Hyd vs Elec Trailer Brakes

[TractorBob1529]

I still have mix feelings about the conversion to electric brakes. I rather fix up the hyd surge brake if I can, but upon inspection, there is quite a bit fixing to do. Not even sure if drum or disk brakes yet...all I know is that it don't work with tons of broken brake lines. Are you guys suggesting I convert or try to work out the kinks of the hyd system? :confused2:

To note the trailer I have is a 1997 Cronkhite Model# 2700, rated for 12300 lbs and I'll be towing a KX121-3 gross at 9000 lbs. Is that trailer rated enough for the excavator?

 

[Diamondpilot]

I think you can fix it. Cost is the same either way.

The trailer should haul it but will be maxed out.

Chris

 

[Morning Wood]

I still have mix feelings about the conversion to electric brakes. I rather fix up the hyd surge brake if I can, but upon inspection, there is quite a bit fixing to do. Not even sure if drum or disk brakes yet...all I know is that it don't work with tons of broken brake lines. Are you guys suggesting I convert or try to work out the kinks of the hyd system? :confused2:

To note the trailer I have is a 1997 Cronkhite Model# 2700, rated for 12300 lbs and I'll be towing a KX121-3 gross at 9000 lbs. Is that trailer rated enough for the excavator?

A friend has a KX121-3 with cab, thumb, blade, and steel tracks. Thought he was right around 10k in weight. 9k seems light for that machine unless its rubber tracks and canopy. I would prefer a 14k trailer. You're just going to have to load tongue weight heavy so as not to max out the axles, but be careful not to max out your hitch, truck axles, etc. If you stay surge brakes you're going to want to convert to disc. compare the cost of converting to disc and converting to electric drum. Them make a decision.

 

[rockshaft]

You could always go electric over hydraulic as well. That way you can have a quality hydraulic disc, and have it actuated by your trucks braking, not through surge alone.

 

[TractorBob1529]

The KX121-3 is basically stripped down, rubber tracts and a canopy. 9000lbs is my best guess for the ex, I'm thinking more close to 10,000lbs after all that is said and done. I'm looking into disc brakes, but that's alot to front, plus there is drum brakes on the trailer currently. Decisions, decisions. Thanks for all the input so far.

Does anyone have the specs for the Cronkhite Model 2700? I am assuming the GVWR is 12,300 since I can not read only the stamped numbers and all the print is rubbed off.

 

[duroc]

Bought a used equipment trailer with hyd brakes setup. Set up does not work at the moment. I stripped down the trailer to be redeck and thought should I setup electric brakes or try to fix the hyd brake system?

What are the Pro's and Con's of each braking system for the trailers?

I've had both and prefer the electric. The main reason I like electric is because if for any reason the "tail wags the dog" you can reach down and tap the thumb lever on the brake controller and it will straighten the trailer out. This may not sound like a big deal, but when it happens (and eventually it will) you'll be glad the brake system is electric. As always...JMHO! YMMV!

 

[travis potter]

I have surge disc brakes on my small tool trailer with the disc they are self adjusting with elect I was tolled they need to be adjusted every 3,000 miles for best stoping.

 

[duroc]

I don't doubt *your* word, but who ever told you that electric brakes need to be adjusted every 3k is wrong.

 

[Morning Wood]

You need to lube and adjust electric brakes 1 time a year minimum regardless off mileage.

As for the GVWR of your trailer, look at the tires. Add up their weight ratings and it Gould tell you if you have 5200, 6000, 7000 lbs axles. Alot I manufacturers seem to be putting smaller axles on trailers and then adding the proposed tongue weight to the GVWR. Example. 6k axles and trailer is rated for 13,200 or something.

 

[TractorBob1529]

Being broke is a big factor, so I am going to try to salvage the surge/drum brakes. But if I run into buying more parts to be replaced in the system, then why not spend the money to upgrade. I'm hoping a line or two...guess we'll see.