FprEN 18068
(Main)Agricultural machinery - Safety - Compact carriers
- Abstract
This document specifies the safety requirements and their verification for the design and construction of compact carriers used in agriculture. It is intended to be used together with EN ISO 4254-1:20152. When provisions of this document are different from those which are stated in EN ISO 4254-1:2015, the provisions of this document take precedence over the provisions of EN ISO 4254-1:2015 for machines that have been designed and built according to the provisions of this document.
This document deals with the significant hazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to compact carriers, when they are used as intended and under the conditions foreseen by the manufacturer but also taking into account any reasonably foreseeable misuse thereof (see Annex A).
In addition, this document specifies the type of information on safe working practices that is provided by the manufacturer.
This document does not deal with hazards related to:
- pesticide application;
- lifting operations;
- lifting of persons.
While this document does not deal with the design and construction of interchangeable equipment, requirements in this document also address hazards which can occur from the combination of compact carriers with interchangeable equipment as per multiple uses intended by the manufacturer of the compact carrier.
Compact carriers when provided with cab and provisions for fitting a cab are not dealt with this document.
Compact carriers intended for a seated operator are not dealt with this document.
Compact carriers only remote controlled are not covered by this document.
The following are excluded by this document:
- agricultural and forestry tractors as defined in Regulation (EU) No 167/2013;
- the machines falling within the scope of:
- the EN 474:2022 series;
- EN 12733:2018;
- EN 709:1997+A4:2009.
This document is not applicable to machines manufactured before the date of its publication.
- Status
- Not Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Jan-2027
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 144 - Tractors and machinery for agriculture and forestry
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 144/WG 9 - Compact tool carriers for agriculture and forestry
- Current Stage
- 4599 - Dispatch of FV draft to CMC - Finalization for Vote
- Completion Date
- 30-Jul-2026
FprEN 18068 is a draft European Standard from CEN for the safety of agricultural compact carriers. It specifies safety requirements, verification methods, and manufacturer information for self-propelled wheeled or crawler machines under 2 000 kg that are designed to work with interchangeable equipment and have either a pedestrian operating position or a standing operator platform. For manufacturers, test labs, quality teams, and buyers, it shows how these machines are to be designed, checked, marked, and documented.
What does FprEN 18068 specify?
FprEN 18068 specifies the safety requirements and verification methods for the design and construction of compact carriers used in agriculture. It is intended to be used together with EN ISO 4254-1:2015, and where the two differ, FprEN 18068 takes precedence for machines built to this document.
The scope covers significant hazards, hazardous situations, and hazardous events for intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse. It also sets the type of safety information the manufacturer must provide to users.
The document excludes pesticide application, lifting operations, lifting of persons, cab-equipped machines and machines with provisions for fitting a cab, compact carriers intended for a seated operator, and machines that are only remote controlled. It also excludes agricultural and forestry tractors as defined in Regulation (EU) No 167/2013, as well as machines within EN 474:2022, EN 12733:2018, and EN 709:1997+A4:2009.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A | Significant hazards |
| Annex B | Stability test |
| Annex C | Testing configuration for interchangeable equipment |
| Annex D | Noise emission determination |
| Annex E | Hand-arm and whole-body vibration determination |
| Annex F | Examples of compact carriers |
| Annex ZA | Link to Directive 2006/42/EC |
What are the key requirements of FprEN 18068?
General safety basis
FprEN 18068 builds on EN ISO 4254-1:2015 and the design principles of EN ISO 12100:2010. In practice, that means a compact carrier must first meet the general agricultural machinery safety baseline, then satisfy the compact-carrier-specific rules in this document for the hazards it covers.
Operator station, access, and controls
FprEN 18068 requires a safe operator station with suitable handholds, safe access and egress, and protection from moving parts and sharp edges. The operator platform, where fitted, must provide a stable standing area and be strong enough for the loading test in Clause 5.2; on faster machines, it also needs lateral protection.
The control system must be clear and hard to misuse. Controls and indicators must be identifiable, arranged within the defined control zones, and designed so that inadvertent activation is minimized. Compact carrier movement is controlled by hold-to-run controls, and machines with multiple control positions must prevent conflicting use except for stop functions.
Travel speed, braking, visibility, and stability
FprEN 18068 sets separate travel-speed and braking expectations for pedestrian-operated and ride-on compact carriers. The practical point is that speed must match how the operator is positioned, and the machine must stop safely if the engine stops or a fault occurs.
Visibility is also part of the safety concept. The operator must be able to see the machine’s working area, and provisions for working lights must be available. Stability is a major theme: Clause 4.7 requires static stability performance, Annex B defines the test method, and Annex C shows how to configure the machine with interchangeable equipment for testing.
