Parking brake inconsistency

Oneday997 · Oct 1, 2020

This is part question and part observation - the parking brake on my 4140C has gotten very touchy to the point where probably 30-40% of the time, when I let the brake off an go to engage the drive handle the engine stalls out thinking the brake is still on. At first I thought there was a senor issue or perhaps some cables had stretched, though recently I've found that I may be creating the issue as the operator. When you put the parking brake on, the brake pedal is automatically depressed. When I'd go to let the parking brake off, I'd keep my foot on the brake and keep it fully depressed. For whatever reason, doing this wouldn't let the parking brake fully disengage. I've found that if I don't depress the brake pedal, but catch it as the parking brake lets out, I can avoid this stalling problem *most* of the time. Still thinking I may need some adjustments to the parking brake cable and/or sensors involved, but at least it's not as annoying now.

Anyone else run into this issue and/or identify a proper fix?

Thanks!

Avenger · Oct 1, 2020

Never had the engine stall with the parking brake on, but I dont attempt to move with that parking light on the dash shining in my eyes either. I remember, when I first got the tractor, that I had to unplug the beeper under the dash. Seemed that stupid thing would beep no matter what I did, parking brake or seat, or anything. Very sensitive.

When I engage the parking brake, I smash the foot brake down, pretty hard. I dont want the tractor to move after all... And I live on hills, if I dont smash it, it tends to roll a bit. I smash the foot brake, pull up on the parking brake until I cannot anymore. I am not looking to remove the handle though sheer force, just a sharp jerk up until it stops. The pressure is being taken up by my stronger foot anyway. I let go of it all, foot off the brake and hand off the parking brake. I then look at a lug on the tire in comparison with the ground, just to be sure I am not rolling.
When I disengage the parking brake, I simply apply pressure to the foot brake, and drop, completely drop the parking brake handle until the light goes out. Put it into gear, let out the clutch and the foot brake, and away we go.

The engine is almost always revved up to 1500rpm. With that much engine, it should over power the parking brake. You should notice it as the tractor should feel like the parking brake is on. The engine should pull down a bit and the tractor should feel really heavy and sluggish. I do not recommend, for the health of your tractor, to drive around in with the parking brake on. That should be obvious, but you have not seen my wife drive her car. :laughing:

I have driven the tractor with the parking brake "on," as in the light was on. Only because when I dropped the parking brake handle, I didnt set it all the way down. There was a slight rise, very small, lift, in the handle, enough to light the parking light on the dash. The brakes were not engaged.

oosik · Oct 2, 2020

The Kubota M6040 does not have a parking break warning light. So... after a couple times forgetting to release the break... I just do not use it any longer. I don't normally park on the few hills on my property.

I will always drop the grapple & rear blade if I have to get off the tractor. If I'm really concerned - angle the grapple down and drive it into the ground. To the point where the front tires begin to lift. Using this technique - the tractor has never moved an inch.

If you drop and set the rear blade first - then slightly lifting the front of the tractor with the grapple will lock the tractor in place.

I don't usually park on the few hills on my property because anything mechanical is subject to failure. I don't see myself chasing a loose tractor and attempting to stop it.

abco · Nov 22, 2021

I too have an issue with the brake thinking it is still on and the tractor stalling out when attempting to move it. I found a switch when I removed the parking brake handle cover but it seems to only indicate when the break is off and the I leave the tractor. If I rev the engine enough I can overcome the stalling problem and run the tractor. I dont have a concern abut the brake being on as I can telll it is compltly off, the tractor just doesn’t think so. I did notice a loose red wire by the switch but is doesn’t seem to go anywhere. Any ideas how i can fix this problem? I dont want to have to rev the engine to overcome the stall issue, I’d prefer it worked correctly.

Avenger · Nov 23, 2021

I just replied on the other thread you posted on.

Another suggestion, to see if the parking brake is actually on or not. Jack up the rear completely off the ground. Put everything in neutral (make sure you block the front tires, FEL on the ground), and attempt to spin the rear tires. If you cannot, the brake is jammed on.

abco · Nov 24, 2021

Thanks for the response. I will try jacking it up but it sure feels like the brake fully releases. The stall seems to be electronic like when you lift your butt of the seat.