient time for it to submit its comments , of any
    draft laws, regulations or administrative provisions which they intend do adopt
    in the field covered by this Directive .
                                                 *
                                 Article 5
    This Directive is addressed to the Member States *
                                                                                 /
 ---pagebreak---                                   ANNEX I
I,       Ooeratinn soace
1.1      " Operating space " means the minimum volume available to the driver to enable
         him to operate the tractor safely and without undue fatigue .
1.2      The width of the operating space must be at least 900 inm , at a height of 400–
         500 mm above the seat reference point ( see Figure l)as determined, according
         to the method described in Appendix 1 .
1.3      Vehicle components and accessories must not hamper the driver in his
         handling of the tractor .
1.4      The distance from the outer rim of the steering wheel to the cab wall
         or to any other manual control must be at least 80 mm 0 ( see Figure 2 )
1.5      The rear wall of the cab , at a height of 300-900 mm determined from the
         median longitudinal plane of the tractor passing through the seat reference'
         point must be at least 150 mm from the plane perpendicular to the median
         longitudinal plane of the tractor passing through the seat reference point
         ( see Figure 2 j . This wall must have a width of at least 300 mm on either side
         of the median longitidunal plane of the tractor passing through the seat
         reference point ( sea Figure 3j .
1.6      The distance between the manual controls and the cab wall must be at least
         50 mm ( see Figure 3 ).
1.7      The clearance between the seat reference point and the roof must be at
         least 1 050 mm ( see Figure 2 ),
II .     Access to the driving position ( entry and exit facilities )
H.1      It must be possible to use the entry and exit facilities without danger .
         Provision pust not be made for the use of wheel hubs , hub covers or wheel
         rims as means of entry or exit .
11 . 2 The points of access to the driving position and to the passenger seat must
        be free of any parts liable to cause injury : where such parts cannot be
        avoided at these points , e.g. where a clutch pedal is present , at least
      ■ one footrest must be provided either in front of , behind or beside such parts .
11 . 3 Steps , integral foot recesses and rungs must have the following minimum
        dimensions   :
        Depth clearance : 150 mm minimum .
 ---pagebreak---                                                  - 2 -
     ~ 'Width clearance           : 250 mm minimum
                                    ( Values lower than this minimum width are authorized only
                                    where justified on technical grounds . Where this is tha
                                    case , the aim must tie to achieve tha greatest possible width
                                    clearance , which , however , must not be less than 150 mm .) ;
          Height clearance        : 120 mm minimum and 300 mm maximum ( see Figure 4 ).
 11.4 The upper step or rung must be easily recognizable and attainable for a person
          leaving the vehicle . In addition , the steps must be regularly spaced .
 11.5 Kanhol ds ( e,g ,, hand rails , grab handles , etc .) must accompany all entry and exit
          facilities , They must be permanently attached and fail readily to hand both from
          the ground and from the cab ,
 IlaS The lowest foothold must not be more than 500 mm above the ground ( see Figure 4 ).,
          Steps , integral foot recesses and rungs must not be smooth but must be designed in
          such a way that the foot will not slip or slide . The metalwork of such steps
          and integral foot recesses must be sufficiently open to prevent the accumulation
          of mud , earth , snow , etc ,, that might increase the risk of slipping .
III . Doors and v/ indows
111.1 The operating devices for ctoors and windows must be designed and installed in such
          a way that they constitute no danger to the driver nor any impediment to him while
          he is driving .
111 . 2 The opening angle of the door must permit entry and exit 'without, danger
III ,3 Ventilation windows must be easily adjustable ,
111,4 At least three apertures ( which may consist of duor(s ), windscreen , side window ( s ) ,
          roof , etc ,) must be provided for the anergency exit from the safety cab . They must
          be capable of being opened from inside the cab . Each aperture , except for the
          doors , must be located on a different cab wall and have the following minimum
          dimensions :
        [ square aperture -         circular aperture           rectangular aperture                J
        I        side         j[         ■ diameter      I     width       I[    height             1
                                              mm                  mm
        L         ^                                                                mm
                  600                         700                470               650
                                                                     ,
 ---pagebreak--- •     • «                                   I
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                                               - 3 -
                          •                                               •
                                                              Dimensions in mm
                               CEILING .
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                 /                 9 OO min.                /■
    . WALL  '    /
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                                                     SEAT REFERESTCE POINT
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 ---pagebreak---                               - 4 -
                                        Dimensions in mm
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 SEAT REFERENCE POINT ,
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 ---pagebreak---                                                      - 5 -
                                                                       Dimensions in mm
         50mfn                          MANUALLY OPERATEELCONTROLS
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                                                                          SEAT REPERE2TCE
                                                                                REFERENCE       POINT
                                -/ S / S / / /                          ^                          i
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 ---pagebreak---                                                      Dimensions in mm
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                    • ^j III          ill          .1
                                                     i–150 minimal .
