Malcolm,
The next job on the to do list is to fix the brakes on our two MH No 2 tractors. Both barely function and on our slopes here not a healthy proposition. It's been on my mind for a couple of years but needed a bit of thinking through as one has to appoach the job lying on one's back twisting, writhing and reaching up - not a hobby for the aged.
Anyway am now half way through the first one with the assistance of an able bodied local young mecahnic who has proved up to the task.
First I pulled it up on two railway sleepers which raised it about eight inches to give much improeved access. Then the large half moon sump covering the double drive gear, brake drum and brake band was undone - easy just studs - and dropped down.
Then it took my mechanic only about 10 minutes to get the brake band out. All in all mercifully easy. The brake lining on the band was finished - down to the rivets and I have now had it re-lined ready to re-install. It has a wet lining type as it runs in oil showered down from the gears. A local firm arranged for this. Now awaiting the mechanic to return as his wife has had an operation to her hand and he is on with child minding duties.
So all in all no DESIGN FAULTS here!!!!!! Perhaps the main design fault is my shed not having a pit or hydraulic ramp......
John