Could it be that they placed the steering rod (the one going from aft of the wheel into the center/steering wheel pipe further aft so it would be easier to turn while standing still?

I mean, if the rod parallel to the wheel - the one going aft from the center of the wheel were a bit shorter, the push-pull of the perpendicular rod would achieve more of a turn of the wheel.
Of course, in order for the power needed to turn the wheel, the steering wheel itself would need to be bigger than the standard.

I'm having trouble explaining this in words, a drawing would do much better, but I hope it's somewhat understandable, if not, perhaps I should try with a picture?