The objective of this proposal is to lay down harmonised rules on the manufacture of agricultural and forestry vehicles (tractors, trailers and towed equipment) with a view to ensuring the functioning of the internal market while at the same time providing for a high level of road and occupational safety and environmental protection.

(b) trailers and towed implements, categories R and S;

(bb) safety and reliability of control systems including power take-offs to towed machinery;

(1) In order to promote the internal market, a comprehensive Union type approval system for tractors, their trailers and interchangeable towed equipment was established by Directive 2003/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on type approval of agricultural or forestry tractors, their trailers and interchangeable towed machinery, together with their systems, components and separate technical units.

(1) In order to promote the internal market, a comprehensive Community type approval system for tractors, their trailers and interchangeable towed equipment was established by Directive 2003/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on type approval of agricultural or forestry tractors, their trailers and interchangeable towed machinery, together with their systems, components and separate technical units and repealing Directive 74/150/EEC.

(l) "interchangeable towed machinery" means any instrument used in agriculture or forestry which is designed to be towed by a tractor and changes or adds to its functions; it may include a load platform designed and constructed to receive any tools and appliances needed for those purposes, and to store temporarily any materials produced or needed during work; any vehicle intended to be towed by a tractor and permanently incorporating an implement or designed to process materials shall be considered interchangeable towed machinery if the ratio of the technically permissible gross mass to the unladen mass of that vehicle is less than 3,0 ...[+++];