A fix (temporary?) for brakeless to-35

I recently bought a TO-35, and found that the brakes were not functioning .. as I rolled backwards downhill on the tractor.

Adjusting the brakes according to the owners manual didn't increase braking noticably, so I was worried that I'd have to pull the weighted rear wheels, and possibly need to replace drums, shoes, etc.. (I wasn't ready for that expense).

On a whim I sprayed brake parts cleaner into the brake drums through the adjustment windows till cleaner flowed out the bottom of the drum. Then I moved the tractror to advance the rear wheels a quarter turn and repeated the flushing. After finishing a complete roll of the wheels with flushings and allowing the drums to dry overnoght, I was thrilled to find tht my old machine had brakes with plenty of grip. It's been about a month and I've not had any noticable decline in stopping power, though if it was accumulated axle oil leakage that caused them to slip before I'll eventually have to replace seals. But for now this simple & inexpensive flush has rejuvinated my stopping ability. (Total brake parts cleaner used was about a can and a half. At $1.29 per can it was cheap fix )

Craig In Colorado

Craig