Adjusting TO-30 Brakes

Ry8N

New User
Hi
I just bought a "51 TO-30 and the brakes do not stop the tractor. They appear to slow it down if I really stand on the pedal, but otherwise won"t halt it (especially in gear). No grinding, screeching, powder or any other sign of the shoes/drums being bad. I"m guessing it just needs adjusting/tightening.

I"m completely new to working on tractors, so a simple how-to would be really helpful.
Thanks!
Ryan from Massachusetts
 
These adjusters on the TO 30 are quite a bit like the older car brake adjustment, if you are old enough to know about them. Stick a wide end screwdriver in the hole and move left or right on the teeth to tighten can't remember which way for sure.
 
I did mine with a bungee cord. Attatch cord to the master brake control rod pulling it upward. Jack both wheels o0ff the ground. Tighten adjusters until the wheels don't turn by hand. Back off adjusters about 3 or 4 clicks so that wheels turn by hand. Remove bungee. activate individual brake pedal. Pedal should not hit the floor board. Start tractor, drive forward, hit individual brake. Either side doesn't work? Oil on brakes on that side. Sure seals might be in order.
 
If the brake pedal is bottoming out, it needs adjusting. If you still have good pedal but ineffective brakes, there is grease leaking from the axle seals.

The seals will need replacing, and best to replace the shoes. Sometimes they can be cleaned, but usually end up just replacing them.
 
I had the same problem with my 54 TO30. Tried adjusting and got no where. When I pulled the hubs I found the rear seals were bad and everything was covered with oil/grease. Needless to say I had to replace the seals and brakes. They work great now. If this is your case put new brake shoes on.
 

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