Internal or external brakes

[sawdustdad]

I like the external brakes, too. Just what I'm used to.

[DoubleO7]

Originally Posted by Mike McKown

The narrow frames that had the internal brakes would stop you like "right now". Never a problem except.................. I recall going down a steep hill one day with a trailer behind me, in gear. The grass was wet and the wheels started sliding. Next thing you know, one wheel is turning forward and one turning backwards due to differential action. So, I applied the foot brake and the wheels continued in different rotational directions. I couldn't stop the tractor until the ground leveled out.
I used to think what would happen if I sheared a driveshaft pin while I was on a steep grade going either up or down as the brakes on the old tractors would not hold.

ALL the Cyclops tractors have good disc brakes that hold really well. No need to worry about a driveshaft pin breaking either.

The internal brake is on the other end of the pinion (countershaft) thus the differential is free to do what it does.
Externals are on the axles so if working correctly do not allow that diff action.

[Mike McKown]

That is exactly my point, "If"?

[mjsoldcub]

Yes dbuck, correct...a small heel lever on each side...each has its own pivot, mounted to frame and each pulls on its own brake rod separately...i didnt want to run a rockshaft between them for the same reason sam mac mentioned (room)... ill try to get a pic when i get them in...problem is i only have one pedal...its just like a rear brake on a motorcycle, which are all on the same side, so making one to match isnt as easy as would seem....small and unobtrusive..the plan is to mount them so it fits right in that gap between the fender and frame, just above footrest, and tight to frame so as not in the way...then (in theory) just depress with heel...

[CubCadet129]

I don't have any experience with cub cadet internal brakes, but I do have some experience with JD internal brakes and, in comparison with my external brakes Cub Cadet 129, I much prefer the external brakes for their stopping power, long life, and ease of adjustment. Also, they just plain look cool!!

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by yeeter

Thank you. Hmmm, is this true on the twins (the 782's) as well? If so then perhaps there is no point in compression test on these either....?

No Comp release on the KT or m twins,as it is not needed.

[Bob95065]

Originally Posted by Mike McKown

The narrow frames that had the internal brakes would stop you like "right now". Never a problem except.................. I recall going down a steep hill one day with a trailer behind me, in gear. The grass was wet and the wheels started sliding. Next thing you know, one wheel is turning forward and one turning backwards due to differential action. So, I applied the foot brake and the wheels continued in different rotational directions. I couldn't stop the tractor until the ground leveled out.

The wide frames that had disc brakes? I never owned one where the brakes would hold much of anything, anywhere. Maybe my pads were too worn but I don't think so. They were adjusted to compensate for the wear.

I don't know about the later tractors but I tell you about my experience with a 108 with external brakes and a 1000 with internal brakes.

I had the same experience with the 1000 that you did. I was pulling a trailer downhill in damp grass and I tried to stop. The brake locked and I had one wheel spinning forward and the other in reverse. I had to hold on until I hit level ground to stop. I didn't like that feeling. This was back when I was growing up in Illinois.

My dad had a 108 he bought brand new in 1974. It had external brakes. They weren't working very well so I adjusted them. The first iteration was a little too tight and when I tried to stop from full speed in 3rd gear the wheels locked up on dry pavement. I thought it was pretty cool but I didn't want to wear out the tires so I backed off the adjustment nuts until it stopped quickly but didn't lock up.

Fast forward 30 years. I am now in California and have the 1000 here at my house. I picked up a basket case 1450 that I fixed up. I ran the serial numbers and the 1450 was made in January 1975 and the 1000 was made in August 1977. They gave me an education on early and late QL Cub Cadets. The 1450 has external brakes and a cast iron lower grill. The 1000 has internal brakes and an aluminum lower grill. I replaced the pad material on the 1450 and now have solid working brakes.

We live on a steep street and get no rain at all in the summer. If I have an errand to run to a neighbor's house up the street I'll take either tractor. If there is even a heavy fog I won't take the 1000. I am not risking locking up the brakes coming downhill. With external brakes I can apply as much braking force as I can without locking up the tires. I can't do that with external brakes.

That's my $0.02.

Bob

[drglinski]

Internal. That way you can run weights on the inside of the wheel too.

[darkminion_17]

Originally Posted by CubCadet129

I don't have any experience with cub cadet internal brakes, but I do have some experience with JD internal brakes

That is good to know.
I thought they had a brake band on the side of the tranny?