Manual Throttle

[35boulder]

Would someone please explain to me why was the manual throttle installed on some of these trucks? What was its purpose? Thanks

[mike1971c10]

I use mine as a poor man's cruise control
mike

[Grumpy old man]

^ That's a really bad idea . unlike real cruise control it doesn't shut off when you step on the brakes . Usually found on c-20/c-30/c-50 used to maintain constant low speed for loading along side of tractor in fields , or running higher throttle on PTO equipped trucks . Can be used to increase throttle for morning warm up . Can also be used to temp set throttle higher for steep hill manual clutch engagement ,Makes it easier than using 2 feet on 3 pedals .

[Mike C]

Most likely for running PTO driven attacments. Pumps, winches, etc.

[35boulder]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

^ That's a really bad idea . unlike real cruise control it doesn't shut off when you step on the brakes . Usually found on c-20/c-30/c-50 used to maintain constant low speed for loading along side of tractor in fields , or running higher throttle on PTO equipped trucks . Can be used to increase throttle for morning warm up . Can also be used to temp set throttle higher for steep hill manual clutch engagement ,Makes it easier than using 2 feet on 3 pedals .

I was wondering if it had something to do with farming and such. Thanks

[Grumpy old man]

Back then they were tools not toys .

[too much stuff]

I have seen them quite often on blazers and jimmys also.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by mike1971c10

I use mine as a poor man's cruise control
mike

I did, too, on my square. I eventually installed an over the counter cruise control kit, so I removed the manual control (found it in a box the other day).

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

^ That's a really bad idea . unlike real cruise control it doesn't shut off when you step on the brakes .

They have a quick release feature; if you smack it to the left it releases completely without having to dial it back.

Besides - it pretty much has to be long stretches of flat, level, deserted highways for it to be of any benefit. They don't work very well as a cruise control on hilly terrain or in traffic.

K

[chevy71super]

I was raised on a Montana cattle ranch in the 60's and 70's. When we fed the livestock in the winter we would place the truck in 4 Lo, first gear (granny) pulled the throttle out a couple of clicks and jumped on the back cutting the bale strings to feed. The truck would creep along fairly straight going through the snow, small irrigation ditches and whatever else was in the way. Dad could feed by himself if no one else was around. The local dealer ordered them that way for the ranchers.