Brakes again?

[windcatcher]

Have you talked to LS directly. From what has been said, I'm not real impressed by your dealer.

I find it hard to believe that LS would sell a tractor that does not have brakes enough for any configuration offered. It is a safety issue.

LS contact info is on their website.

I haven't contacted LS directly yet. I wanted to give the dealer every chance to make the necessary repairs before doing so. I want to tell them I'm going to speak with LS about the issue, but I want them on my side too.

Honey draws more bees than vinegar. At least that's what I've been told.

 

[Guesseral]

If in fact LS did say that about the weight of the backhoe and the breaks, it's a load of crap! From what you have (I think) the breaks never held the tractor that is just wrong! I assume the backhoe isn't always on the tractor that you use it for other tasks (or not could be wrong) and the weight isn't always there, but even if it is those breaks should that tractor from moving! If by adjusting them up they still don't work there is something wrong maybe the breaks were the wrong one from a different model, or manufactured incorrectly, or something maybe the wrong parts were installed at the factory IT HAPPENS but something is wrong. Yea you really need to talk directly with LS before this gets out of hand if it's not already. LS is a good company and I just can't believe they would make that statement without at least sending a district manager or something, I could be wrong have been in the past and will be in the future I'm sure but this just doesn't seem right. ok I'm done spouting off now.

 

[windcatcher]

If in fact LS did say that about the weight of the backhoe and the breaks, it's a load of crap! From what you have (I think) the breaks never held the tractor that is just wrong! I assume the backhoe isn't always on the tractor that you use it for other tasks (or not could be wrong) and the weight isn't always there, but even if it is those breaks should that tractor from moving!

===>>>> I have not had the backhoe off the tractor as yet. Between working a regular job, tending to family & friends in need and just plain bad weather, I really haven't had much time to work with the tractor to get into the real guts of it. It is already the end of April 2015, and I only have about 65 total hours on this tractor. I purchased it July 3rd of 2014, so that's really not a whole lot of hours in that time period.


If by adjusting them up they still don't work there is something wrong maybe the breaks were the wrong one from a different model, or manufactured incorrectly, or something maybe the wrong parts were installed at the factory IT HAPPENS but something is wrong. Yea you really need to talk directly with LS before this gets out of hand if it's not already. LS is a good company and I just can't believe they would make that statement without at least sending a district manager or something, I could be wrong have been in the past and will be in the future I'm sure but this just doesn't seem right. ok I'm done spouting off now.

=====>>>> I do plan on getting in touch with LS. I too feel the brakes should be far better than they are for a tractor that has the backhoe option from the factory. IF it were an add-on from a different manufacturer, and this particular model tractor did not come with a backhoe, then I don't think I would have a leg to stand on. However, since this is a factory option, and I paid for a factory option, then it should be up to par and not have problems with rolling backwards on a small incline.

Don't worry about the spouting off. It happens to the best of us. I just do mine at home when no one can (hopefully) hear me. :laughing:

I hope to take photos this weekend to show just how little a slope it really is. To me, it isn't that bad. Heck, my Farmall Cub's brakes hold on it, and most anyone who knows tractors know Farmall Cub tractor brakes are almost non-existent even when the bands and drums are new.

 

[aczlan]

IMO, they are incorrect about the brakes not having enough braking power. Our L3830 will hold itself, a hay baler and a wagon full of hay (150-200 40-60# bales) as long as there is enough traction that the wheels don't slide.

Aaron Z

 

[windcatcher]

Thanks Aaron. I was thinking along that line too, but again, I've never owned a tractor of this kind so I have no idea of what to expect.

I have just now sent LS an e-mail of inquiry. We shall see.

BTW, that's a great quote you have there.

 

[windcatcher]

First contact via e-mail with LS in Battleboro, NC has been made. They have responded and said they will definitely look into the issue(s).

I've also cc'd my LS dealer so that he will be in the loop too. I don't want him to feel like he's been thrown under the bus.

 

[aginn]

This is one sad tale.
Hard to believe that LS would say that. If for no other reason , the liability factor alone.
The FEL loaded, would probably put it beyond the brakes capability with the backhoe removed, if the brakes are that marginal. Or are you suppose to do all your loader work on flat ground with no rear ballast as well.
It would be very interesting to see just how little weight your brakes can actually hold against and on what grade.

Good luck. I hope they fix you up to your satisfaction.

 

[windcatcher]

Thanks aginn. I hope I can get it ironed out.

I tried the tractor again this weekend, using it to help me lift fuel for my garage's heating fuel tank. Pulled tractor near tank, set bucket on tank, pushed hard on the brakes and pulled up on the parking brake.

Yep, once again, the tractor slowly rolled backward. I disengaged the parking brake, pulled forward, reset the parking brake, and watched it slowly roll backwards. This time I got off the tractor and put my rubber wheel chock behind the left side rear wheel and it stopped the rolling.

There is no doubt in my mind something is wrong. I took a photo to let you folks see how little slope there is when I'm fueling my garage's heating tank. As you can see, the bucket is in the up position, and that's about all there is.

Very little slope of the land at all. This tractor IMHO should hold easily and not need the outriggers extended at all.

So, there you have it. LS representative said it would be about two weeks before he can get by to check the tractor out. I'm hoping I can meet him and the dealer onsite to discuss my options.

 

[aczlan]

The parking brake wouldn't hold on that almost flat ground?
Would it hold with the regular brakes?

Aaron Z

 

[windcatcher]

The parking brake wouldn't hold on that almost flat ground?
Would it hold with the regular brakes?

Aaron Z

The tractor did not seem to want to move with the regular brakes applied. I didn't try to force it either way considering the non-functioning of the parking brake.