ISO 18564:2016

Overview

ISO 18564:2016 - "Machinery for forestry - Noise test code" is an ISO standard that specifies standardized procedures for measuring noise emissions of self‑propelled forestry machinery. It covers common machine types (fellers, bunchers, delimbers, forwarders, log loaders, skidders, processors, harvesters, mulchers and multi‑function versions as defined in ISO 6814) and defines how to determine the A‑weighted emission sound pressure at the operator’s station and the A‑weighted sound power level of the machine over specified dynamic test conditions.

The standard favors simulated dynamic test conditions to provide repeatable, representative noise data useful for manufacturer declarations, product comparisons and design‑stage noise control.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Measurement quantities
  • A‑weighted time‑averaged emission sound pressure level at the operator’s station.
  • A‑weighted sound power level over a specified work cycle.
• Measurement methods
  • Operator station sound pressure: use ISO 11201 procedures.
  • Sound power: use ISO 3744 engineering method with hemisphere microphone array.
• Microphone placement
  • Operator microphone: on an open‑frame helmet or shoulder harness, axis horizontal, diaphragm 200 mm ± 20 mm lateral to head centre plane; for seated operators 700 mm ± 50 mm above the seat index point.
  • Sound power microphones: six positions on a hemisphere; hemisphere radius selected as 4 m, 10 m or 16 m depending on machine basic length (or adjusted for crane reach).
• Operating and installation conditions
  • Machines stationary with tools operating, engines idling at 75 % ± 5 % of rated maximum efficiency unless otherwise specified.
  • Requirements for site surface (hard reflective), background noise, weather (no precipitation, wind limits), and instrumentation conditions.
  • Fan and ventilation system operating rules and reporting.
• Safety and reporting
  • Caution: moving/rotating parts may create hazardous situations; safe zones required.
  • Test results, operating conditions and measurement uncertainties must be recorded and reported.

Practical applications and users

• Manufacturers - declare declared noise emission values for product literature and compare machine families.
• Design engineers - use measured data to control noise at source and support low‑noise design (also for frequency‑band analysis using ISO 3744/ISO 11201).
• Acoustic test laboratories - implement standardized dynamic test procedures for forestry machines.
• Regulatory bodies and purchasers - verify compliance, compare models and inform procurement specifications.
• R&D teams - evaluate mitigation measures and validate quieter configurations.

Related standards

• ISO 3744:2010 - sound power determination (engineering methods)
• ISO 11201 - emission sound pressure levels at workstations
• ISO 4871, ISO 5353, ISO 6395, ISO 6396 - related machinery acoustics and seating/measurement guidance
• ISO 6814 - definitions of forestry machine types

Keywords: ISO 18564:2016, machinery for forestry, noise test code, A‑weighted sound power level, operator’s station, noise emission, forestry machinery noise testing.