Crab steer is great for snowblowing

[jabbahop]

I don't remember who suggested it but crab steer is incredible useful in cutting back banks with the snow blower. I have the 66" blower and because the toolcat is 61" wide, it doesn't always work well around corners. They fall back in or are several inches deep where the wheels went into the bank due to the 4 wheel steering swing. I put it into crab steer having the back end swing away from the bank and the front end with the blower pointed @ an angle into the bank and presto! Instantly clean roadway. Super cool though you have to remember to put it back in standard mode or you wonder why you have forgotten how to drive straight!

 

[ndnewbie]

In the spring I have to keep grass/weeds from growing up under electric fences. I bet this would work well for getting the mower a little further under them as well. Thanks for the thought.

 

[Tigger]

How did you put it in crab steer? I asked the dealer about whether I could do that or not and he looked at me like I was from Mars. the Old Case 2290s used to be able to do that but if you are able to do that on a Tool Cat let me know.

 

[radman1]

Put the TC in 2 wheel steer mode, turn the front steering part way in one direction, then reengage the 4 wheel steer without realigning the front and rear steering. Give it a try and see if you like it.
Crab steering is the TC equivalent of "drifting" in cars. LOL

 

[Spudgunner]

I talked with a BC mechanic last week about this and the conversation was surprising. Apparently the TC's computer will sense "crab" and attempt to compensate. I don't know that I agree that it does this...but it's interesting to contemplate what the result might be.

 

[DEWFPO]

Bobcat's line of AWS skid steers have the ability to crab steer. I would think it's just software programing?

DEWFPO

 

[radman1]

I talked with a BC mechanic last week about this and the conversation was surprising. Apparently the TC's computer will sense "crab" and attempt to compensate. I don't know that I agree that it does this...but it's interesting to contemplate what the result might be.

I have to question the statement made by the BC mechanic. I have a shop manual for my 5610. The only adjustment to the steering position the manual mentions is the sensor that tells you when the wheels are straight. Both the front and rear steering cylinder have a sensor strapped to the mid portion of the cylinder. The sensor is held in place by basically hose clamps. Its only function is to sense when the cylinder rod is in the mid portion and hence the green light that appears on the center console switches. This sensor can be adjusted side to side. There is no other mention of any adjustment to keep the cylinder centered by the computer or otherwise.