Interchangeable equipment and coupling
The coupling system for interchangeable equipment must retain the equipment under normal use and prevent unintended release. The engaged position must be verifiable from the operator’s position or from the engagement control position.
Controls for interchangeable equipment are generally hold-to-run. If a different control arrangement is used, the document requires dedicated emergency stopping and a restart action that prevents unintended movement. For manufacturers, this means the interface between the base machine and the equipment must be designed as a safety-critical system, not just a mechanical attachment point.
Protective measures for thermal, electrical, fire, maintenance, noise, and vibration hazards
FprEN 18068 requires guarding against hot exhaust surfaces, directing exhaust fumes away from the operator, and protecting access to moving parts with suitable guards or sensitive protective devices. Electrical and electronic systems must be selected and installed for the operating environment, with insulation, routing, protection degree, over-current protection, battery disconnection, and suitable connectors where applicable.
The document also addresses fire risk, maintenance access, and engine-compartment protection. Noise emission and vibration transmission are not left to general guidance alone - they are assigned dedicated determination methods in Annex D and Annex E, which matters because the manufacturer has to measure and communicate these values in the user information.
Verification, instructions, and marking
Clause 5 links each safety requirement to a verification method such as calculation, visual check, measurement, functional testing, or special verification by reference to another standard. That makes the document usable both for design review and for conformity checking.
Clause 6 requires safety signs, an instruction handbook with noise, vibration, and safe-use information, and machine marking. The marking must identify the manufacturer, machine designation, serial number, year of construction, engine power, operating mass, and gross mass. A specific warning about slope use is also required for standing-operator machines.
What terms does FprEN 18068 define?
- Compact carrier - A self-propelled wheeled or crawler machine under 2 000 kg, designed mainly for interchangeable equipment and fitted with a pedestrian operating position or a standing operator platform.
- Operating mass - The machine mass without interchangeable equipment or ballast, with the operator included where a platform is provided, half a fuel tank, and fluids at the manufacturer’s specified levels.
- Gross mass - The operating mass plus the maximum mass the manufacturer foresees the machine can carry, including ballast, interchangeable equipment, payload, and related fluids.
- Operator platform - The standing surface used by a ride-on operator to control the compact carrier.
- Coupling system for interchangeable equipment - The device that allows quick connection and release of interchangeable equipment from the base machine.
- Interchangeable equipment - Equipment assembled by the operator after putting the compact carrier into service to change its function or give it a new one.
- Service brake system - The primary braking device used to stop the machine and hold it stationary.
- Secondary/emergency braking system - A braking system intended to stop the machine if the service brake system fails.
Who uses FprEN 18068?
- Machine manufacturers use it to design compact carriers and their interfaces with interchangeable equipment.
- Design and safety engineers use it for risk reduction, guarding, controls, stability, and electrical design.
- Quality managers and test laboratories use it to verify compliance through the methods in Clause 5 and the annexes.
- Buyers and procurement teams use it to compare whether a compact carrier is built for the intended use profile.
- Regulators and market surveillance bodies use it when checking machinery safety claims and documentation.
- Service and maintenance providers use it to understand access, isolation, and maintenance-related safety measures.
Which standards are used with FprEN 18068?
| Standard | Contribution |
|---|---|
| EN ISO 4254-1:2015 | General agricultural machinery safety requirements used alongside this document |
| EN ISO 12100:2010 | Risk assessment and risk reduction principles |
| EN ISO 3450:2011 | Brake performance for wheeled or high-speed rubber-tracked machines |
| ISO 10265:2008 | Brake system requirements for crawler machines |
| ISO 17063:2003 | Brake systems for the lower-speed pedestrian-platform case named in Clause 4.5.3 |
| EN 1032:2003+A1:2008 | Measurement of vibration emission |
| EN 60529:1991 | IP Code protection degree for enclosures |
| ISO 3600:2022 | Operator’s manual content and format |
| ISO 9244:2008 and ISO 3864 series | Safety signs, labels, and graphical symbol design |
| IEC 60204-1:2016+AMD1:2021 CSV | Electrical equipment of machinery guidance |
| ISO 11862:1993 | Auxiliary starting aid electrical connector |
| ISO 12508:1994 | Bluntness of edges and corner requirements |
| ISO 10261:2021 | Product identification numbering |
| ISO 14396:2002 | Engine power designation |
| EN ISO 16231-2:2015 and ISO 789-6:2019 | Alternative and supporting stability methods |
What does the FprEN 18068 document contain?
FprEN 18068 is organized as a requirement-and-verification document. Clause 4 sets the safety measures, Clause 5 links them to verification methods, and Clause 6 covers warnings, the instruction handbook, and marking.
