Turning brakes (was Re: [AT] English tractor (modern)

[Mike Sloane]

I very much agree with Ralph. I used to sell 4WD tractors, and the 
instruction manual used to caution the operator to NOT try to use the 
wheel brakes for tight turns when in 4WD, as it just wouldn't work any 
better than what the 4WD would do (and indeed make the turning worse). 
If the tractor was in 2WD, I guess it would help.

Our machines were actually "front wheel assist", not true 4WD, and one 
had to remember to only use the FWA when the tires were slipping, or it 
would put a strain on the drive train and wear out the tires - somewhat 
like the old truck 4WD systems. We could always tell that the owner had 
left the tractor in 4WD all the time because the front tires would be 
badly worn and there would be wear/damage to the front drive components.

Mike

Ralph Goff wrote:

> Turning brakes on a four wheel drive? Thats a little unusual. I think most
> of the 4WDs here just have a single brake pedal as there is really no need
> for wheel brakes to assist turning.
> My Case IH with mechanical front wheel assist does have turning brakes but I
> rarely find it necessary to use them. The front wheels have a slight
> overdrive and will pull the front end of the tractor around just fine
> without the use of wheel brakes even when pulling a heavy implement in soft
> ground.
> 
> Ralph in Sask.
> http://lgoff.sasktelwebsite.net/
> 

-- 
Mike Sloane
Allamuchy NJ
Email: (mikesloane at verizon.net)
Website: <http://www.geocities.com/mikesloane>
Blog: <www.mikesloane.blogspot.com
Tractor images: <www.fotki.com/mikesloane>
Work: none - retired

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and the government 
when it deserves it. -Mark Twain, author and humorist (1835-1910)