The Classic Machinery Network

Hi, can anyone tell me how the hand brake works on the front axle of an Alldrive 4000, I have managed to get the hydraulic foot brake working but there are two levers on the side of the axle that operate the hand brake, these move freely and spring return without the cable connected but don't engage the hand brake, I can't find any information on how the brake operates, your help would be much appreciated.

The tops of the levers move towards each other when the handbrake is applied? I assume you are talking about brakes that are oil immersed and inboard?

Yes, the levers operate and move fully towards each other, unfortunately they don't engage the hand brake, I'm not sure how or what the mechanism is inside the axle. Gavin

Do the foot brakes work properly?

Hi, yes I replaced the brake cylinder and bled the brakes and they work well.

How about pulling the levers together with something like a min ratchet strap to see if the hand brake levers are doing their job. If you can lock up the brakes then it might be an external linkage issue.

It might also be the actuating arms inside the drums. See if they are moving the shoes in and out when someone pulls the hand brake on.

I think we are talking about inboard disc brakes here?

I can't see the brakes, that's the problem, they are internal to the axle, does anyone have any experience with this type of brake.

It certainly sounds as if something is wrong on the inside so it would appear that you will need to start pulling it apart and get into where the brakes are.
The suggestion of chocking the wheels and jacking up one at a time of the front wheels and seeing f either of them lock up is a good idea. Is there any indication of an adjusting bolt/screw to see if it is just out of adjustment?
If you don't have a workshop manual take a lot of photos as you strip it down so you know what belongs where and which way it faces.