Its annexes add the practical test content: Annex B defines a static tilt-table stability test, Annex C gives test configurations for different interchangeable equipment cases, Annex D defines noise measurement on a dynamic cycle, and Annex E defines vibration measurement on a similar route-based test. Figures support the control-zone, compression-force, test-cone, and travel-path set-ups, while Annex ZA maps the standard to Directive 2006/42/EC.
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
Control Union Certifications
Global certification for agriculture and sustainability.
ECOCERT
Organic and sustainability certification.
FSC International
Forest Stewardship Council certification.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
FprEN 18068 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Agricultural machinery - Safety - Compact carriers". This standard covers: This document specifies the safety requirements and their verification for the design and construction of compact carriers used in agriculture. It is intended to be used together with EN ISO 4254-1:20152. When provisions of this document are different from those which are stated in EN ISO 4254-1:2015, the provisions of this document take precedence over the provisions of EN ISO 4254-1:2015 for machines that have been designed and built according to the provisions of this document. This document deals with the significant hazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to compact carriers, when they are used as intended and under the conditions foreseen by the manufacturer but also taking into account any reasonably foreseeable misuse thereof (see Annex A). In addition, this document specifies the type of information on safe working practices that is provided by the manufacturer. This document does not deal with hazards related to: - pesticide application; - lifting operations; - lifting of persons. While this document does not deal with the design and construction of interchangeable equipment, requirements in this document also address hazards which can occur from the combination of compact carriers with interchangeable equipment as per multiple uses intended by the manufacturer of the compact carrier. Compact carriers when provided with cab and provisions for fitting a cab are not dealt with this document. Compact carriers intended for a seated operator are not dealt with this document. Compact carriers only remote controlled are not covered by this document. The following are excluded by this document: - agricultural and forestry tractors as defined in Regulation (EU) No 167/2013; - the machines falling within the scope of: - the EN 474:2022 series; - EN 12733:2018; - EN 709:1997+A4:2009. This document is not applicable to machines manufactured before the date of its publication.
This document specifies the safety requirements and their verification for the design and construction of compact carriers used in agriculture. It is intended to be used together with EN ISO 4254-1:20152. When provisions of this document are different from those which are stated in EN ISO 4254-1:2015, the provisions of this document take precedence over the provisions of EN ISO 4254-1:2015 for machines that have been designed and built according to the provisions of this document. This document deals with the significant hazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to compact carriers, when they are used as intended and under the conditions foreseen by the manufacturer but also taking into account any reasonably foreseeable misuse thereof (see Annex A). In addition, this document specifies the type of information on safe working practices that is provided by the manufacturer. This document does not deal with hazards related to: - pesticide application; - lifting operations; - lifting of persons. While this document does not deal with the design and construction of interchangeable equipment, requirements in this document also address hazards which can occur from the combination of compact carriers with interchangeable equipment as per multiple uses intended by the manufacturer of the compact carrier. Compact carriers when provided with cab and provisions for fitting a cab are not dealt with this document. Compact carriers intended for a seated operator are not dealt with this document. Compact carriers only remote controlled are not covered by this document. The following are excluded by this document: - agricultural and forestry tractors as defined in Regulation (EU) No 167/2013; - the machines falling within the scope of: - the EN 474:2022 series; - EN 12733:2018; - EN 709:1997+A4:2009. This document is not applicable to machines manufactured before the date of its publication.
FprEN 18068 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 65.060.01 - Agricultural machines and equipment in general; 65.060.99 - Other agricultural machines and equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
FprEN 18068 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2006/42/EC, 2023/1230; Standardization Mandates: M/396, M/605. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
FprEN 18068 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2024
Kmetijski stroji - Varnost - Kompaktni nosilci
Agricultural machinery - Safety - Compact carriers
Landmaschinen - Sicherheit - Kompakt-Geräteträger
Matériel agricole - Sécurité - Porte-outils compacts
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 18068
ICS:
65.060.01 Kmetijski stroji in oprema na Agricultural machines and
splošno equipment in general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 18068
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
April 2024
ICS 65.060.01
English Version
