Interesting reference to the 9N above. Started out driving a 9N (which my father still has and we still use once in a while) when I was about 8. I was a big (read fat) kid so I could jump off the seat, land on the clutch and brakes to get it stopped, therefore I was ready to pull trailers, skid logs, and disc fields. If the left brake and clutch were adjusted correctly, you could step on both at the same time (1/2 boot on each) and disengage the clutch just as the brake engaged. No loader, no front weight rack. Brake steered that thing all over everywhere doing all sorts of stuff for 40 years. On the hills I grew up on, brake steering was just a required part of running the machine.
When I bought the L4701 ability to brake steer was a requirement. Can’t imagine running a small tractor without that capability. With loader on and 4WD engaged, haven’t needed it except a couple times on sloppy mud, wet clay slopes. Mowing with the loader off (tight spaces) in 2WD (minimizing turf damage) brake steering comes in handy for things like turning up slopes, out of ditches, etc. Unless I’m in high range roading it, the brakes are unlocked and if it doesn’t want to turn, the brakes will help it.
Have run a smattering of tractors and farm/construction type equipment built from the 40’s forward. The controls have been all over everywhere; some more intuitive than others. Apparently the treadle is unpopular with a small enough % of operators they don’t see a benefit to changing. Personally, I like it. Heck of a lot better than the clutch and stick with no reverser (like the old 9N).
