That darn parking brake

[ultrarunner]

My BX23 has enough power to overcome the parking brake going back to day 1.

I believe later models have stronger brakes.

 

[brandoro]

I set the brake hard when I use it. The tractor will still move in low range with the brakes set hard but the HST whines pretty loud, so far that has worked as the warning buzzer that something is wrong and I release the brakes.
This procedure was learned on the B7610 which made a few runs with the brakes set lightly.

 

[CBW1999]

cyril- thanks for the info on the post.

I agree with the general concept of setting the brake hard and paying attention, but I am not comfortable with some of the ideas that "setting it hard and it won't go" is relying too much on a mechanical device that is prone to failure.

I guess maybe, I should re-think in general, that if I am not focused, or am too tired to pay attention- then I probably shouldn't be operating the tractor at that time.

 

[DiezNutz]

I have had three tractors that it made no difference how hard you stepped on the brakes, they still allowed you to drive off in with the brakes engaged.

Three Kubotas, or other? And you set the pawl at the point where the brakes were mashed hard? And the tractor didn't protest at all? Interesting. I tend to think if you can't tell the brake is on after all of that, then it isn't doing its job anyway.

I don't claim it works for other makes, and maybe it doesn't work for the smallest and biggest K's either. :confused3:

I agree with the general concept of setting the brake hard and paying attention, but I am not comfortable with some of the ideas that "setting it hard and it won't go" is relying too much on a mechanical device that is prone to failure.

All we're really discussing are techniques to keep you from driving around with the brakes on. The worst that could happen in the event of some "mechanical failure" is... you drive around with your brakes on... no worse than when you started out. (Unless the brake fails completely, then excess wear probably isn't your biggest worry).

I just threw out a suggestion that didn't involve somehow hacking up the tractor to accomplish the same thing forming good practice/habits will. Take it or leave it.

I set the brake hard when I use it. The tractor will still move in low range with the brakes set hard but the HST whines pretty loud

You're right, it will move in L range. Maybe I should've said "will not move easily". Like you said, it should still let you know it isn't happy, and that was the point.

 

[oldebuttonwood]

Left it all the time when I first got my BX2230. I put labels made on a label maker on the brake pedal, dash, and steering wheel. It helped a little. Now, I always go through a pre-drive off mental checklist (3point hitch where I want it, fuel gauge where expected, 4WD if needed, Hi or Low range, PTO On or Off, Parking Brake released, etc.). I also don't use the brake very often anymore.

 

[TripleR]

Three Kubotas, or other? And you set the pawl at the point where the brakes were mashed hard? And the tractor didn't protest at all? Interesting. I tend to think if you can't tell the brake is on after all of that, then it isn't doing its job anyway.

I don't claim it works for other makes, and maybe it doesn't work for the smallest and biggest K's either. :confused3:

Actually one Kubota, a Case and a Massey Ferguson. For those who have driven the older Cases tractors, "brakes" are a misnomer, should be "speed reducers" at best. The Massey-Ferguson is a geared unit and I guess it just over powers the brake.

 

[BigKansas]

Since I always keep an eye on my tach I stuck a big label above the tach arch reminding me to check my brakes. Decided to do this after I made two laps around my pasture with the brake engaged.

 

[RayCo]

Me too - first thing step on brake then click seat belt. Becomes habit.

That is what I do too, and I don't think I've ever driven with the brake on. Buzzers and warning lights are good, but "there are seldom technological solutions to behavioral problems." (Ed Crowley)

 

[k0ua]

my l3400 wont move if the brake was set hard to begin with, the HST whines like a SOB and the pedal kicks back at you. But if you just set it to the first notch, then you will not notice, and she will take off merrily. I have got into the habit of setting the brake hard, and kicking the pedal hard to unset it when I get on each and every time. I am tired of cursing and thinking myself a moron after discovering the brake is on
James
K0UA

 

[dcyrilc]

cyril- thanks for the info on the post.

I agree with the general concept of setting the brake hard and paying attention, but I am not comfortable with some of the ideas that "setting it hard and it won't go" is relying too much on a mechanical device that is prone to failure.

I guess maybe, I should re-think in general, that if I am not focused, or am too tired to pay attention- then I probably shouldn't be operating the tractor at that time.

You're welcome.

As for the parking break, I have a different tractor but forget to take it off every time I get on it. Luckily I have a brake that really holds and I realize as soon as I try to move, but none the less, I do it every time.:laughing: The funny part is that I never forget to set it. I can pull up, jump off for something, and jump back on within 30 seconds and I will guarantee that the brake will be set and I will try to pull out without releasing it.:confused2: EVERY TIME!