Vibration Fatigue Syndrome?

wasabi · Apr 23, 2003

Hey all. I don't know if such a thing actually exists and doubt, if it does, that it would be unique to PT's, but thought I would at least raise the subject for discussion.

I was at our farm last week and worked with our beloved PT 2445 for basically four days straight. I am in the process of clearing and terracing about an acre hillside field for planting asparagus, artichokes, berries and other perennials. The field is mostly scrub, but there are several 8 to 10 inch locust and sassafrass trees and numerous stumps from 4 to 10 inches. I'm using a trencher, tiller, backhoe and boxblade. (As an aside, although I love the backhoe, I've actually found the trencher to be the most productive attachment for digging stumps...).

Anyway, laugh if you must, but here has been my experience after less than a year of tractoring....I find if I spend a couple of hours, my legs are kind of wobbly (knees especially) when I go to get off....almost like they are asleep. It only takes a few minutes to recover and I am not overly concerned about long term effects, but kind of curious...I'm wondering if this is related to the constant vibrations? Anyone have any insights?

davesisk · Apr 23, 2003

Wasabi:

This is an interesting post. I'd think hours/days of vibration might very well be a factor. (I think motorcyclists often experience some effects of the vibration from their bikes). Also, possibly sitting in the same position with the balls of your feet slightly raised (unconsciously) while working the treadle could very well be a factor too.

I'm interested in seeing if other folks who use their machines commercially day in and day out have any advice...

Dave

Anonymous Poster · Apr 23, 2003

I don't have enough seat time to judge the vibration factor,
but I found it quite uncomfortable to hold the balls of my feet higher than my heels while in a seating position and my first minutes at the helm were scary as muscle "spasm" would cause me to be erratic in tight conditions where I had to "feather" forward/reverse...

I resolved this heel/toe awkwardness by installing "square"(shouldered) bolts where my heel would rest and I put them essentially level with the treadle.

Now, when I step in to the tractor, the first thing my foot encounters is the "footrest" and I don't worry about stepping on to the treadle....I used a 3/8" bolt with nuts on "top" to set the height and nuts under the floor to secure it.

Don't know if this would help you, but it has made operation for me much more comfortable with no "tension" in the leg muscle.

Charlie_Iliff · Apr 23, 2003

I don't know about vibration being a contributor, since sometimes I get a similar syndrome from sitting at my desk for long periods. I attribute it to age and try to ignore it.
Same with the cramps - and .... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Schultz · Apr 23, 2003

I got the same feeling in my legs, butt, & hands when I rode a Harley Sportster I use to have for long rides (200-300mi). I've read accounts that the numbness from vibrations does have nerve damaging effects.

On a different subject:
Are you using some of those Sassafrass roots for some ice tea?

Sedgewood · Apr 23, 2003

bmkar: I resolved this heel/toe awkwardness by installing "square"(shouldered) bolts where my heel would rest and I put them essentially level with the treadle.


Hm.. My 1845 has adjustable footrests... guess that's what all those extra dollars were for.

Sedgewood /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Anonymous Poster · Apr 23, 2003

( My 1845 has adjustable footrests )

Wished I would've known that BEFORE I drilled 4 holes in my 422...That'll make it tough to return... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

...well, maybe not, but at least this restores my faith in PT design that some folks got such a thing /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

MossRoad · Apr 23, 2003

I've operated the PT425 for 4-5 hours at a stretch and never gotten off the seat. My knees were a little cramped from being in the same position for so long, but I get that when driving or sitting at a desk as well. So now I make it a point to get up and stretch every hour or so, whether it is at my desk or on my PT. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Tractors4u · Apr 23, 2003

When I was growing up my dad had a Gravely commercial riding mower. It was one of those tractor types with the engine right under the seat. When I would get off of that thing it felt like everything from the waist down was numb.