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Driver offset

S

ShadetreeRet

Well-known Member
Gentlemen; I understand the reason for the offset, but on the Cub and A series, why was the driver offset to the right? Were they manufactured in England? Maybe it's just me, but I am used to sitting on the left side of a vehicle when driving and it seems just a little awkward. Thanks.
 
As I said, I understand the REASON for the offset, I was just curious as to why the engine was offset to the left instead of the right. No big deal, just curious.
 
By convention, most implements that have a bias to one side or the other are offset to the right (sickle bars, balers, combines, sprayers, grape hoes etc. etc.). This puts the driver on the side where the implement is working. When plowing, this puts the heavier weight on the land wheel rather than the furrow wheel.
 
I think it was because the exhaust is located on the left and the lift system on those tractor were run buy exhaust pressure. The unit that did the lifting layed along the left side of tractor and if I remeber right it was a good size unit.
 
The exhaust lift was concocted after the tractor was designed. The lift control valve was on the right side of the engine. The hose from the valve to the cylinder had to be threaded across from the right side for implements that used the cylinder mounted on the left.
 
Engine is not off-set the driver is. Most tow behind implements are built for right hand use so why not have the driver set on the right and its sure easy to get off and on. When the lawsuit happened with AC they said ours are Cultivision but it didnt work and they did pay AC.
 
I think it's for right-handed people. When I drive a centered tractor I do most of my sighting off the right side. It just seems natural to me.
 
Right hand plow and setting on right side you can see where you are at, if you would be seting left you would have to be able to look thru the engine to see the front tire in the furrow
 
It's for the same reason that many implements like mowers, haybines, forage harvesters, balers sit off to the right: Most people are right-handed and it is more comfortable and natural to look over their right shoulder.

Usually right-handed also means that your right eye is dominant. Having everything biased to the right gives you the best view.
 
I have no idea - but I'm willing to bet having the carb and exhaust on the left side at had at least something to do with putting the driver on the right.

You'd get less heat, exhaust fumes, and gas odor blowing back at you if you're on the right.

Not that it's a huge factor, but if you're trying to decide left/right with all else being equal - why not take right.

I also think the same thing applies to it just feeling right to have full vision on your right.

Of course, it puts all of your controls to the left which I find a SLIGHT disadvantage.

But I think probably the number one reason was because sickle bar mowers were pretty much always to the right, from the horse days (though I'm not 100% sure of that) but if the cutter is on the right, sitting way over on the left would be very awkward.
 
Gentlemen; I appreciate all the replies. All the explanations make sense as to why the driver is offset to the right. I have never owned one, but I always liked the larger Farmalls, (C thru M). I remember a farmer in our neighborhood when I was a kid had an M, he drove that thing wide open all the time! It scared me just to see him on he thing. As far as I know that tractor never gave him any problems and he lived to a good old age in spite of the way he handled his farm equipment.
 
In that old farmer's defense, my biggest complaint about an M has always been that 4th is too slow, 5th too fast.

I find that you're always between bending the throttle trying to go faster in 4th, or abusing the clutch trying to go slower in 5th.

You tend to go for 5th, and occcasionaly get lazy on the clutch - until you're reminded of why it's so dangerous to go that fast when you hit a rut and the spring in the seat launches you two feet into the air (where you suddenly WISH you could reach the clutch)
 
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