What if you could design a TC?

[etengineer]

I was just curious after reading through many of the posts and it seems like overall most people are excited about the TC? My question is if you could start from scratch how would you design the TC, what would you change what would you keep the same?

 

[dylan]

In addition to the work mode and rabbit mode, I'd like to a see a "deer" mode.

This button would soften up the suspension, make for a easier ride and allow the machine to go 50 kph. Good for real road travel

I'm sure I'll think of some more brainwaves later!

 

[jmfox]

Larger wheels/tires. The current tires limit traction and speed. Also, the driver seat could be lower.

jmf

 

[dsb5610]

These things pop into my head as I'm using it but then on to the next thing and I forget. Here is what I can think of:

- Speed control that is ground speed sensitive for spraying applications.
- Brakes that will hold the axles still at any angle.
- Rear wheel only steer. Current options are front wheel only, all wheel and crab steer. Rear wheel only steer would be simple to add and better suited for applications such as mowing.
- Quick attach plate with lockable positions. The default position would be the same as standard quick attach, fixed horizontal position, however when unlocked the plate could oscilate side to side. Additionally, the plate could be locked at varying degrees of angle.
- SMV emblem incorporated into the body.
- Adjustable suspension. Something along the lines of work mode. Stiff suspension for attachment work, soft for transport and a lock mode so hydraulic breakers could be used.
- Lockable front differential. Should be easy to incorporate since the rear is lockable.
- Domelight controlled by door switch versus manual push button.
- Attachment level indicator. Something, anything, to provide a reference for where the attachment is with respect to the ground.
- Inverter to provide AC power.
- Radiator/oil cooler completely enclosed with easy access screens for cleaning.

dsb

 

[theoshin]

-more powerful engine/hydrostatic motor
probably limited by the machine specs but more hydro power to my blower and at times front arm would be nice
-lockable front diff
would help for digging with the bucket!
-better front seat - air ride like on my tractor
-larger tires

otherwise a pretty well enginered product

 

[etengineer]

Does most everybody like the size of the machine, should it be wider for more stability, narrower for better manuverability. What about the weight obviously for digging more weight would be better, but for landcare or transportation it would be a negative. Are these usually driven from one location to another or are they being loaded on a trailer and hauled from job to job. It looks like the front wheel well obstructs the brake and "accelerator" pedal. It looks like a lot of people use this for snow removal and wonder if it causes problems with large winter boots on trying to operate the pedals. Do you like the hydrostat over a mechanical drive. I can see the advantage that you could run the enigne at high idle to give full auxialliary flow, and still run at a low speed. I noticed most who have responded wanted larger tires, if this would increase the macine height would you still want larger tires?

 

[etengineer]

JMF, when you say the drivers seat to be lower, do you mean the seat in the cab or the cab closer to the ground.

 

[mwthompson2]

What can be done with a compact tractor that cannot be achieved by a TC? What can a TC accomplish that a compact tractor cannot? I don't see many of these around the area and wonder how many people are buying these to replace compact tractors or UTV's. I wonder if they are more geographically located. Where are people from that own these machines?

 

[greensway]

I would want the sides of the bed to be maybe 6 inches higher, still keeping the stake pockets.
Make the air intake upgrade standard.

 

[dylan]

Just got through another snow event and wouldn't mind changing the following items: (I hope the engineers are reading this)

The rabbit buttom should also engage work mode. I'm always shifting from work to rabbit and have to reach across the dash to do it.

The parking lever should have a neutral in the middle instead of park for quicker and easier shifts from forward to reverse. Like the electric hydraulic clutches on tractors.

Bigger tires would be nice for more road speed and climbing curbs. Might absorb some more bumps too!

The window wiper buttom should not be behind the steering wheel and adjustable speed would be nice.

More buttoms on the loader joystick would be nice to control the snowblower. Right now I have to take my hand off the joystick to move the chute and then back again. All the controls could be incorporated right into one handle.

Maybe 20 hours run time on a fuel tank might be useful.



On a side note: I was at the local Tim Hortens this morning and there were four other snow companies gathered around my toolcat checking it out. They seemed impressed.

Well, thats all for now.
Dylan