How many operate the left/right brake pedals independantly?

[wolc123]

I have an old Allis Chalmers C that I use for pulling logs out of the woods. Those turning brakes and the trike front are ideal for that task. The trike spreads out the footprint and minimizes deep ruts that often result from skidding with 4wd machines. The seperate turning brakes provide unmatched manuverability around stumps. I have unloaded Ag tires on the rear, and with the very light front end, this tractor is the ultimate machine for low-impact logging. A log hitched low on the drawbar transfers its weight to the rear tires, providing all the traction force that is needed to drag. Laywers have effectively prevented the continued manufacture of trike tractors so I will just keep running this antique as long as I am able. Because of it, you cant find a rut in my soggy, bottomland woods, and I heat my house, way up on the Canadian border, entirely with wood.

 

[crazyal]

I'm not sure why you would want to lock in the brake pedals on an HST tractor. The only time I use the brakes is for steering.

 

[J35]

Turner Steering device on Fendt German Tractor - YouTube

 

[techwrtr2]

I don't use the cutting brake on my JD as much as on the Satoh. JD has 2 brake pedals on the left for independent use and a single on the right for stopping. I use that most. Satoh just has the two linked pedals and I put my foot kind of between them in order to get both at once.

On either tractor, they work well for impromptu traction control as well as aiding with direction control while back blading with little weight on the front tires.

Independent rear brakes are something you'll see on dedicated rock buggies specifically turning I believe.

 

[Pete Judd]

Always keep them separate, except when it is on the trailer to keep the parking brake on both rear wheels.

 

[mjncad]

I'm not sure why you would want to lock in the brake pedals on an HST tractor. The only time I use the brakes is for steering.

I use the main brake pedal for setting the parking brake, and just to make sure the tractor doesn't roll forward when a friend is working by the loader (e.g. hand unloading the bucket to minimize spillage into unwanted areas).

 

[TripleR]

I keep mine locked when not using them for turning. My son always runs with them unlocked. I was going around the pond road on our M8540 one day when I came upon a recent cave in; not going fast, but when I went to apply the brakes, I hit a small bump and my foot went from applying both brakes to only hitting the pond side brake.

I didn't go in, but it sure woke me up. I road my tractor pretty regularly, so I keep mine locked.

 

[Zebrafive]

Mine are unlocked most of the time. I always lock them when "roading" the tractor.

 

[JerryK]

I've put enough hours on my old JD 2240 [ two wheel drive/reverser ] that I can spin the thing around on a dime. Front wheels go lock to lock real fast and using the individual brakes... it is a thing of beauty. Back up and slam it in forward, front wheels lift off the ground, spin the wheel, stomp the correct brake, push down on the go pedal, [ all these things are basically done at the same time ] and around I go... [ Just so I don't forget which tractor I am on and try that with my new Mahindra.. ]

 

[tcreeley]

My arthritis prevents me from using the brake with my right leg if I plan to use the clutch with my left leg. I attached a piece of rebar to the brake pedal, put a wood knob on it (-right by the FEL joystick) and use that with my right hand. It works great and I keep the breaks locked.