Command Arm Vibration Reduction for Golf Mowing Machine

The demands on improving the noise, vibration and harshness of the golf mowing machines are growing rapidly. Low frequency vibrations at the human touchpoints are one of the important factors leading to the discomfort of operators on these machines. In the present work, low frequency vibrations experienced by the operator of the golf mowing machine are reduced using finite element analysis (FEA) and validated by a physical test. Initially, testing observed high vibration at the command arm, where some of the operating controls are placed. FEA was carried out on a frame level assembly and the design was iterated to affect these vibration levels. The golf mowing machine considered in this work is powered by a gasoline engine, which is the source of excitation in the current scenario. The operational forces of the engine were measured by using blocked-force transfer path analysis at its mounts. The modal frequency response analysis used these calculated forces as an input excitation. The vibration levels predicted at the operator’s touchpoints through simulation showed a good match of the trend with the measured test response. The structural changes were done in simulation after studying modal participation factors for high vibration levels at a frequency of interest. Reductions in vibration levels at the command arm were validated through the test, which provided enhanced operator comfort.