Hi, Folks.
Another one re-awakened.



Just my 0.02.

If I tried cranking on the push stroke like in the video, I figure I'd brake a wrist in a few minutes or less when it kicked back. I couldn't watch, I had to shut it off. cringe worthy.

Hi, Floyd Green.
No argument there. That said though, I thought the more important point was that he got it running and driving.

Just my 0.02.

That CRANKING PORTION - There is only one explanation for getting by with those errors, PURE LUCK! IT WASN'T YOUR TIME!

NEVER -NEVER - NEVER
Stand in line with the arc of the Crank, push downward on a crank, wrap your thumb around a crank, or have yourself in a position you could fall into that arc!
Same goes with a ROPE --- never wrap it around your arm or hand, keep by-standers away.

How many videos and in person live events, have we witnessed these dangerous procedures?

I watched a fellow on video "cranking" a Sixty with a real long bar. Both hands on the bar, thumbs wrapped around it and he litterally jumped off the track as he pulled it over.
That 6 3/4" bore would likely have propelled him into orbit if it had mis-fired!

Yes, I agree, always nice to see a machine start and run. I am afraid I have to agree, I cringed, gritted my teeth and was hoping it did not kick!
CTS

It looked to me that the front cable control impaired proper cranking.

Front Cable Unit-
Yes, I thought the same thing when I saw it.
I also thought the crank had been "modified" looked a lot longer than "stock" 9G crank. Most probable reason was to clear the CCU.
CTS

I was of the notion that all the cranks for the side mounted pony were the same. Even the latter D7 and D8 that the crank was on top of the hood.

Yes, I was wondering how all the people doing video get away with the dangerous ways and never a mishap.


My uncle had story of a guy taking a ride with the starter bar of a Cat 60. It was during WW2 and tractors in short supply, 60's that had not been used were dug out of the barn and brush and put back to work. He was delivering one to the headquarters of the biggest almond grower in Paso Robles when this was the almond capital of California. The owner's son pulled up in Cadillac as he was preparing to start the 60 to unload from a flatbed truck backed into a bank. He was taking very short pulls of the bar. The son jumps up and says I will show you how to start it and drive to the shop, and get out of the way kid. He get a big bite way over the fly wheel and a big 2 handed pull. He got launched about 30 feet out into the orchard and smacked into a almond tree.

I actually had a misfire on the D8-8R with the crank on top of the hood. When it kicked, it flew somewhere ringing as it flew. Never did find it. I was lucky it did not hit me which brings up the question, How do I safely crank such a set up? There is nowhere to hide and it sets at about chest or jaw high. I could crouch below it but that's awkward to say the least.

Floyd -
There are many operations we are tasked with that are technically unsafe as there are no ways to fully protect ones-self.
This top mounted crank is no different than one mounted 90 degrees different. They all are a threat and have potential to create bodily harm.

"WE" make every effort to ensure we are handling the crank properly, no thumb around the shaft, pulling to you, never pushing against compression and always keeping bystanders away, especially in line with a possible trajectory. "We" also do our best in maintaining the equipment. Keeping the magneto, wires, plugs, and fuel system are all keys to preventing or lessening potential for KICKBACK.

IF the top mounted crank was to hang on to the pawl and during a kickback, plan where your body and arm/hand would be. Do the best you can to keep out of that arc. Same thing goes for a front or side mounted crank. bars on those flywheels, etc. all have inherent hazards!

CTS