                                                             is not "the dimension of
                                       \\\           I th.e step • surface
BOOHSILL ^–I         \
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 ---pagebreak---                                                                   page 1
         METHOD Or DETERMINING TUT SEAT REFERENCE POINT "S "
Definition of the seat reference point "5 "
The seat reference point " S " is defined as the point in the median longitudinal
plane of the seat where the tangential plane at the base of the padded backrest
and a horizontal intersect .   This horizontal plane cuts the lower surface of the
seat pan panel 150 mm in front of the seat reference point " S".
Positioninq of the seat
The seat must be set in its rearmost and highest position .
Device for determinq the seat reference point "5 "
The device illustrated in Figure 1 consists of a panel representing the seat pan
and other panels representing the backrest . The lowerbackrest panel is jointed        j
at the level of the iliac crests ( Aj andthe lumbus ( B ), joint ( B ) being adjustable
 in height .
Method of determining the seat reference point "S "
The seat reference point " S " must be determined by using the device illustrated in
Figures 1 and 2 to sinulate use of the seat by the driver .    The device must be
positioned on the seat .  A force of 550 N must than be applied at a point 50 mm in
front of joint "A " and the two parts of the backrest board must be lightly pressed ,
tangentially against the padded backrest .
It is not possible to determine a tangent for each surface of the padded backrest
( below and above the lumbar region), the following procedure must be followed :
a) where it is not possible to determine a tangent to the lowest possible surface :
the lowest part of the backrest panel must be lightly pressed against the padded
backrest in a vertical position .
 ---pagebreak---                                                             Appendix 1
                                                                page 2
b ) where it is not possible to determine a definite tangent to the highest pos­
sible surface : the joint ( B ) must be set at a height of 230 mm above the refe­
rence point " S" if the lowest part of the backrest panel is vertical .  Then the
two parts of the backrest panel are pressed lightly and tangentially against the
padded backrest in a vertical position .                         '
 ---pagebreak---                                                        Appendix 1
                                                           page 3
                        FIGURS 1
DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE SEAT REFERENCE POINT" ( S)
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                                   ■        200          ;
                                   !
                                 , i
                                                   fi-20
                                                      i ;
                                 rr\"""TpT
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                                                               «
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                                 ; I /i /i_l i
                                      f " ••• •• • ■ • f ••••i
                          460         | „ | I
                                      { , 150 ^
                         FIGURE 2
                  DE7ICE UÎ POSITION
 ---pagebreak---                                     ANNEX  II             "       ~                –
                                     M0DEL                                                   !
                                                                              1  '           »
                                                        ■            Name of administration ,
 ANNEX TO THE EEC TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATES FOR A TRACTOR TYPE IN RESPECT OF THE
 OPERATING SPACE, ACCESS TO Th£ DRIVING POSITION ( ENTRY AND EXIT FACILITIES) AND DOORS
 AND WINDOWS .                                                                             j
 (Article 4(2) and Article 10 of Council Directive 74/ 150/EEC of 4 March 1974 on the
 approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the EEC type-approval of
 wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors).
 EEC type approval N° .
 1 . Component(s ) or characteristic s)
      – operating space
      – access to the driving position ( entry and exit facilities )
      – doors and windows                                                    ' .
 2 . Make of tractor or business name . of manufacturer
 3 . Type and commercial designation of tractor
 4 . Name and address of manufacturer *
 5 . Where applicable , name and address of manufacturer 's authorized representative
 6 . Brief description of tractor
 7 . Description of component(s ) and/or characteristic(s ) mentioned under 1 above
 8 .. Tractor submitted for EEC type-approval on
 S. Technical service performing the tests
10 . Date of report issued by that service
11 . Number of report issued by that service
12 . Type-approval for the operating space (*),. access to the driving position
      ( entry and exit ) (*), doors and windows (*) has been granted/refused (*).
  Delete where inapplicable .
 ---pagebreak---                                            - 2 -
13 » Place                                                                       o-© ..
14 . Date                            •
15 . Signaturs • •••••••••••••••••••••• •••«••• ••         *                     ,
16. The following documents bearing the EEC type-approval number shown above are
     appended hereto :
     ....................................... dimensional drawings
                                                exploded view or photograph of the cab
                                               or entry and exit facilities .
17 . Any other comments