3PH control from behind tractor

jmc · Mar 10, 2004

Hello,

Tweaking the height of the lower links while hooking up attachments is a pain because its hard to reach my control handle standing on the ground behind the tractor. If you're on the right side, you can stretch for the handle but if you're on the left, you have to stand on the links and still stretch to reach it. This project was to add a second control handle that is convenient to reach from the back of the tractor.

The attached picture is taken from the back of the tractor, facing forward, along the inside of the right rear fender. The blue horizontal stepped shaft is the 3PH control shaft. The blue original handle is welded to its right end and that handle goes up thru the slot in the floor. Also attached to the control shaft is the shiney new second handle. (the only clean part on the tractor). The handle is about 15 inches long and extends to within easy reach of the back. The next post is a wider angle of the same view.

John

jmc · Mar 10, 2004

Last photo. You have to look carefully for the handle- about 5 inches above the right rear axle.

dummy · Mar 11, 2004

Outstanding. What a time saver that should be. Great pictures and looks very easy to duplicate. Thanks

PineRidge · Mar 11, 2004

John that looks like a good idea to me. Looks like the rear axle will help to protect the lever that you added so it shouldn't be brushed as you are using the tractor. Good Work! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Rch · Mar 11, 2004

Great idea ! Clean, solid, simple. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

kensfarm · Mar 11, 2004

I agree.. great idea.. just be careful about being between the implement and the tractor when raising/lowering.. having to go around to the side of the tractor is the built in safety factor.

jinman · Mar 13, 2004

John, that's a very clean and professional looking job. I think you will get lots of use out of it. The only thing I think I might have done different (considering hindsight is 20-20) is to make the handle removable. You could mount some clips up on the fender to put the handle into when it's not in use. If you get into brush or mud, you might find a limb or clod of mud hitting the handle and causing your 3PH to suddenly raise or lower. Also, the extra weight of the handle may cause the 3PH to self-adjust as you go over rough terrain.

If you could leave the collar around the shaft and remove the handle when not in use, I'd say your invention was even marketable. Nice job! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

PineRidge · Mar 13, 2004

Jim I had toyed with that idea as well. Go one step further if you used a nut large enough to snugly fit over the control rod tapped with a hex screw to lock it in place your removable handle could be an open end wrench easily carried in your pocket.

jinman · Mar 13, 2004

Mike, at my "advanced age" if I had to remember to carry it, I'd never have it when I need it. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I like toolboxes with the cutout shape of the tool so I can easily organize things. Otherwise, I'd never find the right tool when I need it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Did I mention that I'm a little scatter-brained? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

PineRidge · Mar 13, 2004

Jim I think we all get like that over 50, and yes I'm well, over 50 and then some. I have been known to write numbers on wooden tool handles so I'll hang them back up on the pole barn wall in the same place. I also sometimes trace around the tool itself with a pencil if it's hanging on the wall so I again know where to hang it back up.. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Ever go out in the parking lot at a WalMart and hit the panic button on the car remote so that you can remember where you left the SUV? I have. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

I never forget where I last parked my tractor though. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

NIXON · Mar 13, 2004

Ever go out in the parking lot at a WalMart and hit the panic button on the car remote so that you can remember where you left the SUV? I have. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

NO ! But I did on one occasion, go out to the parking lot ,unlock the door on my Jetta ,only to find out the key didn't fit the ignition . Turns out it wasn't mine ! Mine was about 10 spaces over ! John

PineRidge · Mar 13, 2004

NO ! But I did on one occasion, go out to the parking lot ,unlock the door on my Jetta ,only to find out the key didn't fit the ignition . Turns out it wasn't mine ! Mine was about 10 spaces over ! John 

John that story tops mine, no doubt about it.... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

dbelisle · Mar 14, 2004

I came out of Kmart one day and got into my car only to find out mine was done the lot a little further.

I really freaked the woman out sitting in the passengers seat!

NIXON · Mar 14, 2004

It was pretty embarassing to say the least !!
It was while I was stationed in the UK . I had both left and right hand drive cars . At times I'd Unlock the door to one of my cars sit in the seat only to find the steering wheel had moved ! I got prtty good at acting like I was looking for something in the glove box wait a few minutes and then slink to the other side of the car . John

Richard · Mar 14, 2004

( NO ! But I did on one occasion, go out to the parking lot ,unlock the door on my Jetta ,only to find out the key didn't fit the ignition . Turns out it wasn't mine ! Mine was about 10 spaces over ! John
)

I hope you didn't finish off the open bag of chips... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

jmc · Mar 15, 2004

Hi All,

Thanks for the nice feedback.

You would have to work at smashing your feet using either handle because you can not stand back that far. The bigger risk is being close to possible pinch points. I know that for me at least, I won't take the time to properly walk around the tractor as long as I can reach the original handle from the back. Therefore, the added handle is a safety improvement within the hasty way in that you aren't off balance or standing as close to the movement. Still, after reading the recent post "Anatomy of a lawsuit" I should probably take it off when I sell the tractor.

John