Steering wheel knob placement

[Kioti Dave]

Never thought of using 2. I love the one I have, even if it moves around.

 

[arrow]

I heard them called "thumb busters".

There's a bunch of names I've heard. neckers is one. Spinners is another. I have heard them called a Brodie but what that has to do with a guy who jumped off a bridge and lived to tell about it is beyond me.
They made their claim to fame in the 40's and 50's with truckers who didn't have power steering and this gave them more leverage.

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

I remember my dad had one that would sort of fold out of the way so that it didn't sick up much above the plane of the steering wheel it was either on his 50 dodge or his 37 Oldsmobile.
Most of the wheel loaders at work had spinners, even though we didn't have them in the dump trucks using one in a loader just felt natural.

 

[oosik]

I have one on my Kubota M6040. Tractor driving straight ahead - spinner at 10 '0 clock position. Leaves my right had free to operate auxiliary control levers.

 

[LD1]

Mine's at 10 o'clock on my L3800. Steer with my left hand, right hand does the loader joystick & three point. When I'm going straight ahead, it's never changed position in 8 years.
Also have one on an Ingersoll 4020PS hydraulic steering. That one is all over the place.

Not sure on the newer economy models....but the predecessor l3400/l2800 has a mechanical linkage. More of power assist steering. Not an orbital valve.

 

[workinonit]

Thumb breaker, wrist breaker, all the same. Mine is still at the store where it will remain until someone else takes it home.

 

[Thomas]

I place knob about 8 o'clock easier on the wrist.

 

[Tony H]

I recall them being called "suicide knobs".

Back in the day when front steering was all linkage and 'Loose' by nature. You were White-Knuckled driving normally at 60 MPH. Just holding a Spinner was suicide, hence the nick name, suicide knob.
Funny how many say they get in the way... Many new boats have them standard on their wheels. Then again, fast steering during docking maneuvers is necessary.

 

[mmranch]

With the wheels straight ahead and the steering wheel logo level, I have a knob placed on the wheel about the 7:30 position... that way, when I'm cruising straight ahead, my left arm is retracted back to my body in a relaxed position (I rarely use the right hand on the wheel or knob). The knob does move around a bit but is generally in this position. I use the knob so much, I rarely use the steering wheel any more. When I do occasionally use the wheel, I can feel how much more effort my hand and arm are putting into it to do the same job. The knob has been one of my best mods on the tractor. (I like the idea of 2 knobs!)

 

[kyryder]

Just curious, those using a steering wheel knob on your subcompact tractor, what location have you found it to be the most useful / comfortable, etc. I'm getting ready to install one and figure several of you many have useful insight. Also, it's for a BX and I'm right handed. TIA

Buy one from Amazon that's low height and weather resistant. With wheels straight 12 is a good spot, you won't always use it, like when driving straight long rows or driving on roadway. You'll only use it when doing tight work, cleaning stalls, clearing snow, digging, facing rearward, etc.
Ignore the geezers on here that advise against one, they and their Daddy busted their knuckles 50 years ago when the steering wheels would spin around 3 turns if you let go. Of course this has nothing to do with modern power steering but they can't learn new tricks.