Adjusting the brake on a GC2300

DEWFPO · Feb 1, 2008

Does anyone know how to adjust the brake such that it actually works when the HST is in gear. It works well as a parking brake, but to stop when in gear I can stand on the brake and it barely causes any resistance. I basically have to tap the rocker pedal into reverse to stop this thing from moving forward after I get off the go pedal. Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks, DEWFPO

SwampKing · Feb 1, 2008

I have found the brake performance similar to what you describe, that is mostly as a parking brake. I don't think its meant to overcome the HST when its engaged at speed.

That said, I think you should first make sure you've adjusted the brake so as to take out any "slack", the owners manual covers this in pretty good detail. There is an adjustable turnbuckle underneath that can be used to increase the braking force.

I would also look at adjusting the drive pedal, it should come back to neutral when you let off-if it doesn't than that explains why you have a hard time stopping.

I can't be more specific now because I don't have the manual handy, but if you look through yours you should be able to figure it out.

ray66v · Feb 1, 2008

I have complaints with the location of the brake pedal, but not how it works?
I have the service manual and will be happy to give you the brake adjustment procedure if you would like.

DEWFPO · Feb 2, 2008

ray66v said:
I have complaints with the location of the brake pedal, but not how it works?
I have the service manual and will be happy to give you the brake adjustment procedure if you would like.

Ray66V, I would appreciate that. I've got to get it to work. My wife is wanting to learn how to use the tractor and I am afraid she is going to crash it into something.

DEWFPO

ray66v · Feb 2, 2008

All please stand for a reading from the book of Ferguson,

Brake Adjustment Procedure GC2300/2310

Correct free-play for break pedal is 7/8" to 1 1/8" vertically.

Adjusting brakes:
1. Remove and free brake rod on right side. {I think that means disconnect it?}
2. Adjust brake rod on left side.
3. Loosen lock nut {to the rear of machine},(right hand thread), and lock nut {to the front of the machine}, left hand thread. Adjust turnbuckle so as to remove free-play in brake pedal.
4. Secure lock nuts against turnbuckles
5. Adjust brake rod on right side in the same manner. And make sure all nuts are tight when finished. {da}

Sorry if it sounds confusing I did not write the book. I bet it will make sense with the machine in view.

DEWFPO · Feb 3, 2008

Thank You

DEWFPO

ray66v · Feb 3, 2008

Anytime, let us know what happens.

skivt · Feb 9, 2008

I don't really use my brake unless I am already stopped and want to hold myself in place. With the HST I pull my toes back up to the middle position and the tractor slows down, even stops. If need by I pull back on the pedal until it backs up a little bit. No this may not be correct but is how I operate it. With this approach, I am able to stop on a good hill while mowing, then back up a little and turn.

skivt · Feb 9, 2008

Forgot to mention, the brake location drives me nuts too. Reaching down to pull the lever is a pain when snow blowing with thick gloves, searching for a small lever.

tx2310 · Feb 9, 2008

I adjusted my brakes yesterday. I just took out all the slop in the linkages, it worked great and is now easier to set the park brake. If you can rattle the linkages then the brakes are loose. I also added a tool box , made a carry all, sharpened mower blades and touched up the paint where I fixed the seat for more travel. I am looking into adding differential brakes on the left side so I don't have to use the right side brake. But that is down the road.

Doug