Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Heavy Equipment Power Trains and Systems 816 Counter Rotation Applying the counter rotation method, the operator propels one track forward and propels the other track in reverse. See Figure 24-1. Not all twin track trac- tors are capable of counter rotating. Counter rotation provides the sharpest turn of the four steering methods, with a turning radius that is equal to half the machine’s overall length. A machine’s maneuverability is maximized with counter rotation steering, but the method accelerates track component wear. Brake Steer The brake steer, or pivot turn, method has the operator propel one track in either forward or reverse, while holding the other track stationary by apply- ing a steering brake, Figure 24-2. The tractor steers toward the side with the stationary track. Brake steer provides the second sharpest turning radius of the four steering methods. The turning radius is slightly wider than the overall length of the tractor. Track-type tractors equipped with steering-clutch and brake systems use brake steering. Steering clutch and brake systems will be discussed later in this chapter. Power Turn An operator performs a power turn by driving both tracks in the same direc- tion, but one track is propelled faster than the other track, Figure 24-3. The tractor steers toward the track that is rotating slower. The turning radius is determined by the difference in track speeds and soil conditions. For example, a two-speed planetary track steering system (explained later in this chapter), can drive one track in a fixed high-speed gear ratio and drive the other in a fixed low-speed gear ratio, resulting in a power turn. Also, if one track is oper- ating in a firm soil and the other track is moving in a slicker soil, the machine steers more toward the slicker soil condition. Neutral Steer The neutral steer method requires the operator to power one track and shift the other track into neutral, Figure 24-4. The tractor steers toward the side that has the track shifted into neutral. The resistance of the neutral track determines the length of the turning radius. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 24-1. When the tracks are propelled in opposite directions, the machine operator is performing a counter rotation turn. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 24-2. The brake steer method involves braking either the right or left track while propelling the other track forward or in reverse. The tractor steers to the side with the stationary track. Counter Rotation to the Right Left track forward Right track reversed Brake Steer to the Right Left track forward Right track braked Power Turn to the Right Left track forward Right track slower forward Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 24-3. A power turn is completed by propelling both tracks in the same direction, but with one track moving faster than the other track. The tractor steers to the side with the slower track speed.