backhoe Loader Braking System - Mahindra Construction Equipment
Everything is unique about the modern Backhoe Loaders (BHLs). Be it their design, structure, specification or working. All the possible steps are taken by the BHL heavy equipment manufacturers to make it more efficient, environment-friendly and highly multi-purpose equipment. If we talk about the backhoe loader braking system also, then a lot has been done on this front too.
BHL braking system
Just like your car, BHL also need the brakes to stop its movement. Wondering as to how this happens? How the force is transferred from your leg to the wheels of BHL? How the force is multiplied so that it stops something as big as a BHL? Well, this is achieved through the powerful brake mechanism of the BHL.
These days, BHLs use hydraulically actuated self-adjusting disc brakes to stop the BHLs. Backhoes also feature separate parking brake that is applied with a hand lever by the operator.
The reliability of the complex brake actuation system of BHL depends directly upon the quality of the data and the accuracy of the system designer.
Features of BHL braking system
Some features of hydraulic power braking system in the some of the leading BHLs at present include:
1. Hydraulically actuated 4-wheel braking system
2. Self-adjusting and multi-disc brakes
3. Completely enclosed and sealed system
4. Ensures low effort, effective and fade-free braking
5. Include twin brake pedals which provide tighter turning circle and enhanced steering control on slippery ground
6. Include automatic compensation ensuring straight machine braking
7. Ensures accumulator backup providing maximum safety under all conditions and in the case of dead engine applying 4-wheel braking
8. Makes use of the main hydraulic system oil eliminating the need for a separate brake oil reservoir which also reduces service costs.
9. Have proportional braking effort throughout the pedal travel.
10. For reducing friction and saving fuel, increased back off in the brake packs is included
11. The service brakes are operated by independent foot pedals, joined together for normal operation.
12. Parking or the secondary brakes independent of the service brake system
13. For effective braking, the park brake is always applied to front and rear axles
14. The integral park brake is a ball and ramp, oil immersed type located within the transmission for minimum maintenance and a long operating life. It is over-centre type, adjustable within the cab with transmission disconnect to prevent premature brake pad wear.
All the modern BHLs possess above mentioned features and Mahindra EarthMaster is no less. It features hydraulically actuated, self-adjusting, maintenance free, oil immersed multi-disc services brakes on the rear axle. Its parking brakes are inbuilt on the rear axle and are low-maintenance too.
In a nutshell
Modern braking systems of BHLs are highly sophisticated and their applications are many and varied. It goes without saying that numerous factors affect the functioning of this system in a BHL. So, to achieve maximum efficiency, the BHL operator must have a thorough understanding of all the components. They should carefully study the operating parameters and performance specifications, so as to get good results.
