Parking brake indicator

[2515R Dude]

I always, with no failure, forget to disengage my parking brake. It sooooo pisses me off, not because i forget to do so, but because it is one additional reminder of my age
In addition to a visual indicator i thought a loud noise would be helpful.
It seemed that installing a buzzer in line with the indicator light would be a good idea... wrong, it would buzz my ears off while working on the backhoe with the parking brake engaged.
Since my tractor is shuttle shift the solution was easy, installing a switch which closes the circuit only when i shift to the forward or back, in other words shifting off the neutral.
2 hours and $1 later i'm a happy camper! Looks awkward, but it works, and no duct tape was uses in the production

 

[scootr]

Well done. Buzzing only when in gear is the way to go.
Thanks for sharing

 

[Mr. Orange]

2 things I’ve been gonna install on my B7500 For years.
A parking brake indicator (which I still haven’t done), it’s a wonder the brakes still work good as many times as i’’ve forgotten. The Echo back-up alarm switch is for that.
The other is an old Caterpillar battery disconnect I located discreetly to hopefully make it hard for the bad guys to steal my tractor.

 

[2515R Dude]

Just my thought and experience with the antitheft devises.
Battery disconnect does not work if the thief has some knowledge and little time. easy to bypass.
In my experience which proven by years of experience fuel pump disconnect is much better.
You hide a micro switch or a magnet activated switch. Before you leave the tractor, press the button or take the magnet with you. It is harder to find the solution for even an experienced guy, takes more time to figure it out why tractor stared and died suddenly.

A hidden valve controlled by solenoid is even better.

With cars it is even better, they start the car, drive 1/2 mile and it dies when gas in carburetor runs out. They will never play with it in the middle of the road.
Proven concept when i was living in car theft ridden country and even saved my life one time.

 

[Smokeydog]

Parking brake indicator helped keep the peace with my wife using the tractor. Bringing the handle up also is a good indicator and make setting easier.

 

[ray66v]

Nice job.

I would bet all the small tractors originally had some kind of parking brake indicator on them when they were designed.

Then, it was quickly eliminated due to budget constraints.

My, GC2310 even got produced without a glow plug light.

I did add the glow plug light, but never got around to the parking brake.

I finally got used to it. So, I probably won't now.

 

[2manyrocks]

My Mahindra 3525 has a factory brake warning light. My Yanmar 226d and Kubota L2501 don't. The Kubota is the worst for leaving the brake on by accident because the brake engagment lever disappears from my view when activated. I added a warning light/buzzer to the Kubota, but I should have put the light in a more visible location like Smokeydog did.

 

[scootr]

What if we simply add on a bigger warning light to the OEM circuit? (For those who have a factory indicator)
Put a bigger light in a more obvious place. The OEM in dash E brake indicator is anemic at best, especially with a little dirt on the screen.

 

[2manyrocks]

or wire in a 12v fence charger to the seat

 

[Smokeydog]

or wire in a 12v fence charger to the seat

Some folks take a bigger stick to get their attention.

Modifying the handle position also allows easier setting of the brake more firmly. Gives another another indicator brake is on.