Agricultural machinery - Safety - Compact carriers
Matériel agricole - Sécurité - Porteurs compacts Landmaschinen - Sicherheit - Kompakt-Geräteträger
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 144.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2024 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 18068:2024 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 5
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 10
4 Safety requirements and protective measures . 12
4.1 General. 12
4.2 Operator's station . 12
4.2.1 General. 12
4.2.2 Access . 12
4.2.3 Moving parts . 12
4.2.4 Instruction storage . 13
4.2.5 Sharp edges . 13
4.2.6 Operator platform . 13
4.3 Controls and indicators . 14
4.3.1 General. 14
4.3.2 Location . 14
4.3.3 Inadvertent activation . 16
4.3.4 Emergency lowering . 16
4.3.5 Uncontrolled motion . 16
4.3.6 Remote control . 16
4.3.7 Control panels . 16
4.3.8 Controls of ride-on compact carriers . 16
4.3.9 Controls of compact carriers with a pedestrian operator position . 16
4.3.10 Powered travel movement . 17
4.3.11 Controls for interchangeable equipment . 17
4.4 Travel speed . 17
4.4.1 Compact carriers with a pedestrian operator position . 17
4.4.2 Ride-on compact carriers. 18
4.5 Brake systems . 18
4.5.1 General. 18
4.5.2 Compact carriers having a travel speed greater than 6 km/h . 18
4.5.3 Compact carriers having a travel speed less than or equal to 6 km/h . 18
4.6 Visibility . 18
4.6.1 Operator's field of view . 18
4.6.2 Lighting, signalling and marking lights, and reflex-reflector devices . 18
4.7 Stability . 18
4.7.1 Compact carrier without interchangeable equipment. 18
4.7.2 Compact carrier with interchangeable equipment . 19
4.8 Coupling system for interchangeable equipment . 19
4.9 Protective measures and devices . 19
4.9.1 Hot surfaces . 19
4.9.2 Exhaust fumes . 19
4.9.3 Moving parts . 20
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
4.9.4 Guards and barriers . 20
4.9.5 Sharp edges and acute angles. 20
4.10 Electrical and electronic systems . 20
4.10.1 General . 20
4.10.2 Insulation . 21
4.10.3 Electrical wires/cables routing . 21
4.10.4 Degree of protection . 21
4.10.5 Detachable connections . 21
4.10.6 Over-current protection device . 22
4.10.7 Battery disconnection . 22
4.10.8 Electrical connector for auxiliary starting aids . 22
4.10.9 Electric socket for lighting. 22
4.11 Fire protection . 22
4.12 Maintenance . 23
4.12.1 General . 23
4.12.2 Routine maintenance . 23
4.12.3 Support devices . 23
4.12.4 Access to the engine compartment . 23
4.13 Noise . 23
4.14 Vibrations . 23
5 Verification of the safety requirements and protective measures . 23
5.1 General . 23
5.2 Compression force for operator platform . 26
5.3 Hot surfaces . 27
5.3.1 Test method . 27
5.3.2 Test acceptance . 28
6 Information for use . 29
6.1 Safety and instructional signs . 29
6.2 Instruction handbook . 29
6.2.1 General . 29
6.2.2 Information concerning airborne noise emission . 29
6.2.3 Information concerning hand-arm and whole-body vibration emission . 29
6.2.4 Instructions and information for use and maintenance . 29
6.2.5 Multiple uses . 31
6.3 Marking . 31
6.3.1 General . 31
6.3.2 Warning signs . 32
Annex A (informative) List of significant hazards . 33
Annex B (normative) Stability test . 38
B.1 General requirements . 38
B.2 Tilt table . 38
B.3 Alternative methods . 40
B.4 Acceptance criteria . 40
Annex C (informative) Testing configuration of compact carrier with interchangeable
equipment . 41
C.1 Non-load carrying for ground use . 41
C.2 Non-load carrying for non-ground use . 41
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
C.3 Load carrying for ground use . 41
C.4 Load carrying for non-ground use . 42
C.5 Stationary use. 42
Annex D (normative) Determination of noise emission for compact carriers . 45
D.1 General. 45
D.2 Test surface and positioning of machine. 45
D.3 Machine set-up . 48
D.4 Machine operation. 49
D.5 Calculation for combined cycle of travel, stationary work cycle and stationary low-
idle modes . 50
Annex E (normative) Determination of hand-arm and whole-body vibrations for compact
carriers . 51
E.1 General. 51
E.2 Test surface and positioning of machine. 51
E.3 Machine set-up . 53
E.4 Machine operation. 53
Annex F (informative) Examples of compact carrier . 54
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Directive 2006/42/EC aimed to be covered . 55
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 18068:2024) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 144 “Tractors
and machinery for agriculture and forestry”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
For the relationship with EU Legislation, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
Introduction
This document is a type-C standard as stated in ISO 12100:2010.
The machinery concerned and the extent to which hazards, hazardous situations or hazardous events are
covered are indicated in the Scope of this document.
Significant hazards that are common to all of the agricultural machines (self-propelled, mounted, semi-
mounted and trailed) are dealt with in EN ISO 4254-1.
When requirements of this type-C standard are different from those which are stated in type-A or type-
B standards, the requirements of this type-C standard take precedence over the requirements of the other
standards for machines that have been designed and built according to the requirements of this type-C
standard.
This document is of relevance, in particular, for the following stakeholder groups representing the market
players with regard to machinery safety:
— machine manufacturers (small, medium and large enterprises);
— health and safety bodies (regulators, accident prevention organizations, market surveillance, etc.)
