Smooth operators

New technology allows engineers to create innovative seat and cab suspension designs that no longer just control vibration, but manage vibration.

With the EU's Physical Agents Directive (PAD)-a regulation intended to limit operators' exposure to vibration on the job-taking effect in July 2007, improving the operator environment is on the mind of many. Although PAD does not officially hit the books until this coming summer for construction and earthmoving equipment, and 2012 for the agricultural industry, it has been in play for years. Although there are no directives in the U.S. with regard to vibration levels, Anthony Glick, Global Marketing Manager, Off-Road Division for Sears Manufacturing, says OEMs in the U.S. have been preparing for PAD for years.

Static off-highway seating has been slowly replaced, first with mechanical suspensions and more recently with active, semi-active, and passive air suspension systems. Air suspension seating caught on particularly well, mainly due to the fact that the operators could remain more comfortable and alert, thus resulting in greater productivity.