Driving with the Brake Engaged!!!

[EveryCitizen]

Hello All, this is my first OTT post, and while this was bone-headed on my part, I would appreciate some constructive advice and opinion, not just a load of lambasting.

I have an L3200DT with no more than 9 hours on it. I was using a box blade last night to prep the gravel drive for a new load of gravel, and closer to the end (last couple of passes) I jumped off the tractor to raise the scarifiers and must have forgotten to disengage the 'parking brake' (on the L3200 it's a little push rod that 'keeps' the brakes depressed at a certain level). I was in 4 wheel drive (low and reverse) and the tractor didn't seem to be under any distress.

When I went to put it up for the night and got ready to 'set' the parking break, it 'popped out' (meaning it was likely engaged already).

It should be noted that the brakes still worked, but I am freaking out a little that my newest and most prized possession may have been damaged. Anyone care to speculate on whether it's 'ok', or should I be horrified?

Thanks all

 

[TripleR]

I've done the same thing several times and while I'm sure it caused accelerated wear, it's no big deal.

 

[Lil Foot]

I think there are only two types of people when it comes to driving with the parking brake on- those who've done it & those who lie about doing it.
As stated earlier, you probably lost some wear life, but as long as they still hold, no biggie. I had probably done it a dozen or more times before modifying mine, although never fast or for long periods. Low range makes it pretty undetectable. There are lots of threads on putting lights & buzzers & such on the brake to prevent this, and some mechanical solutions also. Here's what I did to mine, it puts the release "up in your face" where it's harder to ignore, and another thread based on the same principle.
http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15622&highlight=parking+brake
http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17693&highlight=parking+brake

 

[mickeyd]

Welcome to OTT and I have done it a few times but normally only for a few minutes. Like Tripple R states, it is not that big of a deal as long as you don't leavs them on all the time.

 

[jimjoe]

i dont feel so bad now, i did it a few times. i finally stuck a piece of tape on the dash with BRAKE!! on it right where i can't miss it.

 

[EveryCitizen]

Hahaha, thanks for all the replies. I'm relieved, that's great to hear, and even more so that I am not alone. Thanks all.

 

[phaser]

I did it again three days ago, but I always realize it within 10 feet.

.

 

[D2Cat]

I figured when you come on here with a moniker of EveryCitizen you probably knew anyone who ever owned a tractor of any kind at some point left the brake locked on.

Welcome to OTT. Probably not too far apart. I'm a couple miles south of WeBeSomkin' BBQ!

 

[RCW]

I think there are only two types of people when it comes to driving with the parking brake on- those who've done it & those who lie about doing it.

What 'Foot said....

Join the Club - I'm in it!!!

 

[skeets]

Boy Im glad I aint never done that,,,coffcoffcoff

 

[Daren Todd]

Boy Im glad I aint never done that,,,coffcoffcoff

You beat me too it

 

[eddiebob]

Welcome to the club! I figured out on my L3800 if when setting the brake I press the brake pedal pretty hard before setting the brake the tractor will not move. Ed B

 

[GWD]

My L48 TLB has a brake light right on the dash. Only a fool would leave the brake on with the light shining right in one's face. Ah, hem.

One of the guys on here or TBN (he is actually on both), fabricated a brake light for the dash that used a micro switch on the pedal mount IIRC.

Anyway, no reason to fret. Your tractor will be fine and not need a brake job for many, MANY, hours.

 

[djm1204]

Thank you for posting this - I feel so much better that I am not the only goofball that has done this. I like others, was sick when I realized what I had done.

Dan

 

[RDL]

We have 3 older tractors and thats happen on all of them several times over the years and haven't had to replace the brakes on them. I'm sure down the road it's going to happen with our new Kubota.

 

[dandeman]

When I first got my BX2230, I found myself starting off the the brake locked down..

So I installed a magnetic reed switch, with the magnet on the brake lever underneath the tractor, that closes a relay that turns on the yellow hazard flashers anytime the brake pedal is depressed..

With the flashers behind me on the tractor there were still occasions I would not notice them, so I installed a bright yellow LED clearance lamp to the right of the instrument panel that I can't miss...

When the dealer picked up the tractor for the first 50hr maintenance oil change, he liked the idea.. Said they have had a few customers who drove the tractor with the brake on to the point the brake had worn and would no longer hold the tractor..

It's an expensive fix as the brakes on mine is a wet disc pack inside the transmission...

 

[mathews xt 600]

I have done it myself as well. Isn't there a turnbuckle to adjust the tension under there somewhere?

 

[ShaunRH]

I think everyone has done it. I have the exact same unit and in the 25hrs I've run it, I have done the parking brake dance about... oh, 8-10 times. I usually recognize it the first time I tap the brakes and I hear that tattle-tale 'clink' of the lever disengaging. It's then followed by a lot of self hating speech.

Anyway, I'm finding I do it less now as I have gotten into the habit of a few things when I get back on the seat:

1. Check all gears in neutral. (we have gear drives after all)
2. Put on seat belt.
3. Push in clutch.
4. Push on Brake. (this disengages the parking brake)
5. Check PTO and 4WD levers for operation position (wherever I need them for what I'm doing)
6. Put in proper gears and direction.
7. Check area around the tractor. (I have a 4 year old and a dog)
8. All clear, get to work you lazy bum!

I've been working on that for a while now and I'm getting better at the mental routine. It has almost eliminated my parking brake oopses.

On the plus side, these tractors have tough brakes and going slow they doesn't generate much heat. You'll also notice that the park position is brakes BARELY on. They will not hold on a hill. I've proven that to myself many times.

 

[Newlyme]

Boy Im glad I aint never done that,,,coffcoffcoff

Me either!
Boy I do swear like a Sailor when I catch myself thou...
Whoops, yeah I'm in the club.

 

[ipz2222]

Well,, in 50 years , I can say , I have never done that.. BUT I never owned a tractor in those years. Did it so much on my first one that I wired a bright LED to the dash when the pedal was pushed, and key on. Still managed to take off with the brakes on several times..