ISO 4254-10:2009

Overview

ISO 4254-10:2009 - Agricultural machinery - Safety - Part 10: Rotary tedders and rakes - is a Type‑C ISO standard that specifies safety requirements and verification for the design and construction of rotary tedders, rotary rakes and rotary tedder–rakes (including rotary drum rakes). It is intended to be used together with ISO 4254‑1:2008 (General requirements) and covers machines operated by a single person with one or more powered rotors (mounted, semi‑mounted, trailed or self‑propelled). The standard also defines the information manufacturers must supply on safe working practices and residual risks.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and machine types: Clarifies which machines are included and explicitly excludes ground‑driven tine machines (e.g. sunflower rakes), parallel bar rakes, chain/endless‑belt rakes, pedestrian‑controlled machines and machines with pick‑up devices.
• Hazard identification: Lists significant hazards (mechanical, electrical, thermal, noise, materials) specific to rotary tedders and rakes and requires designers to address them.
• Protection against moving parts: Requirements for guarding and protection to prevent contact with tines and tine arms, including stowage/storage positions and service/maintenance access.
• Controls and operator interface: Requirements for safe control placement, actuation, prevention of inadvertent operation, and protection from shearing/pinching at the operator station.
• Transport and folding mechanisms: Safety measures for swivelling/movable components and transport positions.
• Structural verification: Includes verification and testing requirements (see clauses on verification and Annex B strength test).
• Noise and information: Requirements related to noise assessment and the instruction handbook, marking and safety signs that manufacturers must provide.
• Limitations: Does not cover environmental hazards other than noise, electromagnetic compatibility, vibration, overturning protection of operator stations, power transmission moving parts (except guard strength), or control system safety/reliability.

Practical applications and users

• Who uses it: Machine manufacturers, design engineers, compliance officers, test laboratories, safety assessors, procurement specialists, and regulatory bodies.
• Why it matters: Ensures rotary tedder/rake products meet internationally accepted safety requirements, reduces risk of entanglement, crushing, shearing and noise exposure, and provides consistent requirements for verification and user information.
• Benefits: Helps manufacturers demonstrate conformity, aids risk assessment and product development, and supports safer operation and maintenance practices.

Related standards

• ISO 4254‑1:2008 (General requirements) - to be used in conjunction with ISO 4254‑10.
• References include ISO 12100 (machinery safety principles), ISO 13857 (safety distances), ISO 3864‑1 (safety signs) and others cited in the normative references.

Keywords: ISO 4254-10:2009, rotary tedders, rotary rakes, agricultural machinery safety, safety requirements, manufacturer information, hazard verification.