An improved design of air suspension for seats of mobile agricultural machines

Different suspension systems of the type 'full travel' used in agricultural machinery seats over the last 20 years are evaluated. The effects of the type of spring and damper are discussed through theoretical analysis and experimental tests. A new improved passive suspension system is proposed as most promising and includes an air spring with additional air volume and variable air damping. A comparison is made with existing passive systems. The theoretical analysis and laboratory tests show that the new proposed system provides the best vibration attenuation, when considering passive suspension systems, for agricultural machinery or other vehicles with similar vibration inputs. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.