420c brake rod does nothing

[fyrchieftx]

Brake pedal is laying on the floor, cannot feel it connected to anything ? I can see and feel both rods moving on each side. When I parked and began my work in my shop, the right side brake felt like it needed adjustment. I have found there is not a spring pulling the pedal back up, but when depressed I do not feel much happening unless pushed way far down near the mechanical stop. Suggestions on where to start ?

[Lu47Dan]

With the brake pedal against stop, pull the right side brake rod forward until the slotted yoke just pulled up against the brake pin, adjust the length of the rod by adjusting the threaded yoke until the pin just slides into the hole in the brake pedal. Install cotter pin and tighten the jam nut.
Repeat for the left side, but after the pin just slips in turn the yoke one half additional turn to hold the pedal against the stop.
Try this first, the total procedure is in SM2019 available from the JD Bookstore.
Dan

[fyrchieftx]

Thanks Dan,
This sure sounds better than what I was fearing, dropping the side plates or a whole lot more.
Mike

[Lu47Dan]

Mike, I tried adjusting the brakes on a 420 for an ex-girl friends father years ago, I did this basic procedure and the brakes worked again. When his son inherited the crawler he rebuilt the brakes, steering clutches and the final drives. I talked to him a few months ago and the new brakes are doing just fine.
If the brakes do not work right after you adjust them or you can not get the adjustment, then it might be time to take it apart and replace the worn parts.
Dan.

[Lavoy]

Usually it is just an adjustment, a few things to check when adjusting. Make sure the brake band is adjusted correctly. Check to see that the linkage has returned all the way back. If the small brake return spring inside the clutch housing is broken, the brake linkage does not return all the way. When you unhook the rod from the brake pedal, pull on it, on occasion, they will rust in two.
Lavoy

[fyrchieftx]

Thanks,
Dan and Lavoy, Ill try these procedures soon as I get a day off.
Mike