Ergonomic study of the interaction between novice users and technological solutions adopted in tractor cabs

The massive introduction of technology in agriculture lead to a revolution in farming, in terms of a huge increase in productivity, energy savings, lower environmental impact, and improvement of drivers' working conditions. Technological innovation, however, raises some issues about its acceptability and perceived comfort. With regard to this, ergonomics considers users involvement and subjective ratings fundamental to improve efficiency, safety, and human well-being. In particular, the involvement of novice users is useful to identify the most severe issues. This study investigates the subjective assessment of comfort made by a group of novices approaching a tractor equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Electronics plays a major role in controlling the performance of this type of transmission and the working station (the cab) has been designed to hold and integrate the specific controls this technology requires. Eight tractor drivers participated in the study. After they had driven the tractor performing definite tasks they filled in a questionnaire about the arrangement and operation of the controls and of the touch-screen display and the general perception of safety, comfort, ease of use and solidity. The results of the study shows that participants didn't find the vehicle particularly user-friendly because it was equipped with controls and devices that made difficult to learn how they had to be triggered. The study points out that novice users have some difficulties when interacting for the first time with technological and electronic devices equipping the tractor's working station. These difficulties highlight the importance of training when a new machine has to be operated to improve user's comfort, operator's health and safety, and machine performance.