Brakes on 2600 series HD Tractors

JWR · Apr 19, 2011

I have a new (made in 2010) MF2660LP tractor. The brakes are inadequate. They will not hold the machine on a very steep grade with a 215lb man putting all the weight he reasonably can on the pedals. For example, you cannot drag the wheels on a steep downhill. You dare not start up or down a steep grade without being in 4wd as the engine is your only hope of controlling the machine. The "parking brake" is also a disaster in that it takes a weight lifting hero to engage the parking brake and an even bigger guy to unlock it. The parking brake will NOT hold the machine against a moderately steep hill.

Note: The issue does NOT appear to be bleeding the brakes (though I have yet to try that) because both brakes feel and act identically and are totally different hydraulic systems left and right. Isolated. Also, the pedals do NOT feel soft or spongy.

The tractor has only about 6 or 8 hours on it.

I assume these to be design flaws. Comment ?

JerryG · Apr 19, 2011

When ever something like this happens on a new tractor, call the dealer first before doing anything yourself. They will have the answers.

JWR · Apr 19, 2011

Of course. The problem is the dealer has no idea what the problem might be. That is partly why I assume it to be a design flaw and a permanent disease of that model tractor.

JerryG · Apr 20, 2011

The brakes should be working a lot better. The 2600 series doesn't have a design flaw in the brakes. Call your service manager and tell him about what is going on. If the problem is still not taken care of, tell your dealer that you want to talk with a corporate service rep.

JWR · Apr 20, 2011

I agree that is where this is headed (talking to a corp service representative.) I just wondered if there was a history or set of similar experience out there. However, unless you put the machine on steep ground this problem is not evident and users might go for a long time without seeing the issue at all.

Why are you so confident that there is not a design flaw that fails to provide adequate pressure to the breaking surfaces for a reasonable amount of input force ?

I certainly agree that you would THINK no major tractor manufacturer would goof in that way. Hard to believe, but then what in heck else could it be ?

By the way -- your posted "steep mowing " photo is about the degree of slope I am talking about for this problem to show up. I could not even hold my 2660 on that slope with the brakes MUCH LESS walk off and take a picture of it. I had a John Deere 4700 that I could easily do that.

MFRED · Apr 20, 2011

The 2600HD's Ive driven have had excellent brakes. There were a few that went out with the wrong brake fluid, maybe yours is one of them?

Did the dealer send someone out to look at it?

JWR · Apr 20, 2011

Good to hear that some of them had good brakes. There's no way I know of to tell that except on steep ground however.

The dealer and I have talked extensively but the machine is in use over 300 miles from the dealer & he has not been to it.

I can see there being recommended brake fluids (for long term compatibility on corrosion, etc.) but I don't know how wrong brake fluid could change the effectiveness of the brakes.

I would immediately think bleeding them but with left and right identical and no softness of the pedals that seems unlikely to be the issue. I intend to try it anyway the next trip back there.

MFRED · Apr 20, 2011

Sounds like they need some adjustment. I think those are still adjusted like the 400 & 500 series with an 11/16? socket for the nut on the brake rod. Small adjustments make a big change.

milkman636 · Apr 20, 2011

Have you tried looking at a manual for adjustment procedure?

One of my tractor manuals lists holding firmly on a 15 degree grade as a check for "improperly adjusted brake free play".