What to do, Frozen E-brake?

[jmusser15]

Well I am going to chalk it up to my first winter owning a tractor. I usually keep it in the garage but went out yesterday to plow the first snow, parked the tractor outside and set the emergency brake (this is a habit, I don't even think about it when I do it). Last night when I went to move it into the garage, the emergency brake froze and the brakes will not release. It is not supposed to get above freezing today and I need to get it moved back into the garage. What can I do to get the brakes to release? I already tried moving slightly forward and backward to get them to release but no luck.

 

[MMagis]

Bucket of warm water? Not sure I understand exactly what's frozen, but 5 gallons of hot water will thaw most things out.

 

[jtheise4]

Is the cable coated in grease or something else that froze? Generally linkages don't freeze no matter how cold it is.

 

[Egon]

Throw a tarp over it and put a heater under the tarp.:thumbsup:

 

[jmusser15]

When I set the emergency brake, the brake pedals are depressed. The emergency brake holds the brake pedals in the depressed position. I have released the emergency brake handle and the brake pedals still stay depressed so I think the brakes themselves have some moisture in them and they froze. I guess I need to know how to get the brakes to release. It isn't a frozen cable issue with the emergency brake handle.

 

[chipsndust]

Throw a tarp over it and put a heater under the tarp.:thumbsup:

:thumbsup: I agree with Egon. I have had frozen linkages which thawed just from the heat of the engine running at idle. Be careful of exhaust fumes, but maybe try a tarp and let the tractor idle.

 

[wvpolekat]

The pivot shaft for the brake pedals probably has a grease fitting. You may be able to give it a few shots of grease and displace the little bit of ice.

Also, have you tried pulling the pedals back up by hand? Maybe even giving them a good jab with your foot would free them. The brake system is pretty beefy, unless you go crazy, you shouldn't be able to bend or break anything.

 

[Craig Clayton]

Do you normally use the brakes or is the first time that you have used them for some time? In the winter I usually use the other brake I drop the implement because I would never plan to stop on a hill.
Craig Clayton

 

[wampum]

Looks like I have the same tractor as you have and I have the same problem. I do not set the brakes for any length of time now,and block if needed.I have a small torpedo heater that runs on kerosene.I place it at a safe distance from the underside of the brake linkage and run it for a few minutes.Usually 5 to 10 minutes frees it up.

I just took it in for service and told him that was one of the few problems I have with it,and stated that I doubt anything could be done,because I believe it to be a design flaw.He said he might be able to solve it,we will see when I get her back. If he solves it I will try to find out what he did and relay the answer to you.

 

[ctgoldwing]

I agree with previous posters. After you free it, I would be sure its lubed and I would never use it in the winter. I always find a flat place to stop and drop my implement / fel.