Stability analysis of platforms for picking fruit according to forthcoming standard EN 16952: a case study

Abstract

Abstract. Self-propelled machines equipped with mobile elevated platforms able to raise workers and materials are frequently employed for orchard's operations, such as harvesting fruit, pruning operations, opening and closing anti-hail nets and so on. The European standardization Committee (CEN) approved a new specific standard processing, the upcoming EN 16952. This Standard defines the conditions pertinent to different aspects of the mobile aerial platforms and of the automatic control systems in order to have different devices to grant the workers' safety. The main safety requirements and measures provided by the forthcoming standard EN 16952 are analysed and highlighted in this paper.