I've had my BX1880 for about 2 years, and I've tried to minimize the use of the brakes as mush as possible as I understand it is a little work to replace it later down the road. from time to time, I do need to slow quicker or stop. Is there any harm in using the hydrostatic transmission in reverse or forward as a means to stop the motion of the tractor, or should I always use the foot brake? Thanks.
Brake vs Reverse
- Thread starter Chadwiseman
- Start date
North Idaho Wolfman
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The HST doesn't care about applying reverse force.
But then again the brakes don't care if they are being used.
It's very rare to see HST damage or Brake damage from normal use.
But then again the brakes don't care if they are being used.
It's very rare to see HST damage or Brake damage from normal use.
dirtydeed
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That, and to make sure that I didn't set the park brake inadvertently...
I've done that before too.
Using my BX to mow every week, I don't think I've ever used the brake.
Have had my BX1880 for 4 1/2 years and has just over 400 hours on it. The brake peddle is so high up that it is "unnatural" to always raise my foot to try and stop or slow the tractor. Once you take your foot off the throttle peddle the tractor slows down a lot automatically and if needed I'll nudge the pedal in the opposite direction to stop the tractor. Keep in mind I am not jamming it to stop abruptly.
I do use the brake when needing to maintain position like staying in one spot while dumping a loaded bucket, or backing up to an implement, and I always lock it when getting off the tractor while it's running.
I do use the brake when needing to maintain position like staying in one spot while dumping a loaded bucket, or backing up to an implement, and I always lock it when getting off the tractor while it's running.
I frequently rock between forward and reverse at lower speed, especially when doing loader or snow work. I don’t think it would be an issue at all based on my understanding of the hydrostatic system. The only time I use my brakes is when I park it, need to stop on a steep incline, or when I forget to take off my parking brake and wonder why I’m going slower than usual - that happened a lot when I first got the tractor - not proud of it. Pretty much as soon as I let off the treadle the tractor stops within a foot it seems, so I never use it to slow down. That might just because of the R1 tires, maybe turf tires will roll a bit more.
All I can say is you will never wear the brakes out. And as far as using the hydrostat as a brake, I'm not gunna say whether it takes life off them or not, but it specifically states in my RTV's owner manual to not use the hydro for downhill and braking purposes and to use the actual brakes.
But I'm guilty. The hydro braking in the RTV is so strong, by the time you let off the throttle and get your foot to the brake pedal it's already stopped, LOL Same with downhills.....if I were to use the service brakes it would just stop.
But I'm guilty. The hydro braking in the RTV is so strong, by the time you let off the throttle and get your foot to the brake pedal it's already stopped, LOL Same with downhills.....if I were to use the service brakes it would just stop.
I don't understand the question. With HST I never use the brakes for driving, only for parking on hills or using the PTO when I'm not in the seat.
When I take my foot off HST pedal - the tractor stops. The only time I use the brakes when driving is when I forget to release the parking brake.
If you choose to put your SCUT into reverse while still driving forward it's your machine to use and abuse. IMHO Brakes are cheaper to replace than HST.
When I take my foot off HST pedal - the tractor stops. The only time I use the brakes when driving is when I forget to release the parking brake.
If you choose to put your SCUT into reverse while still driving forward it's your machine to use and abuse. IMHO Brakes are cheaper to replace than HST.