Info request-PT 425 Parking Brake

[Eaglepb]

My father bought the PT Huntvee 6x6 and is very happy with it. At 72 yrs old it is easy for him to tram around our property. The only problem is that it does not have a "parking brake" . We are seeking a way to install one. We would like to know how the parking brake on the PT 425 tractors work. Are they mechanical or use the hydro system. I thank you in advance for you help. I plan to purchase a 425 soon as it the best all around utilitytractor I have found for my uses.
Bob in WV /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[tracdoc]

Hi Bob,
The parking brake on the 425 is a manual, mechanical unit, i.e., non-hydraulic. A straight cut gear wheel is attached inboard of a wheel motor (front). That gear wheel rotates as the wheel moves forward or aft. To set the brake for parking, the operator engages a lever from the cockpit the end of which simply locks into the gear wheel. This prevents the gear wheel from turning, and thus prevents the machine from moving. As you might imagine, this brake is to be set only after the machine has come to a complete stop. It is not a friction mechanism, so it can't be used dual purpose to slow and park the machine.

Being mechanical and passive, I would think you would be able to adapt a 425 brake to your Dad's unit w/o too much dificulty, provided there is enough clearance to install the gear wheel. You might have to jury-rig the actuating arm/lever so that you don't have to compromise the watertight integrity of the hull, i.e., by keeping it all above and outboard. Cables would be one way, like hand brake on car, w/ periodic attention to compensate for cable stretch.

Another more sophisticated alternative would be to check with PT regarding their "Brake Tender" product series (hydraulic) which they use in the larger units and in mining appications.

That's a great unit your Dad has. I saw one while I was at the factory a couple of weeks ago. I can see why he enjoys it so much. Where in WV are you located? Are you close to Tazewell, VA?

 

[Eaglepb]

We live in Charleston WV about 2.5 hr from factory. Dad picked his 6x6 up in Feb. I was looking at different farm type tractors and he turned me onto the PT units. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Rip]

I'm surprised there is no parking brake on the HuntVee, but then I have been surprised at some other things PT does or does not do.

I have a PT-1845 with the hydraulic BrakeTender system and it works very well, but would be VERY expensive and difficult to retrofit to your unit.

Lo Trac, PT's sister company, sells a mining version of the HuntVee called the PJ-6x6 Puddle Jumper which is equipped with spring applied brakes. I would find out what it would take to outfit your unit with this system (even on just 2 wheels) since it should just bolt on with no custom fabrication involved.

It may also be possible to install the mechanical system as used on the PT-425 or 1430 if frequent water travel is not an issue.

By the way, the HuntVee will cross shallow streams and wetland areas so long as it can get wheel traction, but it does not float as well as a true AATV such as an ARGO or MAX.

Your dad should get around quite well with it however, and that's what counts. Good luck with a parking brake system.

Rip

 

[J_J]

Have you considered a hyd shut off valve in the main hyd line going to the wheel motors. one for the left and one for the right. Turn it off, wheel motors don't turn.