SURFACE J88

REV.
APR95
VEHICLE
400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001
STANDARD Issued 1972-11
Revised 1995-04

Superseding J88 JUN86

Submitted for recognition as an American National Standard

(R) SOUND MEASUREMENT—OFF-ROAD WORK MACHINES—EXTERIOR

Foreword—This Document has also changed to comply with the new SAE Technical Standards Board format.

1. Scope—This SAE Standard sets forth the instrumentation and procedure to be used in measuring the exterior
sound levels for self-propelled sweepers as defined in SAE J2130 and self-propelled off-road work machines
in categories 1, 2, 4, and 5 of SAE J1116.

This document does not address the operation of safety devices such as backup alarms, horns, or
accessories. The sound levels obtained by using the test procedures set forth in this document are repeatable
and are representative of the higher range of sound levels generated by machines under actual field operating
conditions. Due to variability of field operating conditions, this data is not intended to be used for construction
site boundary noise evaluations.

2. References

2.1 Applicable Publications—The following publications form a part of the specification to the extent specified
herein. Unless otherwise indicated the latest revision of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE PUBLICATIONS—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J184 AUG87—Qualifying a Sound Data Acquisition System

SAE J732—Specification Definitions—Front End Loader
SAE J1116 JUN86—Categories of Off-Road Self-Propelled Work Machines
SAE J1382 AUG85—Classification, Nomenclature, and Specification Definitions for Trenching Machines
SAE J2130—Identification of Self-Propelled Sweepers

2.1.2 ANSI PUBLICATION—Available from ANSI, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036-8002.

ANSI S1.4-1983—Specification for Sound Level Meters

2.1.3 IEC PUBLICATION—Available from International Electrotechnical Commission, 3, rue de Verambe, P.O. Box
131, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland.

IEC 804-1985—Integrating Sound Level Meters

SAE Technical Standards Board Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences. The use of this report is entirely
voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising therefrom, is the sole responsibility of the user.”

SAE reviews each technical report at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or cancelled. SAE invites your written comments and suggestions.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS DOCUMENT: (724) 772-8512 FAX: (724) 776-0243

TO PLACE A DOCUMENT ORDER; (724) 776-4970 FAX: (724) 776-0790
SAE WEB ADDRESS http://www.sae.org

Copyright 1995 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.

All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
 SAE J88 Revised APR95

2.2 Related Publications—The following publications are provided for information purposes only and are not a
required part of this document.

2.2.1 SAE PUBLICATION—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J1262—Sound Measurement—Trenching Machines

2.2.2 ANSI PUBLICATION—Available from ANSI, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036-8002.

ANSI S1.40-1984—Specification for Acoustical Calibrators

3. Instrumentation

3.1 A sound level meter which meets the Type 1 requirements of ANSI S1.4-1983 shall be used. Alternatively an
integrating sound level meter may be used if it meets IEC 804-1985 requirements. If an integrating sound level
meter is used for dynamic measurements, it must have a slow dynamic characteristic, and max hold.

3.2 As an alternative to making direct measurements using a sound level meter, a microphone or sound level
meter may be used with a magnetic tape recorder and/or graphic level recorder or indicating instrument,
providing the system meets the requirements for SAE J184 for the frequency range that is of primary concern.
The deviations in the magnetic tape recorder frequency response from flat response, especially at lower
frequencies, must not affect the overall reading by more than ±0.5 dB(A).

3.3 An acoustical calibrator (accuracy within ±0.5 dB(A)—see 5.2.4) shall be used to ensure correct calibration of
the sound level meter(s).

3.4 The use of a windscreen may be required under some test conditions. Refer to 4.1.3, otherwise its use is
optional, providing that it does not affect the A-weighted sound level of the source being measured by more
than ±0.5 dB(A), under zero wind speed conditions. (Also refer to 5.2.2.)

3.5 An anemometer or other device for measurement of ambient wind speed and direction shall be used. The
accuracy is ±10% at the highest recommended wind speed. (See 5.2.2.)

3.6 A speed indicator shall be used for determination of machine power source(s) rpm (accuracy within ±2% of the
indicated reading).

