CK30 Auto Shut Off

[1965]

I have found that when I turn to the left to look at the rear of my CK 30 my right knee tends to hit the key just in the right spot to shut it down. I have a rocker HST foot pedal so I have the seat up a bit to be comfortable on the pedal....short legs. I am thinking of putting a shield on the right side of the key or even cutting the key down to make it less of a target. Anyone else tackle this minor issue?

 

[JohnMacca]

I broke one of the original keys on my CK35 after about the third time I hit it with my knee and then straightened it up.

The location of the key is really my only complaint about the tractor - it's a simple design issue that could have been done better.

I used the spare key to get a copy cut and then ground down the copy so as to leave only a small (half inch) "lever" to turn the key. I place the key in the lock so that this lever is vertical.

It seems to be working because I haven't hit it hard enough yet to bend it - or gouge a hole in my knee.:laughing:

 

[MX Dad]

I've done the same thing many times on my CK 25. It is in a bad spot. I think thats a good idea to shave/cut the key. I'm gonna do that to mine now that you mention it. I'm gonna try to keep the end soft so I dont puncture my knee. If not done right, it could make it worse. But then again, a new key isnt gonna break the bank so I wouldnt be afraid to experiment with it.

 

[N2DFire]

I broke one of the original keys on my CK35 after about the third time I hit it with my knee and then straightened it up.

The location of the key is really my only complaint about the tractor - it's a simple design issue that could have been done better.

I used the spare key to get a copy cut and then ground down the copy so as to leave only a small (half inch) "lever" to turn the key. I place the key in the lock so that this lever is vertical.

It seems to be working because I haven't hit it hard enough yet to bend it - or gouge a hole in my knee.:laughing:

My father is about a half a foot taller than me & he has done this as well (haven't broken the key yet)

I like your solution & it reminded me that Dad had a motorcycle that the hard side saddle bags required you to put the key in to open every time. This can sometimes be a major PITA so he had 2 keys made, cut the heads down and used knurled knobs (the kind designed to be held on w/ a set screw) and cut a slot in them for the key shaft to fit in & tightened the set screw.

He then just put one in each lock and left it there. I may have to do this w/ a tractor key.

 

[1965]

I like the idea of adding a knob type thingamajig to it, less likely to turn it off. I am going to get a couple copies made rather than use my originals and find/make a dome shaped knob and epoxy that to the key so my knee will just glance off rather than turn or dig in.

 

[K man]

So far no issues with hitting the key yet. I have short legs too.

 

[jimmyj]

I do this all the time. I'm thinking of taking my leg off.

 

[MX Dad]

It would be nice if the key had a hinge on it. I have a key like that for one of my tool boxes. I may look around and see if I can find a blank key with a hinge and get one cut. Jimmy, you might want to keep the leg, it might come in handy. Although, you would swear I hate my fingers, I am always beating them up!

 

[barko1]

On my 2510 my knee manages to turn the lights on.

 

[TJP89]

My CK has a nasty habit of shutting off on its on whenever I hit a large bump, especially at high speed. Haven't figured out how to avoid it. Also, when I'm turned around to look over the back, the flashers usually turn off on their own too. That switch really should be moved. The worst is when I turn real far around and start wonder why the front of the tractor is lifting. Then turn back around and realize my knee hit the loader and I was digging up the driveway.

I think all tractors have things like this. The loader stick is actually perfectly placed for normal operation, so I shouldn't complain. However, how much would adding a step to the right side really add to the overall cost? I've almost fallen flat on my face a couple times looking for a step that wasn't there.