I Feel Like an Idiot...

TJP89 · Sep 24, 2014

Ok, so I've put about 25 hrs on my CK now, and I decided to see how the tractor turned with the brakes and if it was possible to press the HST pedal and the brake at the same time. I had actually never split the brakes before in my use of it, so this was the first time. I reach down to split them and discovered that there is this metal rod through both pedals, that's supposed to slide back and forth to lock and unlock the brakes. Well, the rod has what I think is a nut on the end that prevents is from sliding. OK I think, must come like this from the factory and all I've got to do is take the nut off and the rod moves. 15min later I'm mad, sore and sweaty and the nut is still on the end of the rod, despite me working on it with 2 pairs of big vise-grips. I have tried every thing shot of an angle grinder and that nut is still on the end of the rod. As I would prefer not to take an angle grinder to my new tractor, I'm out of ideas. So, anybody here have this problem, anybody have suggestions? Any help is appreciated.

Tony

k0ua · Sep 24, 2014

TJP89 said:
Ok, so I've put about 25 hrs on my CK now, and I decided to see how the tractor turned with the brakes and if it was possible to press the HST pedal and the brake at the same time. I had actually never split the brakes before in my use of it, so this was the first time. I reach down to split them and discovered that there is this metal rod through both pedals, that's supposed to slide back and forth to lock and unlock the brakes. Well, the rod has what I think is a nut on the end that prevents is from sliding. OK I think, must come like this from the factory and all I've got to do is take the nut off and the rod moves. 15min later I'm mad, sore and sweaty and the nut is still on the end of the rod, despite me working on it with 2 pairs of big vise-grips. I have tried every thing shot of an angle grinder and that nut is still on the end of the rod. As I would prefer not to take an angle grinder to my new tractor, I'm out of ideas. So, anybody here have this problem, anybody have suggestions? Any help is appreciated.

Tony

Um... no angle grinder needed. It doesn't slide. Lift the free end up to clear the slot. Might be painted so it doesn't rotate around the "axle" of the nut and bolt, but use some lube or something to free it up.

oosik · Sep 24, 2014

Your brake lock has a nut mine has a pin. Like James said, lift the angled end and wiggle/push/pull the rod so that it is only attached to one pedal. Once you get the brakes unlocked - BE VERY CAREFUL on you first attempts at using the turning brakes. Go VERY slowly and apply one brake or the other. You might be surprised how swiftly it swings your tractor around. Do this on level ground and apply the brake gently until you get the feel of this operation.

CobyRupert · Sep 24, 2014

Using vise-grips on a hex nut and bolt will quickly round off the heads & wreck them. First, use a wrench or socket to wreck the nut and bolt, THEN use the vise grips after you've rounded off the heads. :laughing:

445A · Sep 24, 2014

CodyRupert
It's important to have an order of how to wreck things, or you might miss a step! LOL Great stuff and thanks for the smile. 445A

phiferpharm · Sep 24, 2014

CobyRupert said:
Using vise-grips on a hex nut and bolt will quickly round off the heads & wreck them. First, use a wrench or socket to wreck the nut and bolt, THEN use the vise grips after you've rounded off the heads. :laughing:

Ouch

DuckSlayer1017 · Sep 24, 2014

445A said:
CodyRupert
It's important to have an order of how to wreck things, or you might miss a step! LOL Great stuff and thanks for the smile. 445A

Oh, that's funny:laughing:

TJP89 · Sep 25, 2014

OK, think I was unclear. From what I can tell, the way this is supposed to work is there is a rod that goes through both brake pedals. There is a metal plate with a L slot in it attached to the right pedal. There is supposed to be a little nub sticking out of the rod (which also is L shaped), that goes into this slot on the plate. The rod then slides back and forth, clearing the left pedal and guided by the nub on the slot. I now realize that I am missing the little nub on the rod, and the non bent end of the rod has this nut that either holds a washer on, or has a washer attached, and won't come off. The washer prevents the rod from sliding clear of the left pedal. I hope that's clearer, I'll try to get a picture tonight. I think also the fact that I have a CK35 HST which has different brake setup than the gear CK and the DKs is adding to the confusion. So is there a trick or am I just missing something completely (I suspect the latter)

The reason I'm asking here is I have a pretty good reputation in the wrecking things department, but I think I'll wait before taking it to my new 20K tractor.

Tony

Coyote machine · Sep 25, 2014

Tony, do you own any Fiats by any chance? I was thinking you might be a Fiat mechanic?!:confused2:
Do you have any owner's manual for your tractor? If so, it probably details how to split the brake pedals....
What about a Sawzall? They're pretty good at wreaking stuff!