3.7 A thermometer for measurement of ambient temperature (accuracy within ±1 ×C) shall be used.

3.8 A barometer shall be used to measure atmospheric pressure (accuracy within ±1 kPa of the indicated reading).

4. Procedure

4.1 Test Site—The test area shall consist of a flat open space free of any large reflecting surfaces, such as a
signboard, building, or hillside, located within 30 m of either the microphone or the machinery being measured
(see Figure 1).

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 SAE J88 Revised APR95

FIGURE 1—TEST SITE CONFIGURATION

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 SAE J88 Revised APR95

4.1.1 The minimum measurement area (see Figure 1) shall consist of the triangle formed by the microphone
location, points A and B, and the rectangle formed by points A, B, C, and D. Both designated areas shall be
smooth concrete or smooth and sealed asphalt or a similar hard and smooth surface. The rectangle formed
by points C, D, E, and F shall consist of hard-packed earth. The planes between the microphone location
and line AB and planes encompassed by points A, B, C, F, E, and D shall form a continuous, uniform plane.
If a minimum measurement area test site is used, it will require reorientation of the machine for each major
surface measurement during the stationary tests, and the moving tests will have to be run in opposite
directions. The other option is to have a larger measurement area test site and relocate the microphone for
the series of prescribed test conditions with the machine in one position for stationary tests and driving by in
only one direction for moving tests.

4.1.2 Because bystanders may have an appreciable influence on the meter response when they are in the vicinity
of the earthmoving machinery or microphone, not more than one person, other than the observer reading the
meter, shall be within 17 m of the earthmoving machinery and 2 m of the measuring microphone, and that
person shall be directly behind the observer who is reading the meter, on a line through the microphone and
the observer (see Figure 1).

4.1.3 The ambient sound level due to sources other than the machinery being measured (including wind effects)
shall be at least 10 dB(A) lower than the sound level of the machinery being measured. (See 4.3.3.)

4.1.4 The surface between and under the machinery and microphone shall be smooth and free of acoustically
absorptive material, such as snow or grass.

4.1.5 For all stationary tests, the machine shall be located on the hard surface area formed by points A, B, C, and
D in Figure 1.

4.1.6 Moving Tests

4.1.6.1 For moving tests of all rubber-tired machines, the path of travel shall be across the area defined by points
A, B, C, and D in the directions shown in Figure 1.

4.1.6.2 For moving tests of all steel wheel or track type machines, the path of travel shall be across the area
defined by C, D, E, and F in the directions shown in Figure 1.

4.2 Tests Required—Machines that are used primarily in a mobile mode shall be tested per 4.2.1.1, 4.2.1.2,
4.2.1.3, 4.2.1.4, and 4.2.2.

Combined machines (such as loaders with a backhoe) shall be tested per 4.2.1.1, 4.2.1.2, 4.2.1.3, 4.2.1.4, and
4.2.2.

Rubber-tired and tracked excavators shall be tested in a stationary test mode only per 4.2.1.1, 4.2.1.2, 4.2.1.3,
and 4.2.1.4.

4.2.1 Stationary tests with ground propulsion transmission shift selector in neutral position.

4.2.1.1 Operate mobile machine power source(s) at no-load with all component drive systems in neutral position
and maximum governed speed (high idle at no load) at a stabilized condition.

4.2.1.2 Operate machine power source(s) at no-load and at manufacturer’s specified rated speed with all
component drive systems in neutral position.

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 SAE J88 Revised APR95

4.2.1.3 Operate mobile machine power source(s) at no-load with all major component drive systems in neutral
position through the cycle low idle—maximum governed speed (high idle)—low idle as rapidly as possible,
but allow the engine to stabilize for at least 10 s at the maximum governed speed (high idle) before it is
permitted to return to low idle. It is recommended that care be taken to ensure stabilized combustion
chamber surface temperatures prior to this test sequence. For some types of engines, such as engines
with precombustion chambers, repeatability of sound levels may be affected. Between cycles, a cool-down
period of 5 min is recommended.

4.2.1.4 With the power source(s) at the maximum governed speed (high idle) or manufacturer’s recommended
operating speed at no-load in a stabilized condition, activate the appropriate hydraulic circuits, mechanical,
electrical, hydrostatic, or torque converter drive systems to cycle the major components or component from
the most retracted and/or lowered position to fully extended and/or maximum height position, and then
back to original position. The component cycled must have controls at the operator’s station. This cycling
should be done as fast as practical, taking into consideration all the pertinent safety factors, and be
accomplished without exceeding relief valve settings. For short cycle hydraulic operation, the system may
be feathered.

