Using split brakes

[Echo's Mom]

We purchased a TC33D recently. This is my first experience with an hydro-static transmission and I was wondering how do you utilize the split brake? My foot isn't big enough to heel the throttle forward and toe a brake pedal. I saw another post (for TC35D) that referred to cruise control; does the TC33D have cruise? If so, how do I engage it? The tractor didn't come with an operator's manual and while I have one on the way the mention of cruise control sparked my interest so I thought I would ask.

Also, where are the other women?

Thanks,

 

[tinman565]

On the left hand side of the steering wheel..on the dash..do you see an orange rocker switch ? If so, drive the tractor as normal, and when you reach your desired speed...push the rocker switch to engage it. If your tractor came with the Supersteer option..you wont need to brake to turn tighter. Look at the front wheels as you turn them in one direction. Are the wheels turning to the left or right along with the front axle ? The whole front axle will turn in the direction you wanna go if you have the supersteer option. The turning radius on the tractor with that setup is amazing.

 

[Echo's Mom]

It doesn't have supersteer. Through high school I bush-hogged mango groves and really used the split brakes to 'sling' the mower as close to the trees as possible. I appreciate the quick reply - I know the switch that you are talking about - I will figure out how to work with it.

 

[dqdave1]

split brakes and a hydro are basically useless. You already found that out. I have asked new holland to send the engineer who developed it to demo it for me. IMPOSSIBLE. If you have cruise and try split brakes; cruise will auto disingage if right brake pedal ( i think) is pushed.

 

[jinman]

Also, where are the other women?

Beats me. My wife, Kathy, owned her own tractor when I met and married her. She is a very good tractor operator and is a member of this site even though she hasn't posted but once or twice. She'd probably say that one of us spending so much time on TBN is enough.

Like you, I love split brakes. That was one of the features that I looked at on my TC45D when I bought it. The brake pedals were on the left and the HST pedals on the right side. Anytime I want to use differential braking for a quick turn, I just press on the brake. When using the FEL and the front wheels get lifted, I use differential braking to steer my tractor too. I honestly don't think I could tolerate not having this feature. I feel really sorry for those TC33DA or other class of tractor that has brakes and HST pedals on the same side. I understand that many/most HST tractors also have a clutch (my TC45D does not) and the clutch has to be on the left while the HST pedals are on the right. I think you should be able to use differential brakes without having to engage cruise. You have my complete sympathy because I know how you feel. I just don't think you are ever going to be happy with the setup on that TC33D.