OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions On Ride On Mowers Questions on Rover Ride On Mower Rover Rancher Brake Modification

Hi All
Whilst I was restoring my Rancher I noted that the park brake mechanism is a bit light on. The 2 inch by one inch brake blocks are pretty light duty.
On pondering on the subject an easy modification is available to increase the braking area by at least one hundred percent without butchering the machine.
In essence the RH side block bracket can be flipped over which opens up the clamping area such that you can make up much bigger braking blocks onto 6mm steel backings. The overall size with some 12mm brake block material fits perfect.
The attached photo demonstrates and further views can be seen on my website www.rstanford.com.au under restorations > Rover Rancher.
This is a simple method of upgrading without having to hack the machine.
I should have this area completed in a few days.
Regards

Richard, I don't think you are getting much pressure on the inner (smaller radius) half of your enlarged pads with the present design. You would need to alter the two brackets with the screws in them to be able to apply real pressure to your extra friction material. It doesn't look difficult to do, though. How long does it take to wear out the original small pads?

Thats the thing, area means nothing. Too much area and it will be less effective than the smaller pads were.


Its area vs force type thing, smaller area and the same force means more bite. Same force and a bigger area and they will not be as efficent as the pads will tend to skate. More area and you will probably find you need more force.


Whats that material you have used there, it almost looks like wood.

I would radius those corners before bonding.



If you wanted serious bite i would have been adapting some motorcycle brake pads to fit. Cheap to buy and available everywhere. The cheap chinese ones do not really cut it on a dirt bike but they would be ideal for that.

Cool website, hapefully i can get some time soon to have a bit of a look around in there.


Cheers, Bob.

Hi there
The originals didn't have a great service life and also are pretty thin. Other folk have mentioned the same thing.I will let all know how it works when complete.
Regards

Hi Bob

The material is proper brake block material. I have used it on some of my other restos and it gives good performance. I had a look at using small automotive brake blocks but decided to give the material I already had a go initially. Try out the concept.

Glad you like the website there is around 10,000 pics there currently and I get feedback from all over the world on different things I restore.
Will let all know how this little brake project works out it should work a treat.

Regards