For safety reasons and undesirability of change of location of major noise source(s) in relation to other
major components of the machine, a major portion of the mobile machine, such as the tractor of a scraper
unit, or the upper rotational structure of an excavator shall not be moved, or scraper elevator placed in
operation during this stationary machine test.

For units such as nonriding trenching machines without power steering or hydraulic controls, this section
shall be omitted. In no case shall the digging chain (wheel) or vibratory plow drives be engaged for this
test or other tests in this document. For self-propelled street sweepers, the brooms may be lowered and
raised for this portion of the test.

4.2.2 CONSTANT SPEED MOVING TEST—Machines shall be operated in a forward intermediate gear ratio at no-load
at a location as specified in 4.1.6.1 or 4.1.6.2. The power source(s) shall be operated at maximum governed
speed (high idle). Intermediate is intended to mean second gear ratio for machinery with three or four gear
ratios, third gear ratio for machinery with five or six gear ratios, fourth gear ratio for machinery with seven or
eight ratios, etc.

If there is a problem with the transmission shifting up or down in this phase of the test, one gear lower or
higher may be used to eliminate the problem. Machines with hydrostatic, electric drive, or other type drives
shall be operated at approximately one-half its maximum ground speed with the governor control set in
maximum (high idle) position at no-load. If this operating condition cannot be attained because of the
interaction of the power source(s) and drive controls, then the ground speed may be increased or decreased
so as to still permit the power source(s) governor control(s) to be set in the maximum (high idle) position.
Machines that have major noise-generating components which are normally in use at this ground speed,
shall have these major components in operation during this test. For self-propelled street sweepers, these
components include water systems, brooms, and blower or conveying systems.

4.2.3 Machines that have a major attachment that is normally used for the main operating function shall be
equipped with this attachment. Examples of this are buckets on loaders, brooms on sweepers, dozers on
either wheel or track-type tractors, and backfill blades, digging booms (wheel), direct burial plows, or
backhoes on trenchers. For all tests, except component cycling, these attachments shall be in a minimum
transport position of 160 to 320 mm for dozers, scrapers, etc. For loaders and trenchers with loaders, use
carry position as specified by SAE J732. For machinery equipped with a ripper, such as on a wheel or track-
type tractor, or a backhoe, such as on a front end loader, these attachments shall be in the transport position.
For trenching machines and self-propelled sweepers these attachments shall be in their normal transport
position, for example, backfill blade or brooms fully raised; plow, boom, or wheel fully raised and restrained (if
appropriate).

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4.3 Measurements

4.3.1 The microphone shall be located at a height of 1.2 m above the ground plane.

4.3.2 All sound level measurements shall be taken using the A-weighting network. For dynamic power source(s)
cycling, component cycling, and constant speed moving test conditions, the sound level meter shall be set for
slow dynamic characteristic (see 3.1). For the stabilized test condition of maximum governed speed (high
idle) or rated engine speed, the time weighted average sound level (Leq) may be used in place of the slow
dynamic characteristic.

4.3.3 The ambient wind speed and direction, ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, and ambient A-
weighted sound level shall be measured and recorded at the height of 1.2 m and within at least 3 m of one
specified location of the microphone as shown in Figure 1.

4.3.4 The stabilized maximum governed power source(s) speed shall be measured and recorded.

4.3.5 The power source(s) speed(s) shall be monitored during the rated speed test per 4.2.1.2.

4.3.6 The gear ratio and approximate ground speed during the moving test shall be recorded.

4.3.7 The sound level meter needle movement, digital readout, or graphic level recorder trace shall be observed
during each test sequence. The highest value observed for all tests disregarding sounds of short duration
that are out of character with the test on the machine (example—impact noise such as bucket rap against
stops) shall be recorded for each test sequence. For a digital-type readout, the meter must be frequently
reset so the out-of-character sound levels for the test sequence are not included if the maximum hold mode
is being used.

