Brake band hell on a '47 H

After seeing other posts with exactly the same problem, I'm beginning to wonder if this may have been a condition of some of the production? Has anyone found an easy work-around to solve this? I'm considering finding a relining place to put an extra-thick lining on my band or cutting one of the ends off a band and riveting it up a little shorter. Is there anything I'm overlooking? TIA

If you compare the thickness of the backing on an original to the aftermarket, you will find that the originals are about half again thicker. I have not checked it out, but maybe that is enough to cause the problems with the adjuster.

My leg is not any bigger than anyone else's, but I broke three of the aftermarket bands, in six months, while using the tractor. Mostly the spot welds that hold the eye ripped out , on one the band cracked apart at the welds. The IH bands are riveted.

It seemed like a safety issue to me, so I went back to IH and have not had a problem since. I do use the brakes to turn the tractor, especially when using the field cultivator, disk, or planter, but that what they appear to be there for, one for the right side and one for the left....

You might try a genuine IH band and see if you can get the adjustment to work with that. The IH bands were about $2 more than the aftermarket ones.

Greg

ps Where are you in CT ? We lived in Colchester for about 10 years.

I'll try an IH band - the band I compared my new aftermarket band to was another aftermarket band.

If that doesn't work someone suggested finding a relining company and finding out if they can rivet thicker bands on.

The brake outfit here charges almost as much for relining a band as a new one costs.

I have run into the same thing a few times on "H" and "M" tractors with band brakes that will not adjust up. What I have found was two different things that require close inspection.

1. Where the arm attaches to the cam on the out side of the cover there is a woodruft key (halfmoon) that fits the slot in the arm. I have seen those slots become wore enough allowing the arm to turn so you loose the ability to adjust like you are talking about.

2. I have also seen the welds on the cam break where the ears for the pins that pull on the brake bands were fasten to the shaft. A crack will develop in the weld. This is from all the twisting over the last 57 years, The cam twist every time you step on the brakes, and sooner or later the weld gives away. You will have to remove the cam from the cover and clean it up real good to see the crack.

Thirdly, Just so you are aware of this when you go looking for some parts, there also is a different part number for the arm and the cam for the Right side and the Left side of the tractor.

I hope this helps, post back when you find the problem as it will help other H and M owners.

Good Luck MN Charlie