JD2320 Park Brake

JackDWaller · Mar 23, 2012

Hi All,

My JD2320 has a park brake indicator (idiot light - named after me), that seems to hide behind the steering wheel, at least when I need to see it. To make matters worse, the brake does not seem very firm when latched and I invariably end driving with the brake on without really being aware based on engine loading. This happens even after I say to my self "Ok you just put the brake on and last time you forgot it so DON'T do that again". And then I do.

So, has anyone ever augmented the light in some way. I've thought of adding a flasher and a separate light somewhere more visible. Any thoughts? This must happen to others - I can't be the only dummy??

Jack

Oldtractorfixer · Mar 23, 2012

I haven't put on a bigger light but sure have thought about it on various equipment. Should be easy enough. Just spice into the wire to the light and go to some big ugly red LED right in front of your face like top of dash, under the roof or on the end of hood facing you. You could even use one of those flashing led "gum balls" like cops use. I'll bet thaat would get your attention.

BigD9 · Mar 23, 2012

I doubt I can drive mine with the parking brake on. I'll have to check mine tomorrow. Maybe a slight adjustment in the rod going to the brake would help you remember. You know, make the tractor grunt a little if the parking brake is left on. :laughing:

I guess you could get inventive and wire a buzzer to sound if the brake is left on when the high/low shifter is moved out of neutral.

Oldtractorfixer · Mar 23, 2012

Maybe even wire it to a little "zapper" in the seat.:laughing::laughing:

KennyG · Mar 24, 2012

How long have you had yours? I had the same problem but after a year or so, started to remember to check. We all learn at different speeds. :laughing:

samhudson3 · Mar 24, 2012

I have a mile or two on my parking brake, and this idiot's light is easy to see!

If you're married, this is the perzactly the same kind of training needed as the toilet seat training you've no doubt been through. :laughing:

radioman · Mar 24, 2012

don't feel bad -- my kubota doesn't even HAVE a parking brake light. If I left it on, I just wonder why its feeling bogged down.:ashamed:

glc24 · Mar 24, 2012

JackDWaller said:
Hi All,

My JD2320 has a park brake indicator (idiot light - named after me), that seems to hide behind the steering wheel, at least when I need to see it. To make matters worse, the brake does not seem very firm when latched and I invariably end driving with the brake on without really being aware based on engine loading. This happens even after I say to my self "Ok you just put the brake on and last time you forgot it so DON'T do that again". And then I do.

So, has anyone ever augmented the light in some way. I've thought of adding a flasher and a separate light somewhere more visible. Any thoughts? This must happen to others - I can't be the only dummy??

Jack

Hey Jack
There is an adjustment for tension on the parking brake. I would guess yours is pretty far off,because adjusted correctly,you will definitely feel the tractor "not wanting to move" and light or no light you would know the brake is engaged.

Greg

BigD9 · Mar 24, 2012

Hi Jack, just checked mine and it definitely objects to moving when the parking brake is left on. I can feed more power and get it to move, but it is noticeable that something is wrong.

I would try what Greg suggested. Its relatively easy to adjust.

JackDWaller · Mar 25, 2012

I think you've hit it. My comment to myself was that a brake should be powerful enough to at least give an indication that it's on. My old JD G had the flip down arms that lodged in the cogs and I would just make sure I pressed hard enough to engage it firmly. No problem. In this case I pressed with all my strength and didn't get any more brake than what I could drive with practically at an idle. Being totally new to this tractor I assumed it was a shortcoming of the latch configuration they've used, but I'm hearing that I should be able to latch to a firm situation that requires a grunt to move.

I'll look into adjusting it because doing nothing about this has me avoiding using the park brake, which isn't a good habit. Thanks everyone!

Jack