Brake vs Reverse

Chadwiseman

New member

Equipment
Bx1880
Oct 5, 2024
6
4
3
Canada
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.
 

North Idaho Wolfman

Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
34,765
10,034
113
Sandpoint, ID
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.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 users

TheOldHokie

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3901/LA525, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
Apr 6, 2021
11,299
6,346
113
Myersville, MD
windyridgefarm.us
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.
The HST is designed for hydraulic control of forward, reverse, and braking.

Dan
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

dirtydeed

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
B2650 BH77, U27-4R2, BX23TLBM, box blade, rear blade, flail mower, Stump Grinder
Dec 8, 2017
3,801
6,419
113
Wind Gap, PA
I only use the brakes when I have to stop quickly, or to hold position.
That, and to make sure that I didn't set the park brake inadvertently...

I've done that before too.;)
 

John T

Well-known member

Equipment
2017 BX23S
May 5, 2017
1,177
717
113
under a rock
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.
Using my BX to mow every week, I don't think I've ever used the brake.
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: 2 users

Bee-Positive

Well-known member

Equipment
BX1880, Cab, FEL, Tooth Bar, MMM, QH, Ballast Box
Nov 16, 2022
555
573
93
Amsterdam, NY
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.
 

Trustable

Active member

Equipment
l2501HST
Jul 5, 2022
285
236
43
Michigan
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.