Others can be affected by the level of machinery safety achieved with the means of the document by the
above-mentioned stakeholder groups:
— machine users/employers (small, medium and large enterprises);
— machine users/employees (e.g. trade unions, organizations for people with special needs);
— service providers, e.g. for maintenance (small, medium and large enterprises);
— consumers (in case of machinery intended for use by consumers).
The above-mentioned stakeholder groups have been given the possibility to participate at the drafting
process of this document.
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies the safety requirements and their verification for the design and construction of
. When provisions of this
compact carriers. It is intended to be used together with EN ISO 4254-1:2015
document are different from those which are stated in EN ISO 4254-1:2015, the provisions of this
document take precedence over the provisions of EN ISO 4254-1:2015 for machines that have been
designed and built according to the provisions of this document.
This document deals with the significant hazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to compact
carriers, when they are used as intended and under the conditions foreseen by the manufacturer but also
taking into account any reasonably foreseeable misuse thereof (see Annex A).
In addition, this document specifies the type of information on safe working practices that is provided by
the manufacturer.
The following significant and relevant hazards are not covered in this document:
— design of machinery to facilitate its handling;
— external radiation;
— laser radiation;
— lightning;
— falling objects;
— towing devices;
— transmission of power between self-propelled machinery (or tractor) and recipient machinery;
and hazards related to:
— the presence of a seated operator;
— the environment on compact carrier intended for pesticide application;
— lifting operations;
— lifting of persons.
While this document does not deal with the design and construction of interchangeable equipment,
requirements in this document also address hazards which can occur from the combination of compact
carriers with interchangeable equipment as per multiple uses intended by the manufacturer of the
compact carrier.
Compact carriers when provided with cab and provisions for fitting a cab are not dealt with this
document.
This document is not applicable to machines manufactured before the date of its publication.
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1032:2003+A1:2008, Mechanical vibration - Testing of mobile machinery in order to determine the
vibration emission value
EN 60529:1991, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) (IEC 60529:1989)
EN ISO 2860:2008, Earth-moving machinery - Minimum access dimensions (ISO 2860:1992)
EN ISO 3450:2011, Earth-moving machinery - Wheeled or high-speed rubber-tracked machines -
Performance requirements and test procedures for brake systems (ISO 3450:2011)
EN ISO 3457:2008, Earth-moving machinery - Guards - Definitions and requirements (ISO 3457:2003)
EN ISO 4254-1:2015, Agricultural machinery - Safety - Part 1: General requirements (ISO 4254-1:2013)
EN ISO 6682:2008, Earth-moving machinery - Zones of comfort and reach for controls (ISO 6682:1986,
including Amd 1:1989)
EN ISO 12100:2010, Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk reduction
(ISO 12100:2010)
EN ISO 13850:2015, Safety of machinery - Emergency stop function - Principles for design (ISO 13850:2015)
EN ISO 13856-1:2013, Safety of machinery - Pressure-sensitive protective devices - Part 1: General
principles for design and testing of pressure-sensitive mats and pressure-sensitive floors (ISO 13856-1:2013)
EN ISO 13856-2:2013, Safety of machinery - Pressure-sensitive protective devices - Part 2: General
principles for design and testing of pressure-sensitive edges and pressure-sensitive bars (ISO 13856-2:2013)
EN ISO 13856-3:2013, Safety of machinery - Pressure-sensitive protective devices - Part 3: General
principles for design and testing of pressure-sensitive bumpers, plates, wires and similar devices (ISO 13856-
3:2013)
EN ISO 13857:2019, Safety of machinery - Safety distances to prevent hazard zones being reached by upper
and lower limbs (ISO 13857:2019)
EN ISO 14119:2013, Safety of machinery - Interlocking devices associated with guards - Principles for
design and selection (ISO 14119:2013)
EN ISO 14120:2015, Safety of machinery - Guards - General requirements for the design and construction
of fixed and movable guards (ISO 14120:2015)
EN ISO 16231-2:2015, Self-propelled agricultural machinery - Assessment of stability - Part 2:
Determination of static stability and test procedures (ISO 16231-2:2015)
As impacted by EN 60529:1991/A1:2000 and EN 60529:1991/A2:2013.
As impacted by EN ISO 4254-1:2015/A1:2021.
