ASABE, ISO Standards for Agricultural-Implement Jacks to be Harmonized

Two important engineering standards, one published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and the other by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), are being revised toward the goal of harmonization.

ASABE has initiated a revision to ASAE S485.1, Implement Mounted Screw-Type Jacks, with an anticipated publication date of December 2010.

Revision of the corresponding ISO document is expected to be completed in 2013. Earlier this year ISO approved a draft revision of ISO 12140:1998, Agricultural machinery — Agricultural trailers and trailed equipment — Drawbar jacks. The draft, prepared by the U.S., incorporates the necessary changes for the harmonization of the ASABE and ISO documents. Once the ISO 12140 revision is complete, ASABE will consider adopting it as an American National Standard (ANS) to replace S485.

Harmonization of national and international standards facilitates manufacturing, safety advancements and product marketing worldwide. ASABE helps ensure U.S. engagement in actions related to agricultural tractors and machinery by serving as the administrator for the U.S. advisory groups to several of the ISO committees responsible for such standards.

For information on this or any other ASABE standard, contact Scott Cedarquist at ASABE, (269) 932-7031, cedarq@asabe.org. A current listing of all ASABE standards projects can be found on the ASABE web site at ASABE.org/standards/proposed.html.

ASABE is an international scientific and educational organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems. Further information on the Society can be obtained online at ASABE.org. ◆