Racinbob 10,779 #1 Posted May 15 I'm considering installing a foot control on a recently acquired 314-H with an Eaton 11 steering column lever control. There are two types out there according to our files. The 8-3900 Wheel Horse/Toro and the style that I believe Matt designed and built. You need to purchase a brake pedal for this one (not a factor). I have a friend that has made a batch of 8-3900 clones that are ready to go to the powder coater. There looks to be quite a few differences in the two styles. Has any of you had experience with both styles tell me the pros and cons of each? Going through the instructions I can form my own opinion but hearing some firsthand experience is way better. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 7,870 #2 Posted May 15 I used the Matt style on one of my 520 machines. There was issues with it returning to neutral from time to time. Ended up adding another spring to the centering plate. One other thing on my updated version. I left the hand control hooked up and ground the notch flat, on the hills it was sometimes more convenient to use a hand control. Plus, if I remember correctly, removing the hand control was pretty involved. After messing with two versions, this one worked the best, using a grease-able, shoulder bolt for a pivot connected by heim joints right to the control. Just some food for thought. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,779 #3 Posted May 15 I can see where leaving the hand lever might have it's advantages or at least make no difference. Matts design seems more straight forward and simpler. I'm thinking use a brake pedal from A B/C series and not the larger pedal on the 3-4-500's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 7,870 #4 Posted May 15 8 minutes ago, Racinbob said: I'm thinking use a brake pedal from A B/C series and not the larger pedal on the 3-4-500's lighter the better for the return spring. I like the longer reverse lever on the pedal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 1,819 #5 Posted May 16 I built my own. Build thread is in the modification section. Simple bolt on design is what I was aiming for. Working pretty good so far. 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 11,431 #6 Posted May 16 Built my own as well. Used a pedal from a Kubota. No return to center beyond the left pedal function- exactly as every Wheel Horse hydro ever produced. 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thor27 759 #7 Posted May 24 I have tractors with both styles. I personally prefer Matt's, they both work fine but it has a more natural range of motion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 5,604 #8 Posted May 24 I have Matt's on 5 machines right now (soon to be 6). The automatic return to neutral is a big safety plus as far as I am concerned. If you run into any difficulty or issue, just lift your foot and the tractor stops. I would assume that is one big reason why new hydro tractors work the same way. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,779 #9 Posted May 24 Is Matt still making these? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites