Tractor Noise - hearing safety

[patrickg]

Is it just me, or what? I already have dropouts, tinitus, etc. When I operate anywhere near PTO speed (actually over about 2000 RPM) for very long my hearing takes a hit. I've started carying muffs (hearing protectors) in the cab to use. Yes, C A B !! It is quieter in the cab with the doors closed but I wonder if maybe there is a resonance phenomena or something that boosts certain frequencies or something. Anybody out there with a stock factory cab on a Kubota, especially a Grand L4610HST, who would care to comment? I did see posts about active noise cancellation type hearing protectors/radios but the good ones were quite pricey. Oh well, ears ain't cheap, maybe I should bite the bullet and buy some.

Patrick

P.S. My dealer says there is a wide spread shortage of L4610 tractors, any comments?

 

[Von]

Patrick,
I took a pair of muffs and added a pair of speakers to them. I use a portable "walkman" type radio when I cut the grass. Total cost was about $30.00 for everything.

 

[Jag]

Partick, do not know about your L but my 95-L2650 is one of the loadest around. Sure hope they are made quiter now...

Von, I have the same set-up and works great..

 

[Billc]

Pat, this subject has come up several times over the years. I'm with you, I try my best to keep my hearing at the level it is now. Too many times as a teen I had ear phones on blasting a loud as I could get it. Stupid. Anyway, now days I don't run my tractor, mower, trimmers, etc without some foam ear plugs in and shooting muffs over my ears.

This combo makes a big difference when I turn off the tractor. Often I'll been cutting for 6 hours without a break. Without them my head pounds for hours after, with them there's no ringing after.

Bill Cook