Safety switches, or lack thereof

[Stan B]

I've not owned many tractors. I had a 1958 Oliver 550 (inherited), that obviously didn't have any safety features, and was gifted a 2006 Cub Cadet garden tractor when dad upgraded to a zero turn. I can't get off the seat without it killing the engine unless I lock the parking brake, nor can I back up (hydro trans) without it disengaging the mower unless I do this 'turn the key one position then hit a button' dance. Totally polar opposites.

Now I have my brand new Kioti CK3510, and I'm (pleasantly) flabbergasted by the complete lack of safety switches. I can drive it standing up, which is great for lining up pallet forks, or push the HST pedals when standing alongside which helps with hooking up 3PH attachments.

I'd be curious to hear everyone elses' takes on what safety features other modern brands have. Is the Kioti config normal on CUTs, or do people have to find workarounds?

 

[mcfarmall]

I've got my flameproof suit on so here goes...I bypass the seat switch, the backup interlocks all that jazz with the exception of the neutral safety switch. I was taught how to operate equipment at a very early age and if safety is second nature, you don't need all that stuff. Let the flaming begin!!

And I don't care about lawsuits, liability, resale value or "climate change."

 

[4570Man]

If I had a Deere HST machine having to put it in neutral to start wouldn’t last long. If I had a mower that wouldn’t mow in reverse that wouldn’t last long either. The seat switch is the least nuisance but I usually bypass those too.

 

[MAD777]

I love being able to stand up and drive my Kioti CK2610HST into the tight fit of my garage. Seat switch would be exasperating for me. Before I get off, I set the emergency brake, slow the throttle, lower the bucket and only get off on level ground. I plow snow with a rear blade that articulates all directions, so I have to manually adjust side to side, angle & tilt. That means on & off a lot while the engine idles.

 

[deserteagle71]

Seems every manufacturer is different as to which safety nanny they consider important. My Kubota had a seat safety switch that, though it did not shut down the engine like some do, would startle me with an earsplitting buzzer every time I shifted around in the seat. Disabled!

 

[Roadworthy]

My Kubota does have a seat safety switch. Once the tractor is started I can leave the seat and it will keep running. If I have the PTO engaged and leave the seat however the engine will die. I have the HST transmission and although I need not shift into neutral I do need to push in the clutch to start the tractor., I can live with it. If it becomes a hassle I'll live without it.

 

[oosik]

I have a 2009 Kubota M6040. I engage the PTO - stand up - a buzzer will buzz for about ten seconds and turn off. Nothing is stopped. Same as my previous tractor - Ford 1700. It's all a matter of learning the routine.

 

[levi333]

I love being able to stand up and drive my Kioti CK2610HST into the tight fit of my garage. Seat switch would be exasperating for me. Before I get off, I set the emergency brake, slow the throttle, lower the bucket and only get off on level ground. I plow snow with a rear blade that articulates all directions, so I have to manually adjust side to side, angle & tilt. That means on & off a lot while the engine idles.

Hmm, my new CK2610HST has a seat switch, very annoying when trying to mount the backhoe. I have to get off the seat just slightly to see down behind and it kills it.
What year is your's?
May have to deactivate it...

 

[BrkMstr]

Hmm, my new CK2610HST has a seat switch, very annoying when trying to mount the backhoe. I have to get off the seat just slightly to see down behind and it kills it.
What year is your's?
May have to deactivate it...

I have to set the brake and put in neutral - if PTO is on it will shut off but tractor will remain running - mine is a 19 -

 

[PILOON]

Most safety switches are a normally closed circuit type so one solution is to simply short them out.
(Not that I recommend that due to liability considerations.)

On my CUT I simply remove the 'short' as that becomes my theft deterrent.

A big problem with many of those 'safety' circuits is they live in a tractor's most corrosive locations, (like clutch, throttle or seats and especially worst on open station tractors)
Just think- dirty boots covered with salty snow and a clutch safety! = bound to cause problems.

HA, bet 89% of experienced tractors have most safety switches bypassed.