Fordson Major Brakea

DylanP95

Member
The brakes on my 1954 Major do not work at all. I am in the process of getting this old beast working how it should. Where should I start for the brakes?
 
If your brake linkages and shafts move freely, how much pedal travel do you have? It is possible that they are out of adjustment, or you
might be out of lining. If you have normal travel, they could be oil soaked. I would suggest pulling the rear wheels, blocking the tractor
well, pulling the drum covers and drums, and inspecting them. If you have plenty of lining, and they are dry free up the adjusters, adjust
them up to where they will just nicely turn freely and reassemble. If needed, Lining kits, with rivets are available, I believe. I wouldn't
worry about turning the drums, unless they are really bad.
 
Go with everything Skipper says but you will find brake pedal travel is restricted to about 2" and there is little free play, about 1/2". Also check your brake cables, they can stick and stretch out of adjustment. I put new cables on mine about 8 years ago and find I have to adjust them, (the cables), on a regular basis if I want to retain brakes. I also had my brakes relined with the new asbestos free material which is a bit like greasing the brake shoes when it comes to stopping. :0)

Brakes on these tractors are also poor in reverse and have been since new.
 
Thanks guys! I'll check that stuff out. I have about 2 inches of free travel on the pedal. I'll start with the cables then work my way back to the drums and start tearing it apart and see what I can find
 

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