Yet another foot control fabrication

[Bill D 2,088]

32 minutes ago, cleat said:

When this tractor gets it's overhaul I will be removing the column shift lever and the safety neutral switch

 

I feel safe doing this because the tractor now reverts to neutral unless you are pushing on the foot pedal.

 

This foot control shows installation with a column shift tractor.If you have a motion control that is between your legs then you will be unbolting and removing the motion control lever from the motion cam.

The neutral safety switch is mounted on the shift plate and will need to either have the switch taped down or the wires jumpered in order for the tractor to start (purple and light blue in the case of a 520).

 

Important....do not run the tractor with the neutral safety switch bypassed until you are absolutely sure the tractor returns to neutral with the foot pedal released.

 

Another option I have been toying with is wiring the parking brake switch into the start circuit so tractor will only start with brake locked on.

I jumped the neutral safety switch out on my 416H since I'm the only user and my pedal design also returns to neutral automatically. 

 

The easiest modification would be to install a neutral safety switch as found on older hydros such as the GT1800, C175, etc. The square hole is already punched out in the hoodstand.  This requires you to depress the brake pedal to start the engine.  This is the same switch used on the 8 speeds for the clutch interlock switch.  Simply splice in some wires to extend the wiring to reach the switch.  A new switch is available online.  It's a common refrigerator fan switch with normally open contacts.  There's also a universal option with both NO and NC contacts.

Edited Tuesday at 01:54 PM by Bill D

[cleat 7,020]

6 hours ago, SylvanLakeWH said:

Curious... not a hydro guy, but I assume need for adjustment periodically or if it comes out if adjustment, should a safety switch not be maintained?

Once the neutral position is set I have never had one move out of position.

If it got a little out of adjustment and the tractor was started worst case would be that it might creep ahead or back slowly.

 

[cleat 7,020]

6 hours ago, Bill D said:

I jumped the neutral safety switch out on my 416H since I'm the only user and my pedal design also returns to neutral automatically. 

 

The easiest modification would be to install a neutral safety switch as found on older hydros such as the GT1800, C175, etc. The square hole is already punched out in the hoodstand.  This requires you to depress the brake pedal to start the engine.  This is the same switch used on the 8 speeds for the clutch interlock switch.  Simply splice in some wires to extend the wiring to reach the switch.  A new switch is available online.  It's a common refrigerator fan switch with normally open contacts.  There's also a universal option with both NO and NC contacts.

 

I have two 8 speed machines so I know about the switch you are talking about.

The hydro tractor brake linkage is quite different but I see the square hole down low on the left side where a switch could be added.

Some day I will do some playing around with this idea.

 

 

I often wondered why the brake rod had that flat plate on it, I guess now I know.

 

Thanks for the idea.

 

I guess a guy could even add brake lights to the rear fender if inclined.

 

 

[Wayne0 925]

On 4/22/2025 at 4:26 PM, cleat said:

 

I have two 8 speed machines so I know about the switch you are talking about.

The hydro tractor brake linkage is quite different but I see the square hole down low on the left side where a switch could be added.

Some day I will do some playing around with this idea.

 

 

I often wondered why the brake rod had that flat plate on it, I guess now I know.

 

Thanks for the idea.

 

I guess a guy could even add brake lights to the rear fender if inclined.

 

 

My Work Horse has a switch there.