4.3.8 For the stabilized test condition, of maximum governed speed (high idle) or rated speed, a single reading
shall be recorded at each measuring point.

4.3.9 For power source(s) cycling, component cycling, and the constant speed moving test conditions a minimum
of three valid readings shall be taken for each measuring point. If for each specific test mode none of the
readings are within 2 dB of each other, then additional readings shall be taken until there are two that are
within 2 dB of each other. The recorded sound level for each measuring point shall be the average of those
two values that are within 2 dB of each other. If there are two pairs of readings that are within 2 dB of each
other, record the average of the higher pair. The final recorded sound level for each test mode shall be the
highest reading for the stabilized test condition at each measuring point and the highest average for the
cyclic or moving tests at each measuring point.

4.3.10 NUMBER OF SIMULATED WORK CYCLES—Three simulated work cycles shall be carried out resulting in three
measurements to be taken at each microphone position.

It is necessary to have two of the readings at the microphone within a 2 dB range of each other. If these
results are not obtained, additional simulated work cycles shall be taken to meet this requirement.
Operational procedures may require correction to achieve this.

4.3.11 DETERMINATION OF MEASUREMENT RESULT—Report, as the value of the continuous A-weighted sound
pressure level, the arithmetic mean of the highest values that are within a 2 dB range of each other for each
microphone position.

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4.3.12 For stationary tests, record the sound level obtained at a distance of 15 m from each major surface, normal
to the centers of the four major surfaces of the equipment at the microphone height. Generally, four major
surfaces refer to front, rear, and sides of an imaginary box that would just fit over the machine but does not
include attachment items such as buckets, dozers, backfill blades, backhoes, rippers, and booms (see Figure
2). These attachments should not be removed for the tests, but are not considered in defining major surfaces
(see SAE J1382). In the case of an excavator, the upper (revolving superstructure) fore-and-aft centerline
should be in line with the lower fore-and-aft centerline. Operate the machine in a manner as specified in
4.2.1.1, 4.2.1.2, 4.2.1.3, and 4.2.1.4.

FIGURE 2—MAJOR SURFACE OUTLINES

4.3.13 For moving tests, take measurements at a distance of 15 m from each major surface, measured in a direction
normal to both major side surfaces which are parallel to the machine path, as shown in Figure 1. Operate
the machine in a manner specified in 4.2.2.

4.3.14 The reported sound level for each of the stationary test modes (per 4.2.1.1, 4.2.1.2, 4.2.1.3, and 4.2.1.4)
shall be the arithmetical average of the recorded sound levels at each of the four measuring points.

The reported sound level for the moving test (per 4.2.2) shall be the arithmetical average of the recorded
sound levels at each of the two measuring points. The reported sound levels for a given machine shall be
included in the report format as shown in Appendix A.

5. General Comments

5.1 It is recommended that persons technically trained and experienced in the current techniques of sound
measurements select the instrumentation and conduct the tests. Dedicated attention to detail and a thorough
understanding of the machine and test instrumentation operational requirements shall be prerequisite of all
personnel attached to the evaluation program.

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 SAE J88 Revised APR95

5.2 Safety and Operation—All relevant safety precautions and the manufacturer’s operating instructions shall be
followed during the test. Any signal devices, such as forward-warning horn or backup alarm, shall not be
activated during the test.

Proper use of all test instrumentation is essential to obtain valid measurements. Operating manuals or other
literature furnished by the instrument manufacturer should be referred to for both recommended operation of
the instrument and precautions to be observed.

5.2.1 The effects of ambient weather conditions on the performance of all instruments (for example—temperature,
humidity, barometric pressure, and stray magnetic fields) should be known. Instrumentation can be
influenced by low temperature or significant changes in temperature, and caution should be exercised.

5.2.2 It is recommended that the wind speed of the air over the microphone not exceed 20 km/h. Caution should
be used in making measurements with higher relative velocities.

A microphone windscreen shall not be used except when it is required to reduce wind induced noise that is
within 15 dB(A) of the sound level of the source being measured. When a windscreen is used it shall not
affect the sound level of the source being measured by more than ±0.5 dB(A) under zero wind speed
conditions.

Note—In practice, windscreens are seldom required to reduce A-weighted wind induced noise, with the
possible exception of microphone locations in the fan blast of the machine.

