Suicide Knob

[JATO_RaT]

What, some folks don't have one on their tractors, thats madness I tell you. All but the few anal safety folks would love them. The dangers had nothing to do with the knobs breaking off or breaking your thumb/fingers, that could still happen with the old single/dual front wheel tractors with or without a spinner. The danger they impose is as pointed out by another is catching your cuff on it. A minor threat compared to the huge advantage they serve. Live on the wild side, try one, the chances of you losing control of todays hydrostatic steering is probably much less then you falling off your tractor and getting a free haircut by your mower. Rat...

[RichZ]

I was planning on putting a spinner on my tractor to make using my rear mounted snow blower easier. With all the turning your body has to do while going backwards, its easier to have just one hand on the wheel, and the spinner should make steering backwards with one hand easier.

[Anonymous Poster]

On my John deere, the power steering ratio is so quick and smooth... going in reverse, I'd be afraid of doing "donuts" or "360's" if I had a suicide knob mounted...[img]/w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif[/img]

[Caretaker]

Let me jump in with both feet [img]/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Got a suicide knob on the tractor and the car and the truck. For me the decision was easy - my partner has artificial shoulders, and a spinner makes it easier for her to control the vehicle.

Which is the whole point - it's just another tool to control the vehicle. You learn to use it, and if you're smart, you learn to use it correctly - which includes safely. And it pays you back by making whatever vehicle you have easier to operate - which means you can do more with it, which makes the vehicle more valuable.

Fact is, tractors are pretty dangerous - with or without spinners. So are chainsaws, cars, home canning, etc. But they all have potential benefits which outweigh their potential dangers - especially if one is willing to take the time to master them.

I don't see spinners as being any more inherently dangerous than power steering, cruise control, back up mirrors, windshield wipers, headlights . . . . .

Seems to me the way to approach it is to not use something if you're uncomfortable with it - but if you want to use it, take the time to find out how to.

[JATO_RaT]

Well put Caretaker. I suppose a drinking straw could be considered quite dangerous when used by the eye instead of the mouth. And pencils, my gosh, don't get me started. Scissors, like carrying a couple of swords around. Paper with its ability to cut, just horrible. Point is, most things have the potential to do varying degrees of harm. Its how we utilize them thats important. Rat!!!