No more stupid parking break for me, using FEL from now on

mswlogo · Aug 1, 2009

I had the tractor in 5th gear (Medium - 2) going up hill will a full box blade.

I have been setting the break really hard so it would give me a good sign that it was on. The only time the break will stop it is if I'm in 8th or 9th gear.

Since I knew I was putting a lot of load, full box blade up a fairly steep road I reved the engine a bit before letting out the clutch.

Engine was putting out smoke because it was working real hard and it felt weird until I realized OH SH%T I did it again. Also smelled something burning as soon as I figured it out.

The rest of the day I used the FEL which worked real good and I did forget a couple times but I quickly noticed it. I curl the bucket so front wheels are in the air.

crbr · Aug 1, 2009

I have done it too. If ever there should be an interlocking safety / prevent feature or warning light, it should be on the brake set. I forced myself to learn to check it everytime I mount the machine.

Redbug · Aug 2, 2009

Me too. The best thing for me has been to listen to the sound of the engine/xmission when you first start to move. On mine, I notice a slight whine...when the parking brake is on. Mine has a parking brake light on the front panel but I usually don't look down when I do it...

bstrom · Aug 2, 2009

Yeah, I've done it. I was grading my subdivision road along my lot with a rearblade in M and it was pulling awful hard, then I smelled something, Darn, the brake is on. Not the first time either. Makes you feel like an idiot. I get off and on the tractor alot and if it's on a hill I'm not totally comfortable with just the loader down, especially if I am pushing a rock or something in it by hand. I've gotten better but they should figure out something to warn you. The tractors have so much torque, the parking bake can't begin to hold against it but it does keep it from rolling.

Thomas · Aug 2, 2009

Been there more than once or twice.
Dash light would help but that would mean another senor etc. which could wrong...maybe like some yesterday's tractor w/hand brake might be good idea.

jimmyj · Aug 2, 2009

I've done this too many times. It's frustrating and in the sunlight the warning light on my tractor can't really be seen. There must be a better warning system.

bill1 · Aug 2, 2009

LOL, me 5, (me too, fifth response), on forgetting the parking brake. I've remounted the tractor and started to drive away several times with the parking break on. Luckily, I've noticed the difference in feel right away and have not caused any problems. I decided that I was going to use the parking brake no matter what, and so my routine, (whether the tractor is running or not), is to hop into the seat, push in the clutch, while at the same time releasing the parking brake.

This seems to work for me, even though there are times I park on level ground and think to myself, "ahhh, I don't need to use the parking brake here."

BigD23 · Aug 2, 2009

Waving my hand in the been there done it.....

Don

cycle_gator · Aug 2, 2009

I have been reading the website for a a few months now. This post finally caused me to register and make my first post. At last I know for a fact that I have a whole bunch in common with people who post on the site.

. I, too, cannot tell you how many times I have noticed sluggish performance, only then to remember, DuhOooo!

(think Homer Simpson, here) I left on the parking brake. All this time, I thought I was the only one forgetful enough to do something like that

.

bpsooner · Aug 2, 2009

I am sure glad to know that I am not the only person who has this problem. The only way I know that it is on is how different the tractor performs. I look down and yep the brake is on. I just hope I wise up and remember to take it off before I burn the tractor up. The FEL is a good idea. I seem to leave the park brake on when I am doing a lot of FEL work. I will have to try that..........Some kind of warning device would be great....