8
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION
Do not lift or support the Turf Tender on any part of
the axle or the suspension system. All lifting and
support must be done on the frame directly in front
of the axle mount point.
4. Remove the cover from the adjusting slot on the bottom of
the brake backing plate.
5. Using a screwdriver or standard brake adjusting tool, rotate the
starwheel of the adjuster assembly to expand the brake shoes.
Adjust the brake shoes out until the pressure of the linings
against the drum makes the wheel very difficult to turn.
6. Rotate the starwheel in the opposite direction until the wheel
turns freely with a slight lining drag.
7. Install the cover and lower the wheel to the ground. Repeat
procedure on all brakes.
BRAKE CLEANING AND INSPECTION
The brakes must be inspected and serviced at yearly
intervals (more often as use and performance requires).
Magnets and shoes must be changed when they become worn
or scored thereby preventing adequate braking. Be sure to
clean the backing plate, magnet arm, magnet, and brake shoes.
Make certain that all the parts removed are installed in the
same brake and drum assembly. Inspect the magnet arm for
any loose or worn parts. Check shoe return springs, hold down
springs, and adjuster springs for stretch or deformation; replace
if required.
BRAKE LUBRICATION
Before assembling, apply a light film of Lubriplate or Anti-Seize
compound on the brake anchor pin, the actuating arm bushing and
pin, and the areas on the backing plate that are in contact with the
brake shoes and magnet lever arm. Apply a light film of grease on
the actuating block mounted on the actuating arm.
CAUTION
Do not get grease or oil on the brake linings, drums,
or magnets.
MAGNETS
The electric brakes are equipped with high quality
electromagnets that are designed to provide the proper input
force and friction characteristics. The magnets should be
inspected and replaced if worn unevenly or abnormally. Check
the magnets for wear using a straightedge.
Even if wear is normal as indicated by your straightedge,
the magnets should be replaced if any part of the magnet coil
has become visible through the friction material facing of the
magnet.
NOTE: It is recommended that the drum armature
surface be re-faced when replacing magnets.
Magnets should be replaced in pairs - both outer sets and/
or both inner sets. Use only genuine DAKOTA replacement
parts when replacing the magnets.
SHOES AND LININGS
A visual inspection of your brake linings will indicate if
they are in need of replacement. Replacement is necessary if
the lining is worn to 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) or less, contaminated
with grease or oil, or abnormally scored or gouged. Hairline
heat cracks are normal in bonded linings and is not a cause
for concern. To retain the “balance” of your brakes, it is
important to replace both shoes on each brake and both brakes
of the same set (inner and/or outer).
Troubleshooting
Most electric brake malfunctions that cannot be corrected
by either brake or controller adjustments, can generally be
traced to electrical system failure. Mechanical causes are
ordinarily obvious, i.e. bent or broken parts, worn out linings
or magnets, seized lever arms or shoes, scored drums, loose
parts, etc. A voltmeter and ammeter are essential tools for
proper troubleshooting of electric brakes.
MEASURING VOLTAGE
Brake system voltage is measured at the magnets by
connecting the voltmeter to the two magnet lead wires at any
brake. This is accomplished using pin probes inserted through
the insulation of the wires dropping down from the chassis.
The engine of the towing vehicle should be running when
checking the voltage so that low battery voltage will not
adversely affect the readings.
Voltage in the brake system is designed to modulate (begin
at 0 volts and, as the brake switch is held in the ON position,
gradually increase [modulate] to about 12 volts). If no
modulation occurs (immediate high voltage applied to the
brakes just when the controller begins to apply voltage), adjust
and/or troubleshoot the brake system.
The threshold voltage of the controller is the voltage applied
to the brakes when the controller is first applied. The lower
the threshold voltage, the smoother the brakes will operate.
Too high of a threshold voltage (in excess of 2 volts as quite
often found in heavy duty controllers) can cause grabby, harsh
brakes.
