What is this handle?
 

There's a Original on Ebay and in the pic there's a handle by the seat, is it for the brake or is it just a handle to hold on to for mowing hills or something?

Here's the item number on Ebay 110929575942 I'd send the link but computers hate me LOL

I don't think I have ever seen any type of operating handle like that on any "O" I have seen. It does not appear to have any pto at the rear so it must be a PO add on for one thing or another. Maybe it came from WVA, they have some pretty steep hills back in them thar hollers down there. Seriously if it is not an operating lever I would guess possibly it was used by a handicapped operator to assist somehow for mounting and or dismounting.

That handle on Non-IH. Probably some fabricated device by a Previous Owner.

I believe that thar is an umbrella holder.:bigthink:

It's a hat holder?

4th gear?:bigeyes:

Pull the cap and stick a flag in it for a parade?
:American Flag 1:

2nd vote for an umbrella holder...and holy patina mobile!

It's an Oh crap I'm mowing on a hill side and I'm sliding!:biggrin2:

The old guy had owned an Economy tractor before and had learned you can not use the steering wheel to help get on or off the tractor. The steering column will break!! :bigeyes:

Its a "crutch" to help get on or off!! :bigthink:

The Cub Cadet does not have the Economy weak steering column. :bigeyes:

I think he made himself a homemade T/A torque amplifier like the big IH's LOL

I third that motion