ISO 17063:2003

Overview

ISO 17063:2003 - "Earth-moving machinery - Braking systems of pedestrian-controlled machines - Performance requirements and test procedures" - defines minimum performance criteria and standard test methods for braking systems on pedestrian-controlled, self-propelled earth-moving machines (per ISO 6165) with a mass greater than 115 kg and a travel speed under 6 km/h. The standard applies to both service brakes and parking brakes, enabling uniform assessment of stopping capability and immobilization for compact earth-moving machinery.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability: Pedestrian-controlled (operator walks alongside) earth-moving machinery, machine mass >115 kg, maximum travel speed <6 km/h.
• Brake system definitions: Service brake, parking brake, brake components, brake circuit and brake control (terms aligned with ISO 6165).
• Actuation forces: Maximum operator input forces - 20 N for finger-operated controls (levers, switches) and 220 N for hand-operated controls.
• Stopping distance (service brake):
  • Tests conducted at maximum forward and reverse ground speeds (per ISO 6014) on a prepared test track.
  • Acceptance criterion: stopping distance (m) ≤ 0.2 × maximum ground speed (km/h).
  • Test track slope in direction of travel ≤ 1% for stop-distance tests.
• Immobilization (service brake):
  • Brake must hold vehicle on a 25% slope (or the maximum climbable slope if less).
  • Alternative method: apply horizontal traction force equivalent to slope (force in N = 2.38 × machine mass (kg) for 25%).
  • For non-hydrostatic systems, permitted sliding ≤ 2 m/min when brakes applied.
• Parking brake:
  • Must hold the machine on a 20% slope in both directions or alternative traction-force test (force in N = 1.92 × machine mass (kg)).
  • Parking brake must be independent of expendable energy sources (remain applied if power is lost) and resist accidental release.
• Design constraints:
  • No in-cab brake-disconnect devices (e.g., clutches or disengageable gearboxes) that can disable brakes from the operator position.
  • Hydrostatic transmissions may be accepted as braking devices if they meet performance criteria.
• Test conditions and report: Specifies pre-test conditions, vehicle configuration and detailed test-report content (machine ID, mass, tyre/track dimensions, test results, applied forces, dates and signatures).

Applications and who uses it

• Manufacturers use ISO 17063 for design verification, type approval and to demonstrate compliance for pedestrian-controlled earth-moving machines.
• Test laboratories apply the test procedures and reporting requirements for independent validation.
• Safety engineers and compliance officers reference the standard during risk assessments, procurement and certification.
• Regulators and procurement teams include ISO 17063 criteria in specifications for rental fleets, public works equipment and contractor compliance.

Related standards

• ISO 6165 - Earth-moving machinery - main types and vocabulary (terminology referenced)
• ISO 6014 - Determination of ground speed (used for speed measurements)
• ISO 6016 - Measurement of masses of complete machines and components

Keywords: ISO 17063, braking systems, pedestrian-controlled machines, earth-moving machinery, performance requirements, test procedures, service brake, parking brake, stopping distance, immobilization.