New Holland Super Steer and SensiTrack--Have questions

npalen · Sep 18, 2016

This little guy followed me home today and now have a couple questions for anyone familiar with the New Holland TC29 DA or similar models.
The front wheel assist selection lever has two positions; "manual" and "automatic". I'm assuming that the automatic mode uses the SensiTrack clutch (item 22 in the attached illustration) to operate the FWA.
My question is how this automatic business works. I notice in the parts list that the description for the clutch includes the term "one way". Is it a simple deal similar to an over running pto clutch? I kind of see how the clutch would grab when the FWA is running slower than the rear wheels. (rear wheels slipping)
Incidentally, this SensiTrack seems to be part and parcel of the Super Steer option which the tractor does have. I don't know if I'm a fan of the SuperSteer or not but man does it ever turn short! The inside front tire is right at 90 degrees to the tractor and the inside rear wheel is almost stationary when turning full sharp.
Would also appreciate any comments, suggestions and/or caveats on this tractor.

k0ua · Sep 18, 2016

One Caveat I have is be extra careful when operating on hilly ground. It turns so sharp you can get into trouble quicker. Also when taking off an putting on the loader, it is counterintuitive to get lined back up with the loader. When I had one (TC33D) It worked well.

npalen · Sep 18, 2016

Notice how far the bucket sticks out in front of the tires. That seems excessive to me and I believe the Super Steer requires the longer (10" or so) loader arms to clear the front wheels when turning. The longer arms, however, give a little more lift height.
I've always thought that another joint in the loader arms on any tractor would allow "tucking" the bucket in close to the front tires but then extending to get the needed lift height. I'm sure the extra joint would be a killer in terms of structural rigidity and cost. Would be fun to prototype something along these lines. Perhaps the "outer arms" could be activated by a linkage similar to self-leveling. Just a pipe dream probably.

k0ua · Sep 18, 2016

npalen said:
Notice how far the bucket sticks out in front of the tires. That seems excessive to me and I believe the Super Steer requires the longer (10" or so) loader arms to clear the front wheels when turning. The longer arms, however, give a little more lift height.
I've always thought that another joint in the loader arms on any tractor would allow "tucking" the bucket in close to the front tires but then extending to get the needed lift height. I'm sure the extra joint would be a killer in terms of structural rigidity and cost. Would be fun to prototype something along these lines. Perhaps the "outer arms" could be activated by a linkage similar to self-leveling. Just a pipe dream probably.

Yeah, there are some downsides to SuperSteer, but there sure are some upsides too. It was one heck of a mowing machine. An extremely tight turning machine.

npalen · Sep 20, 2016

Moved a little landscaping rock into place around a new home this evening. I can see that the supersteer is very useful for maneuvering in tight places. This was on a new lawn so didn't want to tear up the grass with the industrial tires. The front wheel assist certainly complements the supersteer.