Using clutch as a brake?

[son of man]

Hi all,
I'm new to operating tractors and had a question... Mine has split brakes that I use to make sharper turns. However, I don't like using them to come to a complete stop. I don't feel comfortable simultaneously depressing both pedals. I have a small pond so I need the tractor to stop when it's time to stop. Furthermore, it stalled a couple of times using both brakes in medium and high gear. Therefore, I have been using the clutch as a brake. Is this correct or could it prematurely damage the clutch?

 

[SPYDERLK]

So, you are staying in an opposite gear and resisting downhill motion with the clutch? -- Yes that wears the clutch. Maybe you could use brakes and clutch to ease clutch wear. Also use a low gear.

 

[Ivan49]

If there is a lock on the pedals lock them together then it will brake both wheels at the same time

 

[son of man]

no, i'm not moving downhill or anything - just normal operation on fairly level ground. Does that make a difference? yeah, I use low gear when I'm working around the pond.

 

[son of man]

yes, I can latch both pedals. however, I won't be able to use the split brakes for turns.

 

[bcp]

... However, I don't like using them to come to a complete stop. I don't feel comfortable simultaneously depressing both pedals. ...

That's how they were meant to be used. You aren't trying to use two feet on the brakes at once, are you?

Bruce

 

[bspeedy]

I think you will need to define the statement 'using the clutch as a brake'. To me, that means slipping the clutch which will wear it out in short order. Also, please explain your discomfort depressing both pedals so we can understand and perhaps help.

 

[son of man]

That's how they were meant to be used. You aren't trying to use two feet on the brakes at once, are you?

Bruce

both brake pedals are on the right side of the tractor so i'm not trying to use both feet at once. however, I kind of feel like I have to turn my foot diagonally to depress both pedals at once. furthermore, since the tractor is still in gear, it feels like it still wants to move.

 

[son of man]

I think you will need to define the statement 'using the clutch as a brake'. To me, that means slipping the clutch which will wear it out in short order. Also, please explain your discomfort depressing both pedals so we can understand and perhaps help.

I mean fully depressing the clutch while the tractor is moving forward or reverse to disengage the transmission and make it come to a stop.

 

[TerryR]

both brake pedals are on the right side of the tractor so i'm not trying to use both feet at once. however, I kind of feel like I have to turn my foot diagonally to depress both pedals at once. furthermore, since the tractor is still in gear, it feels like it still wants to move.

I mean fully depressing the clutch while the tractor is moving forward or reverse to disengage the transmission and make it come to a stop.

You mean you are trying to stop the tractor with the brakes while it's still in gear and the clutch engages? You can't do that - you have to release the clutch or the engine will stall, or if it's in a low enough gear it just won't stop.

But, once you have depressed the clutch, yes you normally apply both brakes with one foot. It takes a bit of practice to put the foot half way on each peddle, but why is that a problem?

Terry