Steering wheel knob placement

[dzoller]

Most newer tractors have hydrostatic power steering and the steering wheel will not remain in the same position. Your profile does not show what tractor you have so it's unknown if you have such a tractor. You can still put a knob on, just be aware that it will not remain at the same position.

That's how mine is. I initially thought I'd put it so I could flip the seat up without it interfering. That didn't work. It drifts and ends up in a different position every time I shut down. Still, it's nice to have it anywhere so I don't have to grab the super-hot black steering wheel on a sunny day

 

[5030]

AS others already covered....doesnt matter it wont stay with true powersteering. Only works on power assist where there is still a mechanical linkage.

I dont ever have any issues with just one. By the time it locates itself to the other side that arm was ready for a rest anyway.

I would think if I had two knobs...the unused knob would constantly be banging my elbow as I turn or getting hung up on my coat

I rarely wear anything other than a Tee shirt when using the tractors and in cold weather the heat is on anyway. 2 knobs seem symmetrical to me anyway.

 

[Shutesbury]

On my BX24 steering wheel, they tilt inward a bit, due to the rim shape. It seemed awkward at first, but still works fine and I don't even notice it now. Never catch my coat sleeves. So, don't worry about them sitting upright at 90 degrees from the plane of the wheel. I have the larger rubber-coated no-names from Tractor Supply.

 

[Kschwennsen]

What's wrong with just palming the wheel? I've got hydro and at most I ever need to do is use my index finger next to a spoke in the wheel.

 

[Xfaxman]

I put one one the TORO+Loader. Doesn't take long to get used to it not returning to the same position:

Try it you will like it .

 

[Tony H]

I'm right handed and I like mine in the 11:00 position. I sit high on my tractor do when driving I likey arm across the wheel, right hand on Spinner. When using the Loader a lot, the left hand is comfortable at 11:00

 

[Tony H]

What's wrong with just palming the wheel? I've got hydro and at most I ever need to do is use my index finger next to a spoke in the wheel.

Dirty, Dusty, muddy hands slide on the wheel, even easy steering hydros. Spinners are great.

 

[BackRoad]

That's what I've always heard them called too, not sure why.

....

I agree with LD1, 2 knobs would just get in the way.

It's interesting how new ideas are often eliminated before they are even tried...

The second knob has never been in the way...and one or the other is used 100% of the time!

Having 2 suicide knobs ranks right up there with hydraulic Top N Tilt for being the best mod on the tractor...and it was only $16.95 for the 2nd Kubota branded knob!

Cheapest mod you can do...costs less than a pizza, and it's way longer lasting!

//TJ

 

[BravoXray]

I recall them being called "suicide knobs".

I heard them called "thumb busters".

 

[ras5309]

Mine's at 10 o'clock on my L3800. Steer with my left hand, right hand does the loader joystick & three point. When I'm going straight ahead, it's never changed position in 8 years.
Also have one on an Ingersoll 4020PS hydraulic steering. That one is all over the place.

 

[Kioti Dave]

Never thought of using 2. I love the one I have, even if it moves around.

 

[arrow]

I heard them called "thumb busters".

There's a bunch of names I've heard. neckers is one. Spinners is another. I have heard them called a Brodie but what that has to do with a guy who jumped off a bridge and lived to tell about it is beyond me.
They made their claim to fame in the 40's and 50's with truckers who didn't have power steering and this gave them more leverage.

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

I remember my dad had one that would sort of fold out of the way so that it didn't sick up much above the plane of the steering wheel it was either on his 50 dodge or his 37 Oldsmobile.
Most of the wheel loaders at work had spinners, even though we didn't have them in the dump trucks using one in a loader just felt natural.

 

[oosik]

I have one on my Kubota M6040. Tractor driving straight ahead - spinner at 10 '0 clock position. Leaves my right had free to operate auxiliary control levers.

 

[LD1]

Mine's at 10 o'clock on my L3800. Steer with my left hand, right hand does the loader joystick & three point. When I'm going straight ahead, it's never changed position in 8 years.
Also have one on an Ingersoll 4020PS hydraulic steering. That one is all over the place.

Not sure on the newer economy models....but the predecessor l3400/l2800 has a mechanical linkage. More of power assist steering. Not an orbital valve.

 

[workinonit]

Thumb breaker, wrist breaker, all the same. Mine is still at the store where it will remain until someone else takes it home.

 

[Thomas]

I place knob about 8 o'clock easier on the wrist.

 

[Tony H]

I recall them being called "suicide knobs".

Back in the day when front steering was all linkage and 'Loose' by nature. You were White-Knuckled driving normally at 60 MPH. Just holding a Spinner was suicide, hence the nick name, suicide knob.
Funny how many say they get in the way... Many new boats have them standard on their wheels. Then again, fast steering during docking maneuvers is necessary.

 

[mmranch]

With the wheels straight ahead and the steering wheel logo level, I have a knob placed on the wheel about the 7:30 position... that way, when I'm cruising straight ahead, my left arm is retracted back to my body in a relaxed position (I rarely use the right hand on the wheel or knob). The knob does move around a bit but is generally in this position. I use the knob so much, I rarely use the steering wheel any more. When I do occasionally use the wheel, I can feel how much more effort my hand and arm are putting into it to do the same job. The knob has been one of my best mods on the tractor. (I like the idea of 2 knobs!)

 

[kyryder]

Just curious, those using a steering wheel knob on your subcompact tractor, what location have you found it to be the most useful / comfortable, etc. I'm getting ready to install one and figure several of you many have useful insight. Also, it's for a BX and I'm right handed. TIA

Buy one from Amazon that's low height and weather resistant. With wheels straight 12 is a good spot, you won't always use it, like when driving straight long rows or driving on roadway. You'll only use it when doing tight work, cleaning stalls, clearing snow, digging, facing rearward, etc.
Ignore the geezers on here that advise against one, they and their Daddy busted their knuckles 50 years ago when the steering wheels would spin around 3 turns if you let go. Of course this has nothing to do with modern power steering but they can't learn new tricks.