Under the right side is a rod that can be lengthened. However, my 1710 lost its brakes when the pads fell off the shoes. Changing the brake shoes isn't too hard, but does take a little time. Right and left brakes can be adjusted separately.
Seems like there is an adjustment screw that opens the pads on each side. When I look in the manual, I can see the plate that opens, but I cannot seem to get mine out. Are you saying that the only adjustment is in the breaking rod?