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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Hand Cranking- Right or Left Hand?

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Dave in GA

11-18-2003 10:18:24




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When starting my '36 F-20, I had learned to pull the crank up using my right hand from the 8:00 position and let it roll over TDC to the 1:00 position, and it would start. I follow the rule about not wrapping the thumb around the crank. Last night I was reading a Case CC manual for crank starting, and it said to pull the crank up with the left hand. I then looked through the discussion archives to read the advice on the subject, and there was very little info recommending one hand vs. the other. Is it safer to crank with the left hand or the right hand to avoid kickback injuries? This question, of course, doesn't apply to the 2-cylinder machines.

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Russel

11-20-2003 20:22:29




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 Re: Hand Cranking- Right or Left Hand? in reply to Dave in GA, 11-18-2003 10:18:24  
You were cranking pretty well to begin with, and safe also. cranking is sorta like in the Karate Kid movie when he is learning to deflect an agressor. Your F-20 can be a nasty agressor!!! Always make sure the impulse on the mag works well!, Anyway, when you crank like you do, standing to the left of the tractor (or car) and you pull up on the crank and let the engine roll over that is the safe way. IF it should kick back and spin the crank in it's deadly arc while you are still in position, it will only knock your arm/hand out of the way and can not pull you into it's path. With Any other position or method of cranking there is a very good possibility that the backward spinning crank will grab your arm and either break it or pull into the tractor. Or if you are somewhat lucky, will throw you half way to the house. I learned from a master the art of cranking as he had an M farmall that never had a good battery in it. I still have my Model A and had a Model T for about 20 years

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Mike M

11-19-2003 07:39:27




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 Re: Hand Cranking- Right or Left Hand? in reply to Dave in GA, 11-18-2003 10:18:24  
John Deere did make a few 2 cyl. models that used
a crank. The L and LA are the most common.



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Larry NE IL

11-18-2003 18:59:09




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 Re: Hand Cranking- Right or Left Hand? in reply to Dave in GA, 11-18-2003 10:18:24  
I think your doin it right now. F 20 was one of the first tractors I drove when I was about 12. I used to set the crank about the one o'clock position then lay on it with my chest...quite a few times I found myself flying thru the air, but never got hurt except for some gravel in my backside.



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Fred Milner

11-18-2003 17:47:24




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 Re: Hand Cranking- Right or Left Hand? in reply to Dave in GA, 11-18-2003 10:18:24  
I crank mine with my right hand and put my left up on the steering box. Works good on my F-20. Need to make sure you keep the hand crank oiled so it will release and slide out to disengage easily. Be safe and good luck.



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Daryl

11-18-2003 13:39:27




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 Re: Hand Cranking- Right or Left Hand? in reply to Dave in GA, 11-18-2003 10:18:24  
I had a Case CO and it was easier to crank it with your left hand because the choke was spring loaded and you had to hold it out with your right hand while cranking with your left. I crank a F-20 with my right hand. I have an old MM power unit on the sawmill and it takes both hands to crank it 1/4 turn!



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Joe (Wa)

11-18-2003 11:35:45




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 Re: Hand Cranking- Right or Left Hand? in reply to Dave in GA, 11-18-2003 10:18:24  
Hi Dave, I think it's a personal choice. I started & warmed up tractors in the morning during the 50's as a teen. Was taught to use left hand because I am right handed and could still be productive if the left arm was stoved up some.

While waiting for the x-ray results at the local doc's, Pappy would always say "I just can't figure out how you can hurt yourself starting a little old tractor".

Now I was a pretty bright teen, 10 times smarter than him in those days. I figured out how to do it, more than once too. (I didn't dumb down until later). This link doesn't answer your question but might be worth reading.

Joe

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