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
IEC 60204-1:2016+AMD1:2021 CSV, Safety of machinery — Electrical equipment of machines —
Part 1: General requirements
IEC 60364-1:2005, Low-voltage electrical installations — Part 1: Fundamental principles, assessment of
general characteristics, definitions
IEC 60364-5-51:2005, Electrical installations of buildings — Part 5-51: Selection and erection of electrical
equipment — Common rules
IEC 60364-5-52:2009, Low-voltage electrical installations — Part 5-52: Selection and erection of electrical
equipment — Wiring systems
IEC 61496-1:2020, Safety of machinery — Electro-sensitive protective equipment — Part 1: General
requirements and tests
ISO 789-6:2019, Agricultural tractors — Test procedures — Part 6: Centre of gravity
ISO 3600:2022, Tractors, machinery for agriculture and forestry, powered lawn and garden equipment —
Operator's manuals — Content and format
ISO 3864-1:2011, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Part 1: Design principles for safety
signs and safety markings
ISO 3864-2:2016, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Part 2: Design principles for
product safety labels
ISO 3864-3:2012, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Part 3: Design principles for
graphical symbols for use in safety signs
ISO 3864-4:2011, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Part 4: Colorimetric and
photometric properties of safety sign materials
6011:2023, Earth-moving machinery — Visual display of machine operation
ISO
ISO 6016:2008, Earth-moving machinery — Methods of measuring the masses of whole machines, their
equipment and components
ISO 6405-1:2017, Earth-moving machinery — Symbols for operator controls and other displays — Part 1:
Common symbols
ISO 6749:1984, Earth-moving machinery — Preservation and storage
ISO 9244:2008, Earth-moving machinery — Machine safety labels — General principles
ISO 9247:1990, Earth-moving machinery — Electrical wires and cables — Principles of identification and
marking
ISO 10261:2021, Earth-moving machinery — Product identification numbering system
As impacted by ISO 9244:2008/Amd 1:2016.
As impacted by ISO 9247:1990/Amd 1:1998.
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
ISO 10265:2008, Earth-moving machinery — Crawler machines — Performance requirements and test
procedures for braking systems
ISO 10968:2020, Earth-moving machinery — Operator's controls
ISO 11862:1993, Earth-moving machinery — Auxiliary starting aid electrical connector
ISO 12508:1994, Earth-moving machinery — Operator station and maintenance areas — Bluntness of
edges
ISO 14396:2002, Reciprocating internal combustion engines — Determination and method for the
measurement of engine power — Additional requirements for exhaust emission tests in accordance with ISO
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN ISO 4254-1:2015 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
3.1
compact carrier
CC
self-propelled crawler or wheeled machine primarily designed for operation with interchangeable
equipment, having an operating mass of less than 2 000 kg, having either a pedestrian operating position
or a standing operator platform at the rear of the machine, provided with coupling system for
interchangeable equipment or with lift arms/structure equipped with coupling system for
interchangeable equipment
Note 1 to entry: Examples of a compact carrier are illustrated in Annex F.
3.2
operating mass
mass of the compact carrier (3.1) as specified by the manufacturer without interchangeable equipment
(3.8) and ballast, and with the operator (75 kg) if the machine is provided with an operator platform (3.4),
half empty fuel tank and all fluid systems at the levels specified by the manufacturer
3.3
gross mass
combined mass of the operating mass (3.2) of the machine and the maximum mass that can be carried as
foreseen by the CC’s manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: Maximum mass that can be carried includes ballast, the mass of the interchangeable equipment
(3.8) and its rated payload, if any. Additional fluid systems of the interchangeable equipment at the levels specified
by the manufacturer are included in the mass of the interchangeable equipment.
3.4
operator platform
surface provided for a ride-on, standing operator to operate the compact carrier (3.1)
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
3.5
ground-supported operator platform
operator platform (3.1) that pivots about a connection on the base machine and is supported with one or
more trail wheels or skid surfaces that follows the contour of the ground
3.6
lift arms/structure for interchangeable equipment
moving arms or structures equipped with coupling system for interchangeable equipment (3.7) and
installed on compact carrier (3.1)
3.7
coupling system for interchangeable equipment
means for coupling interchangeable equipment (3.8) or device mounted on the compact carrier (3.1) to
facilitate the quick interchange of interchangeable equipment (3.8) from the base machine
Note 1 to entry: Coupling system for interchangeable equipment could be a quick coupler.
3.8
interchangeable equipment
device which, after the putting into service of compact carrier (3.1), is assembled with that machinery by
the operator himself in order to change its function or attribute a new function, in so far as this equipment
is not a tool
3.8.1
non-load carrying interchangeable equipment
interchangeable equipment (3.8) that during its normal use would not contain or support a payload
Note 1 to entry: Examples of non-load carrying interchangeable equipment are snow blade, snow blower, planer,
auger, mower, etc.
3.8.2
load carrying interchangeable equipment
interchangeable equipment (3.8) that during its normal use would contain or support a payload
Note 1 to entry: Examples of load carrying interchangeable equipment are dump body, concrete mixer, bucket,
excavator, sweeper, tank, etc.
3.8.3
interchangeable equipment for ground use
interchangeable equipment (3.8) whose working configuration, provided by the manufacturer, is mainly
in contact with the ground and/or in contact with a surface
Note 1 to entry: Examples of interchangeable equipment for ground use are sweeper, planer, auger, mower, front
blade, trencher, rotary tiller, etc.
