Ferguson TO30 main brake

Hey Gents.

I posted a while back about lack of brakes on my TO30. I had renewed the brake pads/shoes, and adjusted them within the drums, reconnected the brake rods (adjusting them so the clevis (?) just reached the brake pedal cross shaft hole on each side), but when I took her for a drive, I applied the brake and still had nothing.

A helpful member here told me it was probably the drums themselves, so I had them checked and they are ok.

So, now I have the rear of the tractor up on jacks so I can put her into gear and watch the wheels/brakes, and when I put her into first, if I apply the individual brake pedals on each side, the wheel on that side stops. However, if I apply the main pedal.......nothing.

What am I missing? I have pulled up on the individual brake pedals and the rods do not seem to bend so I do not feel anything is seized. I feel it is probably something real simple and if it is, please forgive my ignorance.

Hoping someone can finally stop me pulling out the remaining few hairs left on my head :/

Thanks.

Hello, seems like you have adjusted the
shoes and rods correctly but there is one
vital adjustment that you have not
carried out. That is the lining faces
being parralel to the drum face. We don't
have the 30 in the UK so I'm not certain
which type of adjuster is used. 35s
onwards have two adjusable 3/8" screws in
each backplate to move the top and bottom
of the shoes away from the backplate
against the retaining springs. If the 30
has the large flat washer and nut you may
need to pack out in some way but ensure
that the shoe remains free to move. To
check the lining angle you will need a
square (90 degrees) to rest on the outer
face of the axle shaft and across the
lining at the 12 and six o'clock
positions. The distance across the lining
is normally less than standard proportion
squares so you will either to to cut one
or make your own. The dimensions of the
square are approximately 12"x 4" but you
will need to check this. Hold the square
in place and in line with the axle shaft
axis and adjust the shoe. When you have
done this, refit the drum and disconnect
the rods and tie the brake pedals up to
the steering wheel. Adjust the shoes with
the adjusters until they have just
locked. Adjust the rods and fit them.
Slacken the adjusters about 5 clicks or
until the drums can just be turned
freely. Carry out final adjustment on
concrete or tarmac until both wheels lock
briefly but evenly. As a final setting,
engage lowest gear at idling and apply
the brakes when the tractor is moving. If
the adjustment is correct there will be
no deflection of the steering wheel. Let
us know how you get on.
DavidP, South Wales

DavidP,

Thanks for your response. Unfortunately it seems that a 1952 TO30 does not have these adjustment
screws/studs. Actually, looking at it I cannot see anything that would allow me to adjust the shoe in the
way you suggest.

I guess I am still confused as to why the individual brake pedals work, but the main pedal does nothing!
Could I be missing something else?

Thanks again.

Scott.

ill squint at mine when i get home.

(quoted from post at 07:38:00 09/16/19)
ill squint at mine when i get home.

Click to expand...

Thanks William. Much appreciated