Anyone using loader with SuperSteer?

hpc · Jan 8, 2006

Looking at a TC33DA; the supersteer looks like a nice thing to
have for tight lawn work, but looks like a liability when doing
loader work - wheels getting in way of bucket; heavy load
on axle pivot point; etc.

Thoughts/experiences with SuperSteer when doing heavy
loader work.

Thanks,

Lon

DocHeb · Jan 8, 2006

I have a TC40D SS.

1. The wheels do not get in the way of the loader as long as the correct loader is installed. I don't know the loader numbers for the Class II Boomers, but, for example, the non-SS-Class III loader is a 16LA, while the SS-Class III loader is the 17LA.

2. The axle pivot point is designed to take anything the loader and tractor can deliver.

Of note, at rest, the bucket on a SS tractor will move in the opposite direction of the wheel turning. This is best experienced rather than described. It takes a little getting used to, but I actually use it to my advantage when attaching quick-attach implements.

Also, SS tractors have Sensitrack, which lets you run in 2WD until the transmission senses wheel slippage, and then switches to 4WD. This does help save lawn during turns.

PineRidge · Jan 9, 2006

I'm another SS user. It does take a bit of getting used to but once you catch on you'll definitely have an advantage over all the rest. I get into and out of some places that would give a tractor equipped with conventional steering a heart attack (the woods is a real good example). Also backing a trailer with SS you can follow it in the tightest turn and with pallet forks you can spin around on the tractors own tracks to set the pallet down.

kozak · Jan 10, 2006

I also have SS on my TC35D. Have done alot of loader work. Actually....that's all I have done with it. Have not had any issues. In fact it has made loader work much easier as I do not have to go back & forward as much to.... lets say line up where I want to dump. As PineRidge & DocHeb have indicated, can't beat it when you need to turn in tight places. Sensi-track is really nice too. I can only think of ONCE when I actually needed to put my tractor into 4 wheel drive to get more traction.

If your not sure, try a tractor at the dealership (same model series without SS) & then compare with SS tractor. It's just amazing. A REAL PLUS to have. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Can't recommend it enough !!

By the way, Welcome to TBN hpc. Did'nt realize that was your first post !!

Vic

DocHeb · Jan 10, 2006

( I can only think of ONCE when I actually needed to put my tractor into 4 wheel drive to get more traction. )

Just don't forget to use forced 4WD when going down hills, especially when they're wet and you have a load!

kozak · Jan 11, 2006

Thanks DocHeb,

Point well taken. I probably should have been in 4WD for some of the work I did this last summer. Never really thought about it at the time. Fortunately, fairly flat in my area except for my berms which could be wicked.

Thanks

Vic

topshop · Jan 12, 2006

Has anyone had any problems with the reduced ground clearance with SuperSteer? The pivot point looks like it could catch on a stump or similar object. And is the reliability and strength as good as a non-SS tractor?

jinman · Jan 12, 2006

( Has anyone had any problems with the reduced ground clearance with SuperSteer? The pivot point looks like it could catch on a stump or similar object. And is the reliability and strength as good as a non-SS tractor? )

Topshop, I don't have supersteer, so I'm not biased toward it in any way. I can't speak to the clearance "problem," but from everything I can read in my repair manual, the supersteer axle is as reliable as the non-SS axle. It's actually stonger for steering with a load on the FEL because the hydraulic pressure is higher and there are two hydraulic cylinders providing steering. The clutch assemblies that provide on-demand MFWD also seem to be very reliable from the lack of reported problems.

I think the folks with supersteer are very happy with that feature and additionally see it as a superior feature that no other tractor can match. Who am I to disagree? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

JonL · Jan 13, 2006

Topshop, I have had SS on my 1530 since 1998. It makes for a very sweet mowing machine and I never had any problems with it. I like the auto 4-wheel drive that comes with SS. I think it saves wear on the drive train. If I'm not mistaken, I think the SS models have longer wheel bases as well. Getting at the upper grease zerk on the SS can be a challenge, but I use the straight steel hose instead of the flexible line on my grease gun, and the job goes ok.

Newblue · Jan 13, 2006

I have a TC45DA w/SS
Having this option is nice. I've only had one problem with it, I was backing a 4K lb triaxle trailer into a tight spot when the rear wheels started to slide sideways. I looked down and the 2" pintle adapter was bent sideways. The tractor was at 90 deg. to the trailer when I lifted the three point to raise the front wheels of the trailer off the ground when the pintle loop on the trailer rotated to the bottom side of the pintle hook. I did not notice this and turned the front wheels all the way to straighten the tractor/trailer. It stopped at 45 deg and thats when I looked down and saw the hitch. I was lucky, no damage to the three point and no damage to the three point to 2" box adapter. The 2" box to pintle adapter was only $40 to replace. The operator (Newblue) was at fault. Other than that the SS option has been great.