3.8.4
interchangeable equipment for non-ground use
interchangeable equipment (3.8) whose working configuration, provided by the manufacturer, is not only
in contact with the ground or a surface
Note 1 to entry: Examples of interchangeable equipment for non-ground use are dumper body, concrete mixer,
bucket, mast with forks, sprayer, etc.
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
3.8.5
interchangeable equipment for stationary use
interchangeable equipment (3.8) designed to be used only with compact carrier (3.1) in stationary
conditions apart from travelling phase
Note 1 to entry: Examples of interchangeable equipment for stationary use are chipper.
3.9
machine side planes
planes parallel to machine longitudinal median plane passing through the outermost lateral contour of
the machine
3.10
service brake system
primary braking device designed for stopping and holding the machine in a stationary position
3.11
secondary/emergency braking system
braking system designed to stop the machine in the event of any failure in the service brake system (3.10)
3.12
parking brake system
system designed to hold a stopped machine in a stationary position and which, if appropriate, may also
be part of a secondary/emergency braking system (3.11)
4 Safety requirements and protective measures
4.1 General
Compact carrier shall comply with the safety requirements and protective measures
of EN ISO 4254-1:2015, in as far as those are not modified by the specific requirements of this clause.
In addition, the machine shall be designed according to the principles of EN ISO 12100:2010 for relevant
but not significant hazards which are not dealt with by this document.
4.2 Operator's station
4.2.1 General
A suitable device (e.g. handhold) providing a means of support for the operator during machine travel
shall be provided within the operator control zone defined in Figure 1. This device may also be used as
the handhold for access (see 4.2.2). If the compact carrier is equipped with an operator platform, the
device shall not restrict or impede the operator’s access to and egress from the platform.
EN ISO 4254-1:2015, 4.7, does not apply.
4.2.2 Access
In the event the compact carrier is fitted with an operator platform, the machine shall have a handhold
in accordance with ISO 2867:2011 to facilitate ingress to and egress from the platform.
4.2.3 Moving parts
EN ISO 4254-1:2015, 4.2, shall apply with the following addition.
Measures shall be taken to avoid inadvertent contact from the operating position with moving parts, e.g.
the wheels, or track or working equipment and/or attachment.
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
4.2.4 Instruction storage
EN ISO 4254-1:2015, 8.2.2, shall apply.
4.2.5 Sharp edges
EN ISO 4254-1:2015, 5.1.4, does not apply.
To avoid sharp edges or acute angles/corners at the operator’s space within the operator’s station, radius
of corners and bluntness of edges shall comply with ISO 12508:1994.
4.2.6 Operator platform
4.2.6.1 General
EN ISO 4254-1:2015, 4.7.2, does not apply.
The operator platform, if provided, shall:
a) have a flat and durable, slip-resistance surface;
b) have maximum height of 400 mm above the ground reference plane;
c) have a surface area of at least 1 400 cm and shall be capable of containing a circle with a minimum
diameter of 360 mm or minimum dimensions of 430 mm in width by 315 mm in depth;
d) for compact carriers having an operating mass not above 600 kg and a reverse speed less than
2,5 km/h, the operator platform shall have sufficient space for both of the operator’s feet. Depending
on the machine configuration, it may consist of two separate surfaces and may use machine
components. It shall be positioned so the operator can maintain stability;
e) ensure that the operator when on the platform is inside the machine side planes.
The operator platform shall be capable of withstanding a compression force corresponding to 2,5 times
the operating mass of the compact carrier. In any case, the compression force shall be not less than
1,5 times the gross mass of the compact carrier.
For compact carriers having an operating mass not above 600 kg and a reverse speed less than 2,5 km/h,
the compression force can be equal to 1,5 times the operating mass of the compact carrier. In any case,
the compression force shall be not less than the gross mass of the compact carrier.
Test shall be in accordance with 5.2.
In addition, for compact carriers capable of travelling more than 6 km/h the operator position shall be
provided with a lateral protection at either the sides of the platform. The lateral protections shall be
capable of withstanding a horizontal force of 900 N acting from inside to outside applied in line with the
centre of the lateral protections without permanent deflection. The lateral protections shall be at a
minimum height of 700 mm above the operator platform and in depth shall extend at least to half of the
platform.
NOTE The dimension of 700 mm will be further evaluated.
4.2.6.2 Compact carrier also provided with a pedestrian operating position
The operator platform fitted on a compact carrier also provided with a pedestrian operating position, in
addition to 4.2.6, shall be capable of being folded or pivoted to an upright position when the operator
leaves the platform; this may be done automatically.
