International 500 brake issue?

Mac53 · Mar 22, 2015

Hello all.
I am very new to crawlers and have a trade setup for one, but it has trouble steering and I'd really like to get it a better idea of what is wrong with it.
I was worried it was the clutches and read a lot on that, but I feel somewhat confident that they aren't the issue. The machine hasn't really been used very much, especially any time recently (just little pushes here and there).
When you pull on one brake or the other, the engine does not bog down at all. It will turn, just very, very gradually. If you push something with it, or put it against a tree and pull one of the breaks, one track disengages and the machine wants to turn. It also seems to turn a little better in reverse.
The only problem seems to be that when you pull the lever, it doesn't brake. Is this a big issue? Is it easy to fix? Am I totally off and it is more than the brakes? I'm not trying to trade for a machine that will cost me a fortune to fix. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
Also - is it hard to find winches for these?

Jo Bird · Mar 23, 2015

Yes brakes are an integral part of steering and STOPPING. If the machine will spin the track while pushing, it's most likely the clutches are okay. The brake bands are around the clutch pack and hold that side so the other track will pivot the machine and should be replaced. You can get a good idea of cost by going to ( IH500 Crawler STEERING CLUTCHES - Tpaktopc.net Tractorparts ) this should take you to the General Gear web site. They sell parts and their is a down load for each 500/500C and 500E steering clutch service. To get to the brake band you need to take out the clutch pack and this will show you how to do it.. as for a winch ???? hope this helps.
Jo

Mac53 · Mar 23, 2015

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I'll have a look and see what I can figure out from it.

A little additional info- The machine was used the other day to push down some small trees and move a little dirt around. The operator heard some sort of pop, after which the steering fully, or nearly fully? returned for about 10 minutes, before going back to how it was before. What would that be a sign of?

dpendzic · Mar 23, 2015

the levers are dual duty in that they release the steering clutch and then apply the brake--there is a procedure for correct adjustment of these levers so that would be the first order of business
if you pull both levers back partially the machine should stop moving and that tells you both clutches are releasing---then further pulling applys the brake bands

International 500 brake issue?

Mac53

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Jo Bird

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Mac53

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dpendzic

Well-known Member

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