Just bought an '81 350B crawler/loader that had new brake bands installed last year after the dealer took it in on trade. They're out of adjustment now. Can anyone tell me what the adjustment procedures are as there is almost no steering control on this old beauty.
Thanks
George

There are two adjustments on the 350 series, one external, one internal. When the external adjustments no longer are effective, the rear cover must be removed and the connecting links shortened to renew the external adjustment to effectiveness. Back off the external adjustment so the external arm can rock back toward the rear of the tractor. The band will have to be held up in normal position with a pry off the bottom of the opening to get all the adjustment you can get and still get the pin reinstalled. You will see what I mean when you start working on it. The transmission takes a mineral based oil instead of just gear lube and failure to use it will degrade the lining. If the bands are good the tractor should turn without a lot of effort and I always adjust them so the levers pull back against the seat frame so as to stop lever travel without putting enough pressure on the band to stretch them and ruin them. I have seen many bands stretched to the point of being ruined by people reefing on the levers thinking it helps to turn better. Above all fill the tranny to level with the proper oil. Maybe someone on forum can post a pic of the diff/steering band arrangement so you can see in advance what I'm refering to. mEl

Thanks for the great response on the brake adjustment. I agree a picture of how to adjust the brakes would be very helpful when I tackle the adjustment. I read on another site that most of the brakes are adjusted so the bands wear out on the ends and the center of the bands never get any wear. I wonder how you avoid that?
George

You will see that when you get the back off, the pressure points are greatest at the end of the bands cause of how they are anchored. mEl