So I have had my tractor a few months now and had such a great experience with my first question, I want to ask another one.
Here goes:
When I push the brake pedal with my foot, like when on a hill, the right wheel immediately locks up. It just will not stop slowly.
What do I need to do?
Thanks.
I don't know how the 2310 brakes are configured. But I'm going to assume it is similar to the old US model Yanmars. On those the foot brakes were connected via rods and mechanical linkages back to the brakes themselves. The brakes were on a shaft right above the rear axle and very easy to get to and service once the rear tire is off. They are located under a blate right above the rear axle on each side. Look for a flat plate above the axle, held to the transmission case by 4 bolts, and with the brake pedal actuated bellcrank affixed to the cover. The brake shoes, springs, and brake drum are all under that cover.
Take the cover off and what do you see? I'm betting the cover will either be full of rust or oil, one of the two - maybe both. Around here we get the rust. I've probably fixed ten rusty ones, and although I've heard of a similar problem due to worn countershaft seals leaking transmission oil onto the brake drum, it's not something I've seen or fixed. The rust is easy.
Oh, the right wheel lock up you mentioned? Common with rusty brakes. What happens is that the little case where the brakes live is not well ventilaged. Some water gets in and just sort of sits in there forever. Maybe it's salt water..... Anyway, in a year or so the drum gets lots and lots of little rust pits in what is supposed to be the smooth area where the brake shoes rub. Those pits get filled with chunks of high friction shoe material until instead of the brake shoes bearing on steel like designed, the brakes shoes are actually rubbing on holes filled with more brake shoe material. Super high friction & wheel lockup.
Until you get around to fixing it, you can just disconnect the bellcrank from the brake cover on that right side that is locking up and proceed on left brake only. Those are individual wheel brakes and designed to work in opposition or one at a time. You won't hurt things if you do that reasonably, low speeds, and don't do it forever.
And all the time this is going on, the moisture is still in there eating away at the brake return springs. If this looks like your 2310's problem, plan on a standard brake job and some new parts. And fix the brake case cover so that it both vents and allows loose friction material to exit.
Luck,
rScotty
