Re: Farmall M Starts in Gear

Posted by john d - Well now...if you're really into safety..... on September 08, 2002 at 22:00:18 from (205.188.209.78):

In Reply to: Farmall M Starts in Gear posted by vic on September 07, 2002 at 18:12:28:

You can probably rig a switch that would accomplish what you want. It seems to me that it would be pretty simple to install a micro-switch bracketed to the bottom portion of the steering column support post. The switch could be positioned so it would only allow starting when the gearshift lever was in neutral AND pushed hard to the right. To accomplish this, you'd likely need to run power from it to a solenoid that would then send power to the starter.... I hope you see where I'm headed here....you can likely do something like this, but you'll be adding some additional layers of complexity to the situation! If that was the plan of choice, it would work mostly because the operator would have to put the shift lever into neutral, and have ahold of it! The best plan is to never start the tractor except when you're in the seat, and have checked to make sure it's in neutral.

"Old-time" farmers (including some of this board) would never see the need for a neutral safety switch. By comparison to farming with horses, a Farmall M absolutely REEKS of safety! By comparison with tractors of the 1920's and 30's, it looks pretty good also. Most of us who grew up on a farm in the 40's 50's and 60's farmed with stuff that would grab us and kill us if we didn't learn (and follow) safe procedures. Having said that, there's no way to be 100% safe with any tractor, anymore than with a car, a truck or a firearm.

Let's face it, starting that M from the ground is just too tempting at times. We've almost all done it, and if it's in gear, there's a chance it's in a gear that will head it in your direction! A previous post mentioned the old Ford tractors as being pioneers in neutral safety swithes. Could be in part because about the only way you could reach the switch from the ground was to stand between the wheels on one side of the tractor! If it was in ANY gear, it was coming your way!

For those who don't like safety devices of any kind... I suppose the world would be simpler without ignition keys, door locks, safety switches on firearms, and matches that would strike anywhere....but sometimes there are limits to what common sense and the legal system will allow!

Think safety and learn to enjoy that M!

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