Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/96 (repealed)Show full title

ANNEX III External sound emission requirements

1. Permissible external sound levels.

1.1. Measuring Instruments

The instrumentation system, including the microphones, cables and windscreen if used, shall meet the requirements for a Class 1 instrument set out in IEC 61672-1:2002. The filters shall meet the requirements for a Class 1 instrument given in IEC 61260:1995.

1.2. Conditions of measurement

Measurements shall be made on agricultural and forestry vehicles with their unladen mass in running order in a sufficiently silent and open area (ambient noise and wind noise at least 10 dB (A) below the external sound level being measured).

This area may take the form, for instance, of an open space of 50 metres radius having a central part of at least 20 metres radius which is practically level; it may be surfaced with concrete, asphalt, or similar material and may not be covered with powdery snow, tall grass, loose soil or ashes.

The surface of the test track shall be such as not to cause excessive tyre noise. This condition applies only to measurement of the external sound made by agricultural and forestry vehicles in motion.

Measurement shall be carried out in fine weather with little wind. No person other than the observer taking the readings from the apparatus may remain near the agricultural and forestry vehicle or the microphone, as the presence of spectators near either the agricultural and forestry vehicle or the microphone may considerably affect the readings from the apparatus. Marked fluctuations of the pointer which appear to be unrelated to the characteristics of the general sound level shall be ignored in taking readings.

1.3. Method of measurement

1.3.1. Measurement of external sound level of agricultural and forestry vehicles in motion

At least two measurements shall be made on each side of the agricultural and forestry vehicle. Preliminary measurements may be made for adjustment purposes but shall be disregarded.

The microphone shall be situated 1,2 metres above ground level at a distance of 7,5 metres from the path of the agricultural and forestry vehicle's centre line, CC, measured along the perpendicular PP′ to that line (figure 1).

Two lines AA′ and BB′, parallel to line PP′ and situated respectively 10 metres forward and 10 metres rearward of the line, shall be marked out on the test track. Agricultural and forestry vehicles shall approach line AA′ at a steady speed, as specified below. The throttle shall then be fully opened as rapidly as practicable and held in the fully opened position until the rear of the agricultural and forestry vehicles crosses line BB′; the throttle shall then be closed again as rapidly as possible. If the agricultural or forestry vehicle is coupled to a trailer, this shall not be taken into account in determining when line BB′ is crossed.

The maximum sound level recorded shall constitute the result of the measurement.

Figure 1

1.3.1.1. The test speed shall be three-quarters of the maximum design speed (vmax) as declared by the manufacturer which can be attained in the highest gear used for road movement.

1.3.1.2. Interpretation of results

1.3.1.2.1.

To take account of inaccuracies in the measuring instruments, the result obtained from each measurement shall be determined by deducting 1 dB(A) from the meter reading.

1.3.1.2.2.

Measurements shall be considered valid if the difference between two consecutive measurements on the same side of the agricultural and forestry vehicle does not exceed 2 dB(A).

1.3.1.2.3.

The highest sound level measured shall constitute the test result. Should that result exceed by 1 dB(A) the maximum permissible sound level for the category of agricultural and forestry vehicle tested, two further measurements shall be made. Three of the four measurements thus obtained must fall within the prescribed limits.

1.3.2. Measurement of external sound with agricultural and forestry vehicle stationary

1.3.2.1. Position of sound-level meter

Measurements shall be made at point X (shown in figure 2) at a distance of 7 metres from the nearest surface of the agricultural and forestry vehicle. The microphone shall be situated 1,2 metres above ground level.

1.3.2.2. Number of measurements: at least two measurements shall be made.

1.3.2.3. Agricultural and forestry vehicle test conditions

The engine of an agricultural and forestry vehicle without a speed governor shall be run at three-quarters of the rpm speed at which, in accordance with the agricultural and forestry vehicle manufacturer, it develops its maximum power. The rpm speed of the engine shall be measured by means of an independent instrument, e.g. a roller bed and a tachometer. If the engine is fitted with a governor preventing the engine from exceeding the speed at which it develops its maximum power, it shall be run at the maximum speed permitted by the governor.

Before taking any measurements, the engine shall be brought to its normal running temperature.

1.3.2.4. Interpretation of results

All external sound-level readings recorded shall be given in the report. The engine power shall be recorded in accordance with the provisions of Article 9 of this Regulation. The state of loading of the agricultural and forestry vehicle must also be given.

The measurements shall be considered valid if the difference between two consecutive measurements on the same side of the agricultural and forestry vehicle does not exceed 2 dB(A).

The maximum figure recorded shall constitute the result of the measurement.

1.3.3. External sound testing provisions for C-cat vehicles with metallic tracks in motion

For agricultural and forestry vehicles of C category equipped with metallic tracks, the noise in motion shall be measured with vehicles with their unladen mass in running order travelling at a constant speed of 5 km/h (+/– 0,5 km/h), with the engine at rated speed over a layer of humid sand as specified by paragraph 5.3.2 of ISO 6395:2008. The microphone shall be situated in accordance with the provisions of point 1.3.1. The measured noise value shall be recorded in the test report.

2. Exhaust System (Silencer)

2.1. If the agricultural and forestry vehicle is fitted with a device designed to reduce the exhaust noise (silencer), the requirements of this section shall apply. If the inlet of the engine is fitted with an air filter which is necessary in order to ensure compliance with the permissible sound level, the filter shall be considered to be part of the silencer, and the requirements of this point 2 shall also apply to that filter.

The exhaust tailpipe must be positioned in such a way that the exhaust gases cannot penetrate inside the cab.

Figure 2

Measuring positions for stationary agricultural and forestry vehicles

2.2. A drawing of the exhaust system must be annexed to the agricultural and forestry vehicle type-approval certificate.

2.3. The silencer must be marked with a reference to its make and type which is clearly legible and indelible.

2.4. The use of fibrous absorbent material is permitted in the construction of silencers only if the following conditions are fulfilled:

2.4.1.

the fibrous absorbent material may not be placed in those parts of the silencer through which gases pass;

2.4.2.

suitable devices must ensure that the fibrous absorbent material is kept in place for the whole time that the silencer is being used;

2.4.3.

the fibrous absorbent material must be resistant to a temperature at least 20 % higher than the operating temperature (degrees C) which may occur in the region of the silencer where those fibrous absorbent materials are situated.