Hydrostat pedal on L47

[Notforhire]

I just bought a L47TL and so far I'm pretty happy with my purchase.
On thing that I wish Kubota did differently was the design and/or location of the hydrostatic control pedal.

I have arthritis in my right hip and I find it difficult to operate the pedal for any length of time. I presume that Kubota located it that far to the right in order to make room for the brake pedals in an earlier design.
Since the brakes are now on the left side, the hydro pedal could be moved or at least switch the wing to the left instead of the right.

Until they do, I made a modification that just clamps to the existing pedal. There is a set screw located on the bottom side, that locks everything in place.
I may install a pad so there is a larger surface to put my foot against.

If anyone has built something similar, or has a better solution, I would appreciate hearing from you.

 

[art]

Great modification and I will have to check ours! I hardly ever use the rocker because it is so easy to put the toes under the petal and lift for reverse. I typically only go to the rear of the treadle petal for long periods of backing up. I like the looks of yours as that would require less movement yet!

 

[Hersheyfarm]

I hate the kubota pedal. Mines bolted on.

 

[spitter]

Great modifications to a very stupid archaic design. Now someone who has modified the big banana pedal has to chime in. I will never buy Kubota as long as they have that kind of pedal. I made the mistake of buying a new Holland with a treddle pedal and can't weight to get rid of it . Love the tractor hate the pedal.:drink:

 

[Notforhire]

After "test driving" it at the dealer I disliked the treadle, but since no one else makes a machine to compete with the L47 I figure I'd adjust. After running it for several hours, my bad right leg began to really bother me. The next day I could hardly walk.
The only reason I didn't drill and bolt something on was I was afraid that I might have to return the tractor to the dealer and didn't want a permanent modification.
Now that I think I'm on the right track, I'm feeling better about the machine. I appreciate your comments, ideas and photos.
My original thought was to remove the pedal and redesign something better to go in it's place. Now I'm not so sure if that necessary. Maybe a little wider "wing" like Hersheyfarm has will do the trick.

The design group at Kubota must have run out of funds when they got to designing the HST control. In todays world of ergonomic designs, does anyone find this thing comfortable to operate?
Maybe if I get a hip replacement I could get the Docs to install an extra joint above my ankle. Yeah, that might work.:confused2:

 

[Jchonline]

I have no issues. I dont use it like a rocker at all. Forward my foot is to the right top side. Reverse I pick my foot up and pull it back and left to press reverse. Almost feels like a gas and brake pedal movement on the truck.

Are you trying to use it as a rocker?

 

[Notforhire]

I have no issues. I dont use it like a rocker at all. Forward my foot is to the right top side. Reverse I pick my foot up and pull it back and left to press reverse. Almost feels like a gas and brake pedal movement on the truck.

Are you trying to use it as a rocker?

If the "wing" was on the left side instead of the right side of the rocker, would you find it easier to reach?
I operated mine just as you describe, which would have been fine if the petal location wasn't so far to the right.

 

[fried1765]

View attachment 628682View attachment 628683View attachment 628684
I hate the kubota pedal. Mines bolted on.

Great idea!
I will modify mine.
Maybe use carriage bolt heads instead?

 

[Hersheyfarm]

I have no issues. I dont use it like a rocker at all. Forward my foot is to the right top side. Reverse I pick my foot up and pull it back and left to press reverse. Almost feels like a gas and brake pedal movement on the truck.

Are you trying to use it as a rocker?

Thats just such an awkward position to me. Wing needs to be on left side.

 

[Hersheyfarm]

Great idea!
I will modify mine.
Maybe use carriage bolt heads instead?

Carriage bolts would be good if you could drill a square hole so you could snug them up good.

 

[fried1765]

Carriage bolts would be good if you could drill a square hole so you could snug them up good.

A little hand work with a very small triangular file will quickly make those two holes square.

 

[Notforhire]

Well, I have an update.

I decided that I liked the "wing" on the left side of the HST petal, so I installed a permanent one much like Hersheyfarm's. I made mine from a piece of 1/4 x 2 x 12 inch aluminum and 1/4 inch carriage bolts and a square drill bit. Some nonskid tape and I'm happy with the results.

My chain storage is a piece of 4 inch pvc. The 20 inch tool box is from Rural King. Using some square tube, I added 1 1/2 inch to the seat height.
Thanks for some great ideas from all the smart folks on this forum.

 

[fried1765]

Well, I have an update.

I decided that I liked the "wing" on the left side of the HST petal, so I installed a permanent one much like Hersheyfarm's. I made mine from a piece of 1/4 x 2 x 12 inch aluminum and 1/4 inch carriage bolts and a square drill bit. Some nonskid tape and I'm happy with the results.

My chain storage is a piece of 4 inch pvc. The 20 inch tool box is from Rural King. Using some square tube, I added 1 1/2 inch to the seat height.
Thanks for some great ideas from all the smart folks on this forum.View attachment 630211 View attachment 630212 View attachment 630213

Excellent!
Looks like OEM!

 

[Hersheyfarm]

Nice. I think the reason Kubota put the wing on the right side is because machines with clutches have the brakes beside the throttle, and the wing would crowd the brakes. It makes all the difference having it on the left side.