5.2.3 Proper signal levels, terminating impedances, and cable lengths on multi-instrument measurement systems
should be known.

5.2.4 Proper acoustical calibration procedure, to include the influence of extension cables, etc., should be
performed. Field acoustical calibration shall be made immediately before and after the testing of each
machine or at least every 4 h. The calibration before and after shall not vary by more than ±0.5 dB for the
tests to be valid.

5.3 It should be recognized that variations in measured sound levels may occur due to variations in test site,
ambient weather differences (temperature, wind, and their gradients), test equipment differences, and inherent
differences between nominally identical machines.

6. Notes

6.1 Marginal Indicia—The change bar (l) located in the left margin is for the convenience of the user in locating
areas where technical revisions have been made to the previous issue of the report. An (R) symbol to the left
of the document title indicates a complete revision of the report.

PREPARED BY THE SAE EARTHMOVING SOUND LEVEL SUBCOMMITTEE

OF THE SAE CONAG SOUND LEVEL COMMITTEE

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 SAE J88 Revised APR95

Rationale—This document was revised and updated to incorporate the appropriate exterior testing portion of
SAE J1262, all off-road work machines except agriculture, and to incorporate the latest standards,
references, and format during the normal 5-year review. Changes were made to allow the use of Leq for
the steady state portions of this test procedure. Also, the dialogue has been changed to include
trenching machines in the test procedure and terminology. Paragraphs have been renumbered as
needed and the individual changes noted by paragraph number:

General—Only metric dimensions are used.

1.—The “Purpose” was eliminated and combined with the “Scope” to conform with the new SAE format
which lists “Scope” first.

2.—References were updated and listed as Section 2 per new SAE format (was Section 5).

3.1—Added text to allow the use of an integrating sound level meter if it meets IEC 804-1985
requirements and has the slow dynamic characteristic, max hold.

4.2.1.4—Added text to indicate cycled component must have controls located at the operator’s station.
Added text to exclude nonriding machines without power steering or hydraulic controls from this section
of the test procedure. Also, added text to include self-propelled sweepers into the machine hydraulic
cycling component of the test procedure.

4.2.2—Added text to identify major component operation for self-propelled sweepers during the constant
speed moving test.

4.2.3—Included text to identify major attachments for trenching machines and self-propelled sweepers
and their proper transport positions.

4.3.2—Included Leq as an approved sound level meter setting for recording the steady-state sound
levels of high idle and rated speed.

4.3.6—Requested gear ratio and approximate ground speed used during the moving test to be recorded.

4.3.9—Divided this section into three sections to clarify the number of cycles to be conducted, and the
determination of measurement results. New sections added were numbered 4.3.10 and 4.3.12.

4.3.12—Added text to permit attachments not considered in defining the basic machine to be left on
during testing.

5.2—Added text covering safe operation of the machine per the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO Standard—There are no ISO documents applicable to exterior sound
pressure levels measured as in SAE J88, but ISO 6393 and SAE J1372 are procedures which document
exterior static sound power.

Application—This SAE Standard specifies procedures for measuring exterior sound levels emitted by self-
propelled off-road work machines regardless of power source(s) size(s), except for agricultural
machines. This procedure does not cover operation of devices such as backup alarms, horns, or
accessories such as paving breakers. The sound levels obtained using this procedure are repeatable
and representative of the higher range of sound levels generated by machines under actual field
operating conditions, but do not necessarily represent the average sound level over a field use cycle.
 SAE J88 Revised APR95

Reference Section

SAE J184 AUG87—Qualifying a Sound Data Acquisition System

SAE J732—Specification Definitions—Front End Loader

SAE J1116 JUN86—Categories of Off-Road Self-Propelled Work Machines

SAE J1262—Sound Measurement—Trenching Machines

SAE J1382 AUG85—Classification, Nomenclature, and Specification Definitions for Trenching Machines

SAE J2130—Identification of Self-Propelled Sweepers

ANSI S1.4-1983—Specification for Sound Level Meters

ANSI S1.40-1984—Specification for Acoustical Calibrators

IEC 804-1985—Integrating Sound Level Meters

Developed by the SAE Earthmoving Machinery Sound Level Subcommittee

Sponsored by the SAE Sound Level Committee