It looks to me like you could just cut the end off where it tapers to the threaded nut. It serves no purpose when it has the rolled pin in place.
For me, I always leave mine split like they are supposed to be for using the tractor. Locking is supposed to be for highway use but really unless you have an extremely small foot, just pressing in the middle of both pedals will lock both brakes.
I use my steering brakes to control skid when back dragging or blading forward. Any high side will cause the tractor to ride to that direction so correctly applied force to the opposite side brake keeps you going straight. Steering brakes are also handy to turn the tractor sharper when needed to avoid an obstacle where you might have to stop, reverse and continue to go forward because your wheels didn't turn sharp enough or they are sliding in mud.
If you are going to use a tractor, learn how to use the steering brakes, that is why they have two pedals.