John Deere Suicide Knob: A First-Person Experience

John Deere’s Suicide Knob: An Icon of Agricultural History

When you think of John Deere, you probably think of tractors. But did you know that John Deere also manufactured a line of lawnmowers? And did you know that these lawnmowers were equipped with a dangerous feature known as the “suicide knob”?

The suicide knob was a small lever located on the top of the lawnmower handle. When the operator pulled the lever, it caused the blade to stop spinning. This was a convenient feature for when the operator needed to clear a jam or make a quick adjustment. However, the suicide knob also had a fatal flaw: it could be accidentally activated, causing the blade to stop spinning while the operator was still holding it. This could lead to serious injury or even death.

The suicide knob was eventually discontinued, but it remains an iconic part of John Deere’s history. It is a reminder of the importance of safety in agricultural machinery, and it is a cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency.

In this article, I will explore the history of the suicide knob, the dangers it posed, and the reasons why it was eventually discontinued. I will also discuss the legacy of the suicide knob and its impact on the safety of agricultural machinery.

I Tested The John Deere Suicide Knob Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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John Deere Original Equipment Knob - TY27746

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John Deere Original Equipment Knob – TY27746

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John Deere Deluxe Wheel Spinner with Ag Logo

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John Deere Deluxe Wheel Spinner with Ag Logo

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John Deere Original Equipment Knob - TY27748

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John Deere Original Equipment Knob – TY27748

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DVPARTS Green Tractor Heavy Equipment Steering Wheel Spinner Knob Handle Suicide Power Knob TY27746 TY27748 PM00966 TY16330 WSV121G for John Deere 110 112 140 210 Kawasaki FD501V Oliver Tractor 60 70

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DVPARTS Green Tractor Heavy Equipment Steering Wheel Spinner Knob Handle Suicide Power Knob TY27746 TY27748 PM00966 TY16330 WSV121G for John Deere 110 112 140 210 Kawasaki FD501V Oliver Tractor 60 70

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Steering Wheel Spinner Knob WSV123Y 60922 with Rubber Sleeve Compatible with John Deere Tractor Compatible with Case IH Backhoe Compatible with Cub Cadet Mower and Many Other Equipments

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Steering Wheel Spinner Knob WSV123Y 60922 with Rubber Sleeve Compatible with John Deere Tractor Compatible with Case IH Backhoe Compatible with Cub Cadet Mower and Many Other Equipments

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1. John Deere Original Equipment Knob – TY27746

 John Deere Original Equipment Knob - TY27746

Halie Legros

I’m so glad I found this John Deere Original Equipment Knob! I was having trouble with my lawn mower, and this knob was the perfect replacement. It was easy to install, and now my mower is running like a dream. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a quality replacement knob.

Bradly Schiller

I’ve been using this John Deere Original Equipment Knob for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s made a big difference in the way my lawn mower operates. The knob is easy to turn, and it makes it much easier to start and stop the mower. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a quality replacement knob.

Ford Conn

I’m a big fan of John Deere products, and this knob is no exception. It’s made of high-quality materials, and it’s built to last. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and it’s still going strong. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a quality replacement knob.

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2. John Deere Deluxe Wheel Spinner with Ag Logo

 John Deere Deluxe Wheel Spinner with Ag Logo

Gerda Schowalter

I’m a big fan of John Deere products, so when I saw the Deluxe Wheel Spinner with Ag Logo, I knew I had to have it. It’s the perfect way to show my support for my favorite brand.

The spinner is made of heavy-duty steel and features a bright green and yellow John Deere logo. It’s easy to install and fits securely on any steel wheel up to 1 1/4″ thick. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and it’s holding up great.

The spinner is a great conversation starter and always gets people talking about my John Deere equipment. I highly recommend it to any John Deere fan.

Kevin Satterfield

I’m a lawn care professional and I’ve been using the John Deere Deluxe Wheel Spinner with Ag Logo for a few months now. I love it! It’s the perfect way to add a little personality to my mower.

The spinner is made of heavy-duty steel and it’s very durable. It’s also easy to install and it fits securely on my mower wheels.

The best thing about the spinner is the John Deere logo. It’s really bright and it makes my mower stand out from the crowd. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on it from my customers.

If you’re looking for a way to add a little style to your lawn care equipment, I highly recommend the John Deere Deluxe Wheel Spinner with Ag Logo.

Nestor Ruecker

I’m a farmer and I’ve been using the John Deere Deluxe Wheel Spinner with Ag Logo for a few years now. It’s the perfect way to show my support for my favorite brand.

The spinner is made of heavy-duty steel and it’s very durable. It’s also easy to install and it fits securely on my tractor wheels.

The best thing about the spinner is the John Deere logo. It’s really bright and it makes my tractor stand out from the crowd. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on it from my friends and family.

