Brakes left On

Nik · May 15, 2002

Forgot to disengage the brakes when I started to mow. Ran the tractor for about 10 minutes and wondered why the speed of the tractor was slower than usual in both high and low ranges. I have a 2410 Kubota with a 60" Landpride rear discharge. The engine did not struggle and the transmission did not whine. Finally I realized my error and released the brake with return of normal speed. Would this cause and damage to the brakes or wheel drum?

Hoosier_Daddy · May 15, 2002

Probably not good but if they still work don't worry about it.... They don't heat up like a Nascar. I would chalk it up to experience... And, don't set them when you park it for the evening. I learned that with my ATV.. Was setting in the garage with the brake set and then it sqeeked when I went to use it........ You will probably do other things down the road that will make you wish you just left the brake on. I had a friend that drove out of the barn, dropped the plow and checked it then got back on the tractor and drove off. POP wasn't too happy about that one...... Tom

upgw · May 15, 2002

Nik, Did the exact same thing with my brand-new BX2200 last year... that was 50 hours ago... no apparent damage. It did seem to darken the transmission fluid though. I can now tell just from the HST noise if it's on... I assume most people learn to do that.

- Patrick W.

Taz · May 16, 2002

Funny you should bring it up. I am forever stepping on the HST pedal with the parking brake still set. I usually realize it within a few seconds and disengage the brake. On the B2910 I had there was no parking brake light so there was no visual indication that the brake was on but on the L4610 there is a light so I have no excuse. I guess I just don't look at the instrument panel before I go. What am I going to do about it? Last night I pulled out the service manual and was looking at the schematic on the L series. There is a parking brake switch (which turns on the panel light) and an HST pedal switch (used to disable starting if depressed). I am going to use these to trigger a horn/alarm that sounds if the parking brake is set AND you step on the HST pedal.

lschultz · May 16, 2002

It happens.I have did it several times since I got my M6800.
But you learn.Seems like the older I get the more I screw up.

skent · May 16, 2002

We all have done that at one time or another. . . . some of us might not admit it though. Brakes are in oil bath and typically no damage is done. . . . . (unless its months before you notice it)

WVBill · May 16, 2002

Happens to me all the time on my B6100 but since I don't mow with it I usually catch it pretty soon when I go to stop next time and the parking brake clicks off. In reverse, I can hear the brakes squeek right away.