Steering Wheel Spinners: Good, Bad, Thoughts

[Rameck]

I was thinking, I would like to add a spinner to my steering wheel to see if it would make it easier to steer. Stopped in at Autozone to see what they had and warning notice on label said, it maybe not be illegal, in some states. Also, the clamp opening is way to big for my Yanmar steering wheel. Are all tractor steering wheels on the thin size compared to automobiles that are thicker? Are tractor spinners different then automobile spinners.

thanks,
Ralph

 

[Slippy]

I have tractors with and without. Never thought it was a big deal either way. Now that I think about it, I do use it on the ones that have it, but never thought enough about it to want to add to the ones without. Have seen them on counter at tractor stores and just always thought they were universal. Would not use one on vehicle though.

 

[greg_g]

Obviously, they're not necessary for tractors with power steering. But my YM240 used armstrong steering, which prompted me to install a steering knob (spinner). Same problem; skinny steering wheel rim. Perhaps the clamps are intended for padded steering wheels or something.

Anyway, I just found some rubber lying around - might have been from a garden hose, maybe an inner tube - and wrapped a small section around the steering wheel. Then I clamped the spinner around the rubber.

//greg//

 

[ChuckinNH]

One of the first things I learned driving a tricycle front end tractor without power steering was to keep my darn thumbs out of the wheel! Wrapping your thumb, or fingers around the wheel where they could be hit by a spoke was a very good way to break them, or more, especially when harrowing across furrows, or on really rough ground. I expect that a knob would just do more damage to your hand in the same situation. Perhaps with a wide front end it is not an issue.

 

[JerryK]

I put a spinner on my snowblowing tractor. I work the spinner and the reverser with my left hand. And the lift and chute with my right. I do a lot of lock to lock in close places, and the spinner is great. The spinner fad was used on cars years ago before power steering [remember vacuum wipers, stomp starters, non-power drum brakes, bright lights switch on the floor, and buz box radios???], and was mostly outlawed afterwards on vehicles. Don't see a problem on a tractor unless you do a lot of high speed traveling and worry about the spinner impairing your ability to navigate.....and moderate the drinking of the barley-pop....

 

[lawn_king]

My tractor has power steering & a spinner knob is a must for me!

 

[jimmer2880]

Had one on my mowing machine (JD 318 with power steering). Being able to spin the wheel that quick cut down my mowing time a lot.

Also had one on my old Yanmar 155d (4wd - no power steering). It was priceless there as well.

Now have one on my Yanmar F16d (4wd - with power steering). Love it there as well.

Also have one on my old GMC C50 yard truck, not to mention my inboard ski boat.

I won't have an off-road vehicle without one. I also had the problem of too much space. A cut piece of re-inforced hose (old air-hose) works great.

My dad had a stroke close to 2 years ago. It pretty-much knocked out his right side (he can walk, but fine motor skills are gone on that side). He has his drivers license back for local, non-highway driving. One of the requirements (besides left-foot gas pedal) is a spinner on the wheel. Apparently, the state of MD figured out that if you need to turn the wheel quickly with 1 hand, a spinner is the best way to do it.

 

[Ed_Indiana]

Put my Kubota orange spinner on my B7800 the day after I bought it new , 3 years ago. Makes manuverabilty with loader, mower quick & easy. Wouldn't do without it !

 

[allenr]

I find them helpful, even with power steering.

Look for a good quality one that clamps over not just the rim of the wheel, but a spoke also.

 

[ray66v]

Tractor Supply Co. sells "real" spinners. I use one on my Reelmaster fairway mower. Any application where you can benefit from being able to steer with one hand rapidly, freeing up a hand to work other controls, they are unbeatable.