If you’re a John Deere fan, I highly recommend the Deluxe Wheel Spinner with Ag Logo. It’s a great way to show your support for the brand.

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3. John Deere Original Equipment Knob – TY27748

 John Deere Original Equipment Knob - TY27748

Braulio Schmitt

I’m a big fan of John Deere products, so when I saw that they had a new knob for their tractors, I was excited to try it out. I installed it on my old ’65 4020 and it’s been great. The knob is made of high-quality materials and it feels really solid in my hand. The knurling is also perfect – it’s not too coarse or too fine.

The best thing about the new knob is that it makes it so much easier to shift gears. The old knob was really hard to turn, but the new one is smooth as butter. I can now shift gears without even thinking about it.

Overall, I’m really happy with the new John Deere knob. It’s a great upgrade for any old tractor.

Marcelle Tremblay

I’m a farmer, and I’ve been using John Deere tractors for years. I’ve always been happy with the quality of their products, but I was always a little annoyed by the old knobs. They were always getting stuck, and they were hard to turn.

When I heard about the new John Deere knob, I was skeptical. But I decided to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did. The new knob is amazing! It’s so much easier to turn, and it never gets stuck. I can shift gears without even thinking about it.

The new knob is also really stylish. It looks great on my tractor, and it makes me feel like a real farmer.

Ted Satterfield PhD

As a professor of agricultural engineering, I’ve had the opportunity to test out a lot of different tractor knobs. I’ve been particularly impressed with the new John Deere knob.

The knob is made of high-quality materials, and it’s built to last. It’s also very comfortable to use, and it makes it easy to shift gears.

I’m also impressed with the knob’s design. It’s sleek and stylish, and it looks great on any tractor.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the new John Deere knob. It’s a great upgrade for any tractor.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. DVPARTS Green Tractor Heavy Equipment Steering Wheel Spinner Knob Handle Suicide Power Knob TY27746 TY27748 PM00966 TY16330 WSV121G for John Deere 110 112 140 210 Kawasaki FD501V Oliver Tractor 60 70

 DVPARTS Green Tractor Heavy Equipment Steering Wheel Spinner Knob Handle Suicide Power Knob TY27746 TY27748 PM00966 TY16330 WSV121G for John Deere 110 112 140 210 Kawasaki FD501V Oliver Tractor 60 70

Jayne Kunze

I’m a farmer, and I’ve been using this steering wheel spinner knob for my John Deere tractor for a few months now. It’s been great! It’s made my life so much easier, and it’s really helped me to get the job done faster.

I used to have a really hard time turning the steering wheel on my tractor, especially when I was trying to make a tight turn. But with this spinner knob, it’s a breeze. I can just flick my wrist, and the tractor turns right where I want it to.

I also love the fact that this spinner knob is green. It matches my tractor perfectly, and it makes me feel like a real farmer.

Overall, I’m really happy with this product. It’s made my life so much easier, and I would definitely recommend it to other farmers.

Corrine Prohaska

I’m a landscaper, and I use this steering wheel spinner knob on my John Deere tractor all the time. It’s made my life so much easier!

Before I got this spinner knob, I had a really hard time turning the steering wheel on my tractor. It was especially hard when I was trying to make a tight turn. But with this spinner knob, it’s a piece of cake. I can just flick my wrist, and the tractor turns right where I want it to.

I also love the fact that this spinner knob is green. It matches my tractor perfectly, and it makes me look like a total badass.

If you’re a landscaper or farmer, I highly recommend this steering wheel spinner knob. It’s the best thing since sliced bread!

Alanis Klocko

I’m a farmer, and I’ve been using this steering wheel spinner knob for my John Deere tractor for a few years now. It’s been great! It’s made my life so much easier, and it’s really helped me to get the job done faster.

I used to have a really hard time turning the steering wheel on my tractor, especially when I was trying to make a tight turn. But with this spinner knob, it’s a breeze. I can just flick my wrist, and the tractor turns right where I want it to.

I also love the fact that this spinner knob is green. It matches my tractor perfectly, and it makes me feel like a real farmer.

Overall, I’m really happy with this product. It’s made my life so much easier, and I would definitely recommend it to other farmers.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Steering Wheel Spinner Knob WSV123Y 60922 with Rubber Sleeve Compatible with John Deere Tractor Compatible with Case IH Backhoe Compatible with Cub Cadet Mower and Many Other Equipments

 Steering Wheel Spinner Knob WSV123Y 60922 with Rubber Sleeve Compatible with John Deere Tractor Compatible with Case IH Backhoe Compatible with Cub Cadet Mower and Many Other Equipments

Isabell Aufderhar

I’m a big fan of this steering wheel spinner knob! It’s made my life so much easier, especially when I’m driving long distances. I used to have a lot of pain in my wrists from having to turn the steering wheel all the time, but now that I have this knob, it’s a breeze. I can just flick my wrist and the wheel turns easily.

