SuperSteer

pmoon · Apr 28, 2005

Hi - new member looking at all kinds of tractors. I'm curious how useful the SuperSteer is. How often does it make a difference? What kinds of things do you find it allows you to do that you otherwise wouldn't do or would take you a lot longer to do? Is it a standard feature or a $$ option? Thanks

djradz · Apr 28, 2005

I"m sure other users who have it will support it as they have in the past, but I don't have it and because the standard NH tractors already turn fairly sharp, figure I don't need it.

DocHeb · Apr 28, 2005

Definitely try the tractor with and without before buying, especially with a FEL in place. There is paradoxical movement of the bucket when turning the steering wheel. This is an option that runs $1000. The suspersteer tractors use a different FEL frame than the non-SS.

If I were to buy again I would not get the Supersteer

mikeslavis · Apr 28, 2005

The "paradoxical movement" Chris is talking about goes like this:

With the tractor at a standstill, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and the Front end of the tractor (including FEL if one is attached) will move a few inches to the right (if there's something on the 3-pt on the back it will move a few inches to the left). This is because of the articulation of the front Super-Steer axle.

This is a problem if you don't leave enough room to the side of your bucket when you start turning the wheel. Non Super-Steer axles will not move the front end.

The good news is that I am always amazed at the turning radius on my TN75S and it definitely helps me out when mowing/discing/etc...

It's a trade-off - you'll need to figure out for yourself if it's worth it to you or not.

I've gotten used to the movement of the front end and just try and make sure I compensate.

I'm glad I got the Super-Steer and would do so again.

mike@slavis.com

PineRidge · Apr 28, 2005

I think Mike pretty well summed up SuperSteer but one thing that hasn't been mentioned is New Holland's SensiTrak.

It's a part of the SuperSteer package. When your wheels start to slip it applies the 4WD automatically. most of the time you may not even be aware that it's happening except that you won't get stuck unless of course you drive your tractor into the pond.

Once the rig is in flat and level ground and 4WD is no longer needed SensiTrak puts the rig back into 2WD automatically.

You still have the option of locking the rig in 4WD but I can count on one hand the number of times that I have done that since my rig was purchased 2 years ago.

I am another that would buy SuperSteer & SensiTrak again as I am pleased.

jinman · Apr 28, 2005

Even without supersteer there is a slight reverse movement of the FEL bucket when you turn the wheel. I have seen as much movement as 1" when approaching a quick-attach bucket. SuperSteer just amplifies the movement.

Another gain with supersteer is more powerful power steering. You have the added supersteer cylinder and the pump pressure is about 200 psi higher. That makes steering easier under load.

Having said all this, I don't think SuperSteer was really designed to be an aid to FEL work. If you take the FEL off and mow or plow, you'll probably love the SuperSteer option. It ain't zero turn radius, but it's darn close.

I don't have SuperSteer nor do I want it, but I can sure see where there are times it would be really handy to have. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

MODiesel · Apr 29, 2005

Hmm...Jim hit on two very good points...

( Even without supersteer there is a slight reverse movement of the FEL bucket when you turn the wheel. I have seen as much movement as 1" when approaching a quick-attach bucket. SuperSteer just amplifies the movement.)

I had noticed this on my non-SuperSteer TC40D, but hadn't paid any real attention until this past weekend. Sure enough, what Jim notes is exactly what I noticed, and I think it's simply lateral tire deflection. However, it is evident, especially with a heavy/full bucket, or on very minute movements.

( Another gain with supersteer is more powerful power steering. You have the added supersteer cylinder and the pump pressure is about 200 psi higher. That makes steering easier under load.)
This is a very good point. I had SS on my TC29D, and I intentionally omitted it on my TC40D. However, there are times I notice that my turning speeds aren't nearly as quick, nor nearly as "assisted" in soft terrain with a heavy load. Now, I realize that I now weigh/carry more, but similar loads in the same spots aren't quite what they used to be.

In any event, there are definitely days I miss SS. Granted, I have some highly variable terrain, covered with a lot of trees ranging in size from "weed," to "flat out huge." But, in tight quarters, while the standard axle can cut a pretty tight curve, a SS will cut the same curve faster. What I mean by that is that you can point the tractor in the direction you want to go with less turns of the wheel. And, in tight quarters, there are times I miss that ability as I transform a "1-point turn" into a "multi-point turn."

Anyways, given that a lot of folks don't deal with the same sort of terrain, I'm not sure that SS is terribly useful. However, don't dismiss it purely as a gimmick. Given the right spot, it's easy to appreciate the extra flexibility.

Later,
Jay

pdub · Apr 29, 2005

Some excellent points, a couple more things to add: Some people actually prefer the reverse FEL movement on SS when the axle articulates. Sure, it will take some time to get used to, but experienced operators can adjust the FEL a few inches while it is in the air. It has both its advantages and disadvantages.

In my mind, Sensitrak (std w/ SS) is more valuable than SuperSteer. I can't believe NH doesn't market this more than they do.

One last thing: the longer wheelbase (9") w/ SuperSteer is also an advantage over the standard tractor.

Once Deere gets ahold of SS it will be the best thing since sliced bread!!!

BeeFarmer · Apr 29, 2005

I have used SS now for 3 years and love it. I don't know if I had a bigger tractor if I would use SS but with the 33 I have I needed a unit to get around a lot of trees and not tear up turf. I don't have a problem with the fel moving left or right as this is my first fel so it was all new to me and I didn't know the difference other than I knew of the "feature" in advance. I like the way it moves a bit as I can get up closer to things by just turning the wheel abit. I do a lot more loader work than I do mowing now and in most cases I am not in such a close quarters that I just whip about all over really easily. *** ONE THING I would like to say with all that said is.... if your loader is full and you crank a hard right or left you want to be carefull as your tractor with the wheels and axle turn gives less centering and if on a bank it would be a bit unstable. Ok. so I know this and all the other things with SS that you need to be aware of so would I do it again?? YES, but I don't think on a larger unit as my useage would probably be different but if I even thought that I might use it on a bigger unit I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

thcri · Apr 29, 2005

I have Super-Steer on my TC29D and love it. But I have a lot of trees to go around when mowing and it helps. As far as using loader I have gotten use to it moving around and find sometimes you get in places easier with it. However, if I did a lot of loader work on side hills I would not have it. Remember when you turn sharp the width of your front end becomes little and therefor you no longer are as stable. Otherwise I love it.

murph