Factors Affecting the Man/Machine Relationship on Earthmoving Equipment

Man's use and control of energy is ever expanding and demanding new concepts and technology. One of the demands on construction equipment designers is that the operator be considered a “variable” component in the man/machine system. This paper deals with man's physical and psychological attributes along with machine characteristics that affect man and productivity. Guidelines are laid down for assignment of functions to the man versus the machine and design rules are spelled out. Some new technological concepts for earthmoving are also discussed.