Actuallu used crab-steer mode today

k6dyc · Feb 25, 2007

I actually found a use for crab-steer mode today. I was clearing some ground next to the new barn and it was a bit slippery from the snow. I slid sideways toward the barn wall and was within a few inches of hitting it. I was afraid that if I went forward or backward I might actually slide into the wall.

The wall was on the passenger side of the Toolcat and I was in all-wheel steer mode. I turned the steering wheel all the way to the right which pointed my front wheels toward the wall and my rear wheels away from the wall. I then took it out of all-wheel steer mode and turned the steering wheel all the way to the left. This left both my rear and front wheels pointing away from the wall if I drove forward. I slowly hit the drive pedal and it just crabbed away from the wall! I love this thing!

I then put it back into correct all-wheel mode as described in the manual.

A very handy trick when you need it. I bet everyone else has already discovered this and done it a few times

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dsb5610 · Feb 25, 2007

Good work. I use it when mowing next to a building or fenceline with trees. I just wish it had a rear-wheel steer only option.

dsb

UFM82 · Feb 28, 2007

Actually, there is no "crab steer mode" on a Toolcat as such. However, doing what you detailed does allow the machine to operate just so. However, keep in mind that while in that configuration, the rear wheels are free-wheeling and may not keep a constant angle, resulting in a weird driving experience to say the least. LOL It does come in quite handy at times though. I love the look on someone's face when they see me driving one like that.

Just remember to re-align your wheels when you get done crabbing. Running the machine with the axles out of alignment will result in accelerated tire wear and undercarriage stresses, not to mention driving crooked.

The rear-wheel steering option has been discussed previously and still is. The factory doesn't see enough of a need to make the changes yet but if customers continue to ask for it, it may come yet.

dsb5610 · Feb 28, 2007

Why would the rear wheels change angle when you are in front wheel steer mode? I've mowed probably a half mile stretch several times with the unit crabbing, even going around corners, and never noticed the rear wheels changing from the angle I set them to. When I'm done I go through the alignment steps.

If the rear wheels free-wheel when you manually put them out of alignment wouldn't they free wheel when the unit gets out of alignment through normal use? Would be an eye opener traveling at 18mph.

dsb

k6dyc · Mar 1, 2007

UFM, that's an interesting observation, I didn't notice theat the rears were free-wheeling and wouldn't maintain the angle I set. Is this something you have noticed or info you were able to get from a dealer?

DSB, do you keep it in all-wheel when driving at speed? I'm a bit more conservative and always change to front-steer when in rabbit mode going at anything near 18mph. Guess I'm just a chicken, huh?

dsb5610 · Mar 1, 2007

k6dyc said:
DSB, do you keep it in all-wheel when driving at speed? I'm a bit more conservative and always change to front-steer when in rabbit mode going at anything near 18mph. Guess I'm just a chicken, huh?

I usually forget and once I get it up to speed, ever since I pushed the Work Mode button with cruise on, I resist pushing any buttons or switches.

dsb

UFM82 · Mar 1, 2007

I was informed by the factory that the rear wheels do in fact free wheel when in the "crab steer" configuration. I've not had the rears move but I've not really stressed the machine while driving sideways. I haven't tried it to be certain. Just a heads up though in case somebody tries it and has a handling issue.