Best Soundproofing and Noise Reduction for Tractors

Excessive noise is more than a little irritating — frequent exposure to loud noises can contribute to issues like hearing loss and hearing-related health conditions like tinnitus. If you operate heavy machinery, these risks are no mystery to you, but that doesn’t make them any less annoying.

Luckily, there’s a simple way to reduce the negative impact of noise: soundproofing your tractor. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to minimize tractor noise.

Common Tractor Noises and Why You Should Soundproof Your Tractor

It is no secret. Tractors are loud. Tractors with a cab can expose operators to 85-decibel noise levels, while a cabless tractor can expose drivers to more than 100 decibels of sound. In either case, it’s not great for your ears. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), exposure to 85 decibels of noise for longer than eight hours can lead to hearing loss. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends limiting exposure to noises above 100 decibels to 15 minutes or less to protect hearing health.

Tractor noise is mostly the fault of the engine. For one, diesel engines are typically louder than gasoline engines, partly thanks to the combustion process. Then there are all the engine components, like bearings, belts and cylinders, that vibrate. Exhaust gases and the flow of hydraulic fluids also contribute to tractor noise. And as the tractor runs, these normal vibrations can cause rattling and increase noise levels. Put together, a tractor is one noisy machine.

Lowering engine force functions can reduce noise levels by minimizing vibrations. You should also, of course, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect your ears. However, there’s another option you may not have thought of: soundproofing.

How to Soundproof a Tractor to Reduce Noise

Tractors typically use soundproofing techniques similar to those used in cars. While the engine is primarily responsible for noise, there are multiple tractor components that can help minimize noise levels in tractors.

Engine Compartments

Soundproofing engine compartments is essential to reducing noise levels. Use soundproofing materials like the RoadblockR™ Sound Deadening Material to line the bonnet and the firewall. This product is suitable for vehicle soundproofing and offers an easy peel-and-stick application.

The Silent Running Soundproof Coating is another effective product that can dampen noises from tractor engine components. This coating product can keep unwanted sounds from bouncing off hard surfaces, so it’s ideal for the structure of tractor engine casings. The paint coating is applied directly onto reflective surfaces or gaps, reducing reverberations by converting noise and vibrations into heat, which spreads over the coated surface before dissipating. The water-based formula also offers fire protection.

Floors

Noise and vibrations can easily enter the operator cab space if the floors are not insulated properly. It is essential to prep the floor, especially around the base of the control console, where small gaps make it possible for sounds to travel inside the cab. The Quiet Barrier® MD Soundproofing Material comes in a roll and is designed to dampen noise and block sounds from entering the tractor cab.

Cab

Not all tractor models are fitted with enclosed cabs. However, enclosed cabs offer substantial protection from the noisy engine, so investing in an enclosed cab extension is worthwhile if your tractor has an open cab space.

Enclosed tractor cabs are typically made from durable plastic and are sometimes fitted with soundproof materials, but you can install a tractor cab insulation system to dampen noises even more. Peel-and-stick sound-deadening materials, foam insulation and cab curtains are all suitable solutions.

While foam insulation and cab insulation curtains are economical soundproofing options, specific soundproofing materials offer a more effective way to keep sound exposure to a minimum for tractor operators. When it comes to insulating products, Vibra Block® Sound Deadening Material is a practical solution. RoundblockR™ Sound Deadening Material is also suitable for this area of the tractor.

Best Soundproofing Materials for Tractors

Dampening and deadening materials are the most suitable for tractors, as they can reduce vibration noises and are often used in vehicles to stop rattling. These products are designed for applications where high temperatures and limited space are key considerations:

• Silent Running Soundproof Coating: This high-performance coating can cover wood, fiberglass, metal and plastic surfaces to reduce sounds produced by vibrations on hard surfaces. The nonflammable coating offers water resistance and high durability against chips and cracks.
• RoadblockR™: These foil-facing sheets offer easy peel-and-stick applications and can be cut and customized. As such, this soundproofing material can fit well in cramped and awkward spaces like tractor cabs.
• Vibra Block®: You can find Vibra Block® in sheets, noise-reduction pads or strips for easy installation. This industrial-grade material can drown out sounds entering through steel panels on vehicles.

These soundproofing materials are commonly used in cars, marine and construction equipment. They are easy to use and highly versatile so that you can soundproof your tractors yourself. These materials are made from quality, durable materials and are cost-effective solutions to dampen loud sounds.

As mentioned, in addition to tractor soundproofing applications, operators must use PPE. Hearing protection devices like earplugs and over-the-head earmuffs can help preserve hearing health in loud environments.

Shop Soundproof Cow Soundproofing Materials or Request a Free Acoustic Analysis

You “herd” it here first: If you want to soundproof your tractor, Soundproof Cow has the products for the job.

Soundproof Cow has more than two decades of experience providing quality soundproofing materials. In this time, we’ve mastered the art of acoustics to suit customers’ needs. We know that soundproofing can be a complex task, so we strive to make it as simple as possible with easy-to-use soundproofing products. There’s often no need for professional installation when soundproofing tractors and other noisy spaces with our products!

Whether you’re a contractor or a DIYer, shop our range of soundproofing materials to reduce noise levels for tractor operators. We also offer free acoustic analysis that can help you determine the level of reverberation or reflected sound in the tractor cab.

If you’re still not too sure which products you need, contact us online or call us at 866-949-9269, and we’ll help you find the most suitable soundproofing products.