Question - Add Brakes or locking differential for Walk Behind?? For Down Hills

[Todds911]

Hi,

I'm looking at a nice 2007 48" Cub Cadet Walk Behind for my property with lots of hills. It is a really good deal. However, it does not have brakes! Pulling the levers on the pistol groups simply takes the tension off the drive wheel belts - for turning or neutral. It does not apply brakes, like my old Ransome did. I know there are some 80's Exmark's out there with the same set-up.

I'm surprised such a big machine is made without brakes these days (as if it were a 21" mower). Maybe it is made only for flat yards?

The guy wants the same amount of cash as for, say, a 90's style Toro 52" Walk Behind (which would have brakes).

Is there anyway to add some type of braking mechanism, or maybe some type of way to install a type of locking differential, whereby the mower won't simply run away from me when going downhill? I have lots of hills and it not always possible to go sideways... Even my driveway slope would force me to run with it, without brakes.

Please let me know of any thoughts....

 

[benski]

Hi,

I'm looking at a nice 2007 48" Cub Cadet Walk Behind for my property with lots of hills. It is a really good deal. However, it does not have brakes! Pulling the levers on the pistol groups simply takes the tension off the drive wheel belts - for turning or neutral. It does not apply brakes, like my old Ransome did. I know there are some 80's Exmark's out there with the same set-up.

I'm surprised such a big machine is made without brakes these days (as if it were a 21" mower). Maybe it is made only for flat yards?

The guy wants the same amount of cash as for, say, a 90's style Toro 52" Walk Behind (which would have brakes).



Is there anyway to add some type of braking mechanism, or maybe some type of way to install a type of locking differential, whereby the mower won't simply run away from me when going downhill? I have lots of hills and it not always possible to go sideways... Even my driveway slope would force me to run with it, without brakes.

Please let me know of any thoughts....

Here's a wild one...A disc brake setup off of a late model bicycle. You'll probably only be into it an additional $500.00 for parts and machining..:wink: In all honesty, I don't know of a good way to economically install brakes on that Cub. I'm surprised it doesn't come with something installed on it.

 

[Todds911]

Ok now!!!! I went to look at the unit.

Turns out it does have brakes! It looks like a brand new unit. It is a G1548. Starts and mows perfectly!

Residentially owned only - by an Engineer. Serviced continually by him.

Me so happy!!!!!

 

[benski]

Ok now!!!! I went to look at the unit.

Turns out it does have brakes! It looks like a brand new unit. It is a G1548. Starts and mows perfectly!

Residentially owned only - by an Engineer. Serviced continually by him.

Me so happy!!!!!

There ya go!:biggrin: I just couldn't imagine a machine that big without brakes. Hopefully you don't need them often, but when you do...

 

[Todds911]

Well the 1982 48" Exmark in my Avatar to the left had no brakes. Any no safety shutoffs!

So from experience, I knew I wanted brakes!!!! Haha