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LockedOpinions on New Pedal Drive System?

posted on November 12, 2009 at 09:59PM Inappropriate?

I am used to the old hydrostatic Sears system where you control the speed with the hydro lever.  Seems like all the new ones are going to a pedal instead.  Is it a PITA, or is it a good thing?  Seems like backing up and changing speeds will be harder with the pedal?

Thanks

replies: 9 latest post: December 07, 2009 at 08:46AM by jonwendy
Displaying all 9 posts
posted on November 13, 2009 at 05:41AM
 

Keep in mind that most people's yards are pretty small now-a-days and using a pedal drive is "more natural" for many folks, owning a tractor for the first time.

The biggest thing for everyone to learn is that going from forward to reverse, without dissengaging the deck blades, is going to stall you tractor (unless you do the key thing - start up).

For manual transmission tractor drivers, their left leg will have to get "pumped-up" for the brake and the clutch.

For the hydrostatic transmission tractor drivers, their right leg will be doing the work.

And, learning how to backup on a hydro is challenging...

It's all good!

posted on November 13, 2009 at 07:49AM
 
In response to TractorGuy's post from November 12 2009 09:59PM

It's better than the last pedal system a few years back which could be bent. Seems ok if the cruise control locks easily and it's a plus if you need a free hand controlling an attachment.

posted on November 16, 2009 at 01:27AM
 

I like the hand/fender control MUCH better. it's much faster when doing things such as plowing and when mowing you just set the speed and your free...dont have to sit there with my foot stuck on that pedal.  Forward/Reverse work is a pia with the AYP setups...with the hand control you simply row it back and forth. Seems all the tractors now are made by the same two companies, AYP or MTD, even the low end John Deere l series is made by AYP and used by husquavana, Sears, John Deere, Base Cubs, Troy Built etc...

posted on November 16, 2009 at 01:34AM
 

So, the cruise-control feature doesn't work on your machine?

Good news!

The manual transmission tractor have the shifter, including reverse, on the fender.

posted on November 16, 2009 at 10:54AM
 

Thanks for all the comments.  It sounds like I cannot get a Sears hydro tractor, or anything similar, without the PIA foot controls.  I like the new Sears Excellerator GT5000 specs, but it has that pedal setup too.  But, the price seems really good for the specs (tire size, HP, speed, deck width, washer port, etc.), especially the ability to mow at 7.5 mph! - comparable to most Z-Turn mowers.

If the GT5000 had the hand/fender control, I would probably get it for sure.  But, having to turn off the blade, take out of gear, put in reverse, turn on the blade, and then do it all over again to go forward is a really ****** design.

But, it sounds like there is no escaping it in all the brands now, unless I opt to get a Kubota, etc.  The cruise control doesn't solve that problem, as far as I know.  It just means you don't have to keep your foot continuously on the pedal while going forward?

Thanks for all of the input from everyone.  Still undecided...

Further thoughts are surely welcomed.

Dave

posted on November 16, 2009 at 05:12PM
 
In response to TractorGuy's post from November 16 2009 10:54AM

But, having to turn off the blade, take out of gear, put in reverse, turn on the blade, and then do it all over again to go forward is a really ****** design.

Why are you turning the blade on and off? Put the key in the right position (ROS) and the blades stay on in forward or reverse.

posted on November 16, 2009 at 09:38PM
 
In response to madgolfer's post from November 16 2009 05:12PM

Aha!  I stand corrected.  Thanks madgolfer.  I didn't realize the key setting would still work like on the old style. 

posted on November 25, 2009 at 07:23PM
 

I have always perfered the foot pedal hyrdo control so both hands can stay on the steering wheel  for quicker safer munuvering and turning, espically for snow plowing, it is so natural since our cars have a right foot accellerator pedal, my foot pedal hydro has the crusie control , but its all in what we like  

posted on December 07, 2009 at 08:46AM
 

it just takes getting used too but I love the foot pedal on my 2009 model.  I had a old simplicity with the brake on the right and the lever contol.  The pedals on My YTS4500 work great.  as soon as you let go of the pedal the tractor stops and the brake is rarely needed. I am glad I sold my simplicity though, it would be a mess to drive both tractors with brakes on different side.   Pressing forward pedal and expecting it to stop leads to no good. 

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