420 foot brake out

[mickswiftspy]

Hi all,

I have a late model 420. I drove the crawler about 150 feet with the foot brake locked and now it doesn't work at all. The left and right side steering brakes still work fine. Please tell me I didn't screw something up big time. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[Lavoy]

Foot brake is connected to the steering brakes, not sure why you would have a difference now.
Lavoy

[mickswiftspy]

Hi Lavoy,

Crawler will still stop and turn with the steering brakes, but, there is little tension in the foot brake, it freely pushes forward and won't stop the crawler whatsoever.

p.s. this the crawler you sent to San Jose a few years back. It's been a great machine, still starts like a charm and has given me very little trouble.

[JimAnderson]

Hello,
The foot brake engages both brake bands through rods with a
clevis attached to the brake pedal shaft.It could be you have had only
one connected for some time.If you don't use the machine on
steep slopes or at high speed one brake would stop the crawler with
minimal slewing.The last brake rod comes loose or breaks and
no foot brake.Just a thought.Luck,JimAnderson.

[Lavoy]

Jim,
Yes, I remember that one, how bout you send it back, still regretting that one.
My guess is that you added some wear to the bands or the drums. Pull the top covers off of the clutch housing, and tighten up the brake bands with the adjusting nut. Takes a straight blade screwdriver, tighten til it won't go, then back off one half turn. Remember that the "nut" has a groove in the backside so it seats at half turn intervals.
Everything in there was new in that crawler, so I can't see that you wore anything to the point it would need replacing.
Lavoy

[mickswiftspy]

Jim,
Yes, I remember that one, how bout you send it back, still regretting that one.
My guess is that you added some wear to the bands or the drums. Pull the top covers off of the clutch housing, and tighten up the brake bands with the adjusting nut. Takes a straight blade screwdriver, tighten til it won't go, then back off one half turn. Remember that the "nut" has a groove in the backside so it seats at half turn intervals.
Everything in there was new in that crawler, so I can't see that you wore anything to the point it would need replacing.
Lavoy

Hi Lavoy,

She's certainly a fine tractor, no plans to part with her soon, but, you definitely have first dibs if I do. Thanks for the advice. I found my owner's manual and found the adjustment information you mentioned. I will give it a try. Thanks again.

[Lavoy]

That particular crawler ranks at the top of all of the crawlers I have ever owned. That I sold it only to get a piece of crap in place of it just adds insult to injury. Several years ago, I did locate a twin to it in Texas, and it is now resting comfortably next to all the other work I will never get done before I die.
Lavoy

[mickswiftspy]

Ok, I think I may have found the problem. I opened the left side housing and found that the connecting rod yoke has lost its pin that holds it to the upper assembly (or whatever you call it). Lavoy, do you know what size pin it is and have you ever tried to reconnect one through the housing?

[Lavoy]

Seems to me 5/16" by about 3/4". Never tried that pin, but did one of the other ones one time, had to tack weld it in place, no way to get the cotter pin in.
Even with one pin out, you should still have brake on the other side. Do some more looking to make sure there is not another problem.
Lavoy