A Study on the Reduction of Lateral Vibration in the Mower System

Generally, a single-cylinder two-stroke= cycle gasoline engine has been used for mowers because of its compactness and low weight. However, Raynaud's disease is an occupational hazard for machine operators due to the lateral vibration of the engine-beam-cutter systems caused by the first-order unbalanced inertial force of reciprocating masses of the engine.

In this study, the authors adapted the countermeasure of the overbalancing method (20%) within the structurally allowed limits. We have also clarified the lateral vibration characteristics by using FEM and IET (impulse excitation techniques). We have investigated a proper countermeasure isolating the beam from the engine vibration. We have also achieved significant reduction of the amplitude of lateral vibration compatible with low weight and compactness, which are supposed to be the key advantages of this type of system.