Electric Brakes on a tractor?

[firemanpat2910]

Andy, let me reword that.

a micro switch has 3 terminals NO NC COM .
when the actuator is not pressed there is continuity between NC+COM.
when the actuator is pressed there is continuity between NO+COM

so if the brake pedal is not pushed and the switch is mounted so that the actuator is depressed,when you step on brake pedal you stop pressing in the actuator there fore allowing the current to flow thru the NC+COM terminals to the brake controller. The way I understood that he was going to wire it was when he pushed on the brakes he was going to rig up somthing that made contact and since the brake pedal has such a long stroke hes was going to have springs going to a switch. IMHO my idea has less moving parts,allows the switch and associated wires to be mounted high dry and secure,and would not have to be adjusted for brake wear.

 

[slaveToHorses]

I liked Bedlam's solution with the dimmer switch controlling the brakes manually.
I fear that a regular controller would go nuts on a tractor. I know my tractors, especially the smaller 3720 bounces around quite a bit as I mismodulate the throttle pedal over rough field "roads". But if you have one handy might as well give it a try...

 

[GYRO9401]

I liked Bedlam's solution with the dimmer switch controlling the brakes manually.
I fear that a regular controller would go nuts on a tractor. I know my tractors, especially the smaller 3720 bounces around quite a bit as I mismodulate the throttle pedal over rough field "roads". But if you have one handy might as well give it a try...

I have used BOTH controllers that I have on hand, and I don't believe that they will activate unless they see +12v from the brake lights of the vehicle, so bouncing won't be an issue.. In THEORY! Thinking back, i have hit several potholes, expansion joints, had to drive up on curbs that "jolted" the truck & the controller didn't activate all unless it saw the brake light.

 

[slaveToHorses]

That makes sense, that the controller has to see a brake signal also. Plus heavy trailers tend to stabilize the tractor too. Also tractors don't have suspension dive under heavy braking (what suspension?). So it all may just work out.

 

[Soundguy]

I'd just get a cheapy brake controller with a thumb or pull switch and slap it on the tractor. i did this and hardwired it when i pulled a hayride one year. Used a cheapy TSC 35$ no frills brake controller.. had leds and a switch.. All that was needed.

If you did want it pedal activated.. I know of 2 easy ways right off the bat.. either use a feeler switch that is depressed at the end of the brake pedal travel.. perhaps have a fin piece of material ( with some give to it ) be connected tot he pedal and that material then contact the trip switch.

Alternately you coul mount a window/ door 'security sensor' magnet on a brake pedal, and then use a NO (reed) magnetic security switch.. etc.. then just play with the air gap and adjustments.. and use that as the brake sense wire on either unit.. etc..

Soundguy