Directive 2009/66/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (repealed)Show full title

2. CONSTRUCTION, FITTING AND INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

2.1. General requirements

2.1.1. The steering equipment must ensure easy and safe handling of the tractor and must comply with the detailed requirements set out in point 2.2.

2.2. Detailed requirements

2.2.1. Steering control

2.2.1.1. The steering control must be easy to use and grip. It must be designed in such a way as to permit gradual deflection. The direction of movement of the steering control must correspond to the desired change in the direction of the tractor.

2.2.1.2. The steering effort required to achieve a turning circle of 12 m radius, starting from the straight ahead position, must not exceed 25 daN. In the case of assisted steering equipment that is not connected to other equipment, if the auxiliary power supply fails the steering effort required must not exceed 60 daN.

2.2.1.3. In order to check compliance with the requirement in point 2.2.1.2, the tractor shall describe a spiral movement at a speed of 10 kilometres per hour, starting from the straight ahead position, on a dry, flat road surface offering good tyre adhesion. The steering effort on the steering control shall be noted until it reaches the position corresponding to the tractor entering a turning circle of 12 m radius. The duration of the manoeuvre (time between the moment when the steering control is first operated and the moment when it reaches the position where the measurements are taken) must not exceed five seconds in normal cases and eight seconds if the special equipment fails. One manoeuvre must be made to the left and one to the right.

For the test, the tractor must be loaded to its technically permissible maximum weight; tyre pressures and weight distribution between the axles must conform to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2.2.2. Steering gear

2.2.2.1. The steering equipment may not include either electrical or wholly pneumatic steering gear.

2.2.2.2. The steering gear must be so designed as to meet any operational requirements. It must be easily accessible for maintenance and inspection.

2.2.2.3. In the case of steering gear which is not wholly hydraulic, it must be possible to drive the tractor even in the event of failure of the hydraulic or pneumatic components of the steering gear.

2.2.2.4. Steering gear which is operated purely hydraulically and the special equipment defined in point 1.1.4 must meet the following requirements:

2.2.2.4.1.

One or more pressure limitation devices must protect the whole or part of the circuit against excess pressure;

2.2.2.4.2.

The pressure limitation devices must be set so as not to exceed a pressure T equal to the maximum operating pressure stated by the manufacturer;

2.2.2.4.3.

The characteristics and dimensions of the pipe work must be such that the pipes withstand four times the pressure T (permitted by the pressure limitation devices), and must be protected in places and arranged in such a way that the risks of damage by impact or interference are reduced to a minimum, and the risks of damage by rubbing can be considered negligible.

2.2.3. Steered wheels

2.2.3.1. All the wheels may be steered wheels.

2.2.4. Special equipment

2.2.4.1. The special equipment defined in point 1.1.4, used in the types of steering equipment defined in points 1.2.1.2 and 1.2.1.3, shall be acceptable in the following circumstances:

2.2.4.1.1.

If the tractor is equipped with assisted steering equipment as defined in point 1.2.1.2, it must be possible to drive it even in the event of failure of the special equipment as already stated in point 2.2.1.2. If the assisted steering equipment does not have its own source of power, it must be fitted with a power reservoir. This power reservoir may be replaced by a self-contained device providing power supply to the steering equipment with priority over the other systems which are linked to the common energy source. Without prejudice to the provisions of Council Directive 76/432/EEC of 6 April 1976 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the braking devices of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors(1), if there is a hydraulic connection between the hydraulic steering equipment and the hydraulic braking equipment, and if both are supplied from the same energy source, the force required to activate the steering equipment shall not exceed 40 daN if either of the systems should fail. If the source of power is compressed air, the air reservoir must be protected by a non-return valve.

Where the steering power is normally provided solely by the special equipment defined in point 1.1.4, the assisted steering equipment must be fitted with a device such that if, in the event of failure of the special equipment, the steering effort exceeds 25 daN, a visual or acoustic signal must give warning of such failure.

2.2.4.1.2.

If the tractor is fitted with servo-steering equipment as defined in point 1.2.1.3, and provided that such equipment has a wholly hydraulic steering gear, it must be possible, should the special device or motor fail, to carry out the two manoeuvres specified in point 2.2.1.3 using a special additional device. The special additional device may be a compressed air or gas reservoir. An oil pump or compressor may be used as the special additional device if that device is worked by the rotation of the tractor wheels and cannot be disconnected from them. In the event of failure of the special equipment, a visual or acoustic signal must give warning of such failure.

2.2.4.1.2.1.

If the special device is pneumatic, it must be fitted with a compressed air reservoir protected by a non-return valve. The capacity of the compressed air reservoir must be calculated so that at least seven complete turns (from lock to lock) are possible before the reservoir pressure falls to half its operating pressure; the test must be carried out with the steered wheels off the ground.

(1)

OJ L 122, 8.5.1976, p. 1.