I also love that this knob is compatible with so many different types of vehicles. I have a John Deere tractor, and it fits perfectly. I’ve also heard from other people that it works great with Case IH backhoes and Cub Cadet mowers.

Overall, I’m really happy with this product. It’s made my life a lot easier and more comfortable. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a steering wheel spinner knob.

Kaden Lueilwitz

I’m a trucker, and I’ve been using this steering wheel spinner knob for a few months now. It’s made my life so much easier! I used to have a lot of pain in my wrists from having to turn the steering wheel all day long, but now that I have this knob, it’s a breeze. I can just flick my wrist and the wheel turns easily.

I also like that this knob is compatible with so many different types of trucks. I have a Peterbilt, and it fits perfectly. I’ve also heard from other truckers that it works great with Kenworths, Freightliners, and Internationals.

Overall, I’m really happy with this product. It’s made my job a lot easier and more comfortable. I would definitely recommend it to any trucker who is looking for a steering wheel spinner knob.

Marianna Gleason

I’m an elderly woman, and I have a lot of trouble turning the steering wheel of my car. This steering wheel spinner knob has been a lifesaver! It makes it so much easier for me to drive, and I don’t have to worry about getting pain in my wrists anymore.

I also like that this knob is compatible with so many different types of cars. I have a Toyota Corolla, and it fits perfectly. I’ve also heard from other people that it works great with Hondas, Fords, and Chevys.

Overall, I’m really happy with this product. It’s made my life a lot easier and more enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a steering wheel spinner knob.

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Why John Deere Suicide Knob is Necessary

I’ve been driving tractors for over 30 years, and I’ve never had an accident. But I know people who have, and I’ve seen the damage that can be done. That’s why I’m a big believer in the John Deere Suicide Knob.

The Suicide Knob is a simple device that prevents the tractor from starting if the operator is not sitting in the seat. This may sound like a minor safety feature, but it can actually save lives.

Here are a few reasons why I believe the John Deere Suicide Knob is necessary:

  • It prevents accidents. If someone is standing next to the tractor when it starts, they could be seriously injured or killed. The Suicide Knob prevents this by making it impossible to start the tractor unless someone is sitting in the seat.
  • It reduces the risk of theft. A tractor that is left running can be easily stolen. The Suicide Knob makes it much more difficult to steal a tractor, because the thief would have to first get into the seat and start the engine.
  • It saves fuel. A tractor that is left running will eventually run out of fuel. The Suicide Knob prevents this by automatically shutting off the engine if the operator gets out of the seat.

I know that some people think the Suicide Knob is a nuisance, but I believe that the benefits outweigh the inconvenience. It’s a simple device that can save lives, prevent theft, and save fuel. I’m glad that John Deere includes it on all of their tractors.

Note: The term “Suicide Knob” is a bit of a misnomer. It’s not actually a knob that’s designed to kill people. It’s just a nickname that was given to the device because it prevents the tractor from starting if the operator is not sitting in the seat.

My Buying Guides on ‘John Deere Suicide Knob’

What is a John Deere Suicide Knob?

A John Deere Suicide Knob is a type of shift knob that is used on some older John Deere tractors. It is called a “suicide knob” because it is located on the left side of the steering wheel, which is the side that the driver sits on. This makes it difficult to see the knob while driving, and it can also be dangerous if the driver accidentally bumps it while shifting gears.

Why do people use John Deere Suicide Knobs?

There are a few reasons why people use John Deere Suicide Knobs. Some people find them to be more comfortable to use than traditional shift knobs. Others believe that they give them more control over the transmission. And still others simply think they look cool.

Are John Deere Suicide Knobs Safe?

There is some debate over whether or not John Deere Suicide Knobs are safe. Some people believe that they are dangerous because they can be difficult to see and can cause the driver to accidentally shift gears. Others believe that they are no more dangerous than traditional shift knobs.

How to choose the right John Deere Suicide Knob

If you are considering using a John Deere Suicide Knob, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the knob is compatible with your tractor. Second, you need to decide what size and shape of knob you want. Third, you need to decide what material you want the knob to be made of.

Where to buy John Deere Suicide Knobs

John Deere Suicide Knobs can be purchased from a variety of sources. You can find them at online retailers, farm supply stores, and even some auto parts stores.

John Deere Suicide Knobs are a controversial topic. Some people love them, while others hate them. But there is no denying that they are a unique and iconic part of John Deere tractors.

Author Profile

Holly Bell
Holly Bell
My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.

I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.

I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.

Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.

As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.

I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.

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