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

mswlogo · Aug 4, 2009

Bedlam said:
Wow ,look at the responses all at once.Its really common. my hand up us also,but ill admit that I could feel the drag and realized it well before smoke etc.

If the tractor is empty on flat yes I feel the drag with the brake.

But it was loaded and going up hill. So it took me to the top of the hill before I realized it.

Charlton John · Aug 4, 2009

I am a member of this club too

Charlesaf3 · Aug 4, 2009

mswlogo said:
If the tractor is empty on flat yes I feel the drag with the brake.

But it was loaded and going up hill. So it took me to the top of the hill before I realized it.

Makes sense to me. I doubt I'd have noticed that either. Man would I curse a blue streak at the top though

have_blue · Aug 4, 2009

I'm going to look for a backup beeper or a strobe. Either should be real easy to set up.

Wait! I've got an idea. Why not set your emergency flashers or turn signal every time you set your brakes?

mswlogo · Aug 4, 2009

have_blue said:
I'm going to look for a backup beeper or a strobe. Either should be real easy to set up.

Wait! I've got an idea. Why not set your emergency flashers or turn signal every time you set your brakes?

Problem is you don't want it going off every time you normally hit the break, only when held by the parking dohicky.

have_blue · Aug 4, 2009

mswlogo said:
Problem is you don't want it going off every time you normally hit the break, only when held by the parking dohicky.

I think I could install a switch that would register off of the brake locking lever.

jesseb3@att.net · Aug 4, 2009

I used to think you guys were nuts, but I too recently became a "brake-on victim." I had gotten off the tractor to adjust a chain tied to a small tree I was trying to remove.

When I jumped back on the tractor, it was groaning and straining as I pulled back and forth... I couldn't believe that sapling was putting up such a fight!! When the tree was finally out of the ground completely, I noticed that the 'bota kept groaning and straining... oops.

A simple inductive proximity sensor (no moving parts, water tight) and a sunlight visible LED is all that you'd need for a very simple and rugged installation...

For $16.75, you can get a little sensor that's water tight. http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...&type=search&gclid=CJP1gbadi5wCFRBM5Qod5EBdZg

Jesse

mswlogo · Aug 5, 2009

jesseb3@att.net said:
I used to think you guys were nuts, but I too recently became a "brake-on victim." I had gotten off the tractor to adjust a chain tied to a small tree I was trying to remove.

When I jumped back on the tractor, it was groaning and straining as I pulled back and forth... I couldn't believe that sapling was putting up such a fight!! When the tree was finally out of the ground completely, I noticed that the 'bota kept groaning and straining... oops.

A simple inductive proximity sensor (no moving parts, water tight) and a sunlight visible LED is all that you'd need for a very simple and rugged installation...

For $16.75, you can get a little sensor that's water tight. Inductive Proximity Sensors Overview

Jesse

Plus the circuit and relays.

jesseb3@att.net · Aug 5, 2009

mswlogo said:
Plus the circuit and relays.

Nah. The current output of the sensor is high enough to drive the LED, or mulitiple LEDs, directly. Throw a resistor in series to limit the LED current, and pot the wires with silicone to make it waterproof.

The hardest part would be figuring out where to pick up power that's switched by the ignition, though there's got to be something close to the brake lock somewhere.