Steering Wheel Spinners: Good, Bad, Thoughts

[greg_g]

I can see having one on non-power steering ... The power steering lets you turn to full lock in the blink of an eye. I don't need anything that speeds up the turning of the wheel ...

Same here Ralph, which was my original point way up front. Both my tractors (one is loader-equipped) have such strong and responsive power steering, that a spinner would just be in the way. I guess I didn't take into consideration that (apparently) not all power steering is created equal.

//greg//

 

[N80]

I was raised to believe they were for the disabled...
Abledata: Products

I was raised to believe that they were made for makin' out with your girlfriend. One hand on the spinner and the other arm around your baby. In fact, we called them neckin' knobs. Of course, now that every vehicle has deep bucket seats and a center console it makes it kind of hard to have your arm around your honey. I sure miss those bench front seats. Sigh.

 

[texasjohn]

A spinner, for me, is the cheapest, most useful single add-on to the tractor. Actually, I have two on my steering wheel. Because the knob will wander around all points of the compass... you need one under your hand at all times. Most useful in tight places, FEL work, etc.... Use with power steering only.

 

[LBrown59]

I was raised to believe that they were made for makin' out with your girlfriend. One hand on the spinner and the other arm around your baby. In fact, we called them neckin' knobs. Of course, now that every vehicle has deep bucket seats and a center console it makes it kind of hard to have your arm around your honey.
I sure miss those bench front seats. Sigh.

My 2 Dodge D-50 pickups have bench seats.
My Nissan and Toyota pick ups also have bench seats.
Every vehicle I've owned since 1989 has had bench seats.

 

[ovrszd]

Get one and try it! I'll bet you like it.

I agree. Never leave the shed without one. My Kubota has mechanical power steering so the knob doesn't drift and it is easier to turn than the JD. The only time I grab the steering wheel is when getting on or off. When moving, my hand's always on the spinner knob. Great asset.

 

[RobJ]

Have one and love it (non PS). But if you hit something be prepared to get the hands out of the way!!!

Also not my picture...with no directions I have to fumble to get it installed correctly. I think I actually had to google it. Stays put now. $11 a bit much at the local JD dealer.

 

[bx24]

One of the first things I learned driving a tricycle front end tractor without power steering was to keep my darn thumbs out of the wheel! Wrapping your thumb, or fingers around the wheel where they could be hit by a spoke was a very good way to break them, or more, especially when harrowing across furrows, or on really rough ground. I expect that a knob would just do more damage to your hand in the same situation. Perhaps with a wide front end it is not an issue.

Not that this really applies to the subject at hand, but thats why IRL drivers (Indy racing league ie Indy500) get their hands away from the wheel when they crash. Not too long ago, a Japanese driver almost lost both thumbs because he kept his hands on the wheel. I thought this was moderately relevant because some of your machines can do almost 14 mph in the turns and I don't want the same thing to happen to you guys!

 

[Alan L.]

I can't imagine my tractor without the spinner.

 

[jimainiac]

Put me down in the YES column and make it a double! Put them on both of our tractors, P.S. and non P.S. The old one with manual steering doesn't have a loader, so the steering's fairly light. Great for quick turns in tight places, especially bushogging around trees. Super for loader work. The only time I grab the wheel instead of the spinner is when backing up a trailer. For some reason, the only way my brain computes which way to turn the wheel is with my hand right on it.