Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/96 (repealed)Show full title

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.