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
The foldable/pivoting operator platform, including when ground-supported, shall lock in upright and
horizontal positions. When the operator platform moves automatically (e.g. by means of a spring) and it
is locked in upright position, a minimum space of 25 mm between platform and parts of the machine shall
remain.
When operator platform is locked in upright position, 4.4.1 shall apply.
4.3 Controls and indicators
4.3.1 General
EN ISO 4254-1:2015, 4.5 and 5.1.3, do not apply.
The controls (e.g. hand levers, pedals, switches etc.) and indicators of the machine, equipment,
attachment, shall be chosen, designed, constructed and arranged so that:
a) access to controls and indicators shall be designed in accordance with EN ISO 6682:2008 and
ISO 15077:2020;
b) neutral positions of controls shall be in accordance with ISO 15077:2020;
c) they are clearly identified (see ISO 6405-1:2017 and ISO 6405-2:2017) in the operator's station and
explained in the operator’s manual;
d) the movement of the controls to activate the functions and indicators shall correspond to the
intended effect or common practice whenever possible;
e) an engine stop device shall be within the operator control zone when the operator is on the platform
or on the ground (see Figure 1);
f) when a control is designed and constructed to carry out several functions of the machine, e.g.
keyboard or joystick control, the activated function shall be clearly identified.
Where there is more than one control position the control system shall be designed in such a way that
the use of one of them precludes the use of the other(s), except for stop controls.
Compact carrier movements shall be controlled with hold-to-run controls.
Travel and directional controls shall be designed to allow the operator to support himself, reducing the
risk of inadvertent contact with the controls, according to 4.2.1.
EN ISO 4254-1:2015, 5.1.8, shall apply.
4.3.2 Location
The location of operator hold-to-run controls shall be within the gripping area of the handhold.
The location of operator controls that do not require sustained activation shall be within the zones shown
in Figure 1.
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
Dimensions in mm, tolerance ± 3 mm
Key
1 operator control zone
2 operator control zone when leaning against handhold
3 handhold
Figure 1 — Operator control zone
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
4.3.3 Inadvertent activation
Controls which can cause a hazard due to inadvertent activation shall be arranged, deactivated or
guarded to minimize the risk when the operator gets into or out of the operator's station.
Any deactivation system shall:
a) be designed such that the risk of inadvertent reactivation of the controls (e.g. through a control being
caught by clothing, being used instead of a hand-hold, being mistaken for another control) is
minimized and;
b) either be self-acting or acting by compulsory actuation of the relevant device.
4.3.4 Emergency lowering
For machines equipped with lift arms, if the engine is stopped it shall be possible to:
a) lower the attachment to the ground/frame;
b) see the attachment lowering from the operator actuating position of the lowering control;
c) release the residual pressure in the hydraulic and pneumatic circuits.
The means to lower the attachment and the device to release the residual pressure can be located outside
the operator's station.
Means for emergency lowering may be replaced by lock valves.
4.3.5 Uncontrolled motion
Machine and equipment or attachment movement from the holding position, other than by actuation of
the controls by the operator, due to drift or creep (e.g. by leaking) or when power supply stops, shall be
limited to the extent that it cannot create a risk to exposed persons.
4.3.6 Remote control
Remote controls, if any, shall be in accordance with ISO 15817:2012.
4.3.7 Control panels
The operator shall be able to see from the operator’s station, in both daylight and darkness, the necessary
indicators to check the proper function of the machine. Glare shall be minimized.
Control indicators for operation of the machine shall comply with ISO 6011:2023.
Symbols for use on operator controls and other displays shall follow ISO 6405-1:2017
and ISO 6405-2:2017.
4.3.8 Controls of ride-on compact carriers
Ride-on compact carriers controls that are not intended to be operated from the ground shall have means
to minimize the possibility of actuating the controls from the ground (e.g. protection by physical barrier,
interlocking systems).
4.3.9 Controls of compact carriers with a pedestrian operator position
Compact carriers with a pedestrian operator position shall be equipped with a hold-to-run device to stop
machine travel and hazardous movement if the operator releases the operator’s controls. Design of the
controls shall take into account the hazards from movement of the machine towards the operator.
prEN 18068:2024 (E)
4.3.10 Powered travel movement
EN ISO 4254-1:2015, 5.1.8, shall apply with the following addition.
Powered travel movement of a compact carrier with a ride-on operator having a travel speed greater
than 6 km/h (see also 4.2.6.2) shall be possible only if the operator is on the operator platform.
Powered travel movements shall not occur automatically when the operator returns to the normal
operating position without an intentional actuation of a control (e.g. by requiring a resetting of the
direction control or reactivation of the speed control). Hold-to-run controls are deemed compliant with
this requirement.
4.3.11 Controls for interchangeable equipment
Interchangeable equipment controls fitted on compact carrier shall be of the hold-to-run type
...