Thanks for all of the replies everyone. I envision a modification to leave the original reverse pedal in place and functional. I agree it is in a better spot if you are turned around looking backwards for extended periods of time.
My Grand L has a pedal that's close to the best of both worlds. The top (forward) is wider than the bottom (reverse). You can either toe/ heal operate it or (like I do) slide my foot and just use my toe. Would this work for you? I can't see it being hard to convert a Kubota pedal to add this.
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What I actually do most of the time is only use the forward pedal. I put my foot underneath it and pull up for reverse. This is easier to do for short distances than lift leg and foot up and reposition to the rear pedal.
So do you have a small foot by chance? Because I could never come close to fitting my size 11.5 boots underneath the treadle, and I also find that very little motion is needed to go back and forth between toe on the front of the treadle or heel on the back. If the issue is just foot size, I'd be inclined to think you should modify the current treadle to make it easier to properly heel-toe it.
BTW, having owned and operated equipment with both types of arrangements, I don't think it matters either way for me. Once I get into the groove, the pedal/treadle arrangement becomes transparent. My worst problem is getting back into my car/truck at the end of the day, and trying to get into reverse by stomping my heel or shifting my foot sideways ....
My worst problem is getting back into my car/truck at the end of the day, and trying to get into reverse by stomping my heel or shifting my foot sideways ....