Is there any practical use for a trolley break?

Most tractors used to come without brakes on the steer axles...We never seemed to have a problem running without them.

I like having the extra brakes these days though.

Most of the time...

It used to be a very common practice.

 

If you are in an off-road situation, like a log hauler, you will find plenty of uses for it.

 

Ah, the blue valve. Yeah, it was a sad day when they took those away from us.

 

I use if for checking the brake lights and for sliding the tandems. Oftentimes these trailers are a bear to get the sliding handle out and locked (sometimes have to use ratchet strap, 2 pound beater, vice grips, or another person), so once it is locked out I leave it out then slide the tandems. Backing into the dock oftentimes the tandems move forward a bit as I apply the brakes while backing to make a smooth landing into the dock. Once lined up, I pull the trolley handle, scoot forward, release and ease back into the dock and set brakes. When loaded, pull forward enough, use trolley handle, and slide the tandems where they need to be then release tandem slide handle.

 

i have always had the exact opposite question---who would order a truck with out a hand valve(spike) ?
i suppose the same companies who order automatic transmission---and stripped down trucks
it is a very valuable tool if you know how to use it

 

Been there, done that.

 

It may have been debunked in a lab, but it works where it counts: in the real world. It's worked for me. A light application of the J bar shouldn't lock your trailer brakes.

Fixed it for ya. Steering into a skid won't pull anything back into line if the tractor is straight and it's the trailer that's a little sideways. If your drive tires are spinning, that's where you have no traction. If you're already headed for the ditch at a good clip, letting off on the throttle might not save your biscuits.

Lock all those well-adjusted brakes up "on black ice or an iced over bridge
and you will find yourself sideways."

Hey, come on. No one is suggesting that you use the J bar exclusively and continuously when descending a grade.

 

Yes I've done this at truckstops where there wasn't enought headroom to get straightened out before the tailswing was going to hit the parked truck on the blindside. So just pull tandem release handle, work trolley handle to adjust the tandems to the rear and cut that trailer in the hole and follow it in. Usually just leave the tandems released for the 10 hour break in case I need to adjust again on the way out.

 

You took this statement out of context. I was referring to the comment;
"OP, you get yer trailer a wee bit sideways on an ICY PATCH and that trolley brake just might straighten her right out." There is enough real world experience under my butt to take issue with this.
The fact is the trailer is sliding due to a lack of traction. Braking will simply exacerbate the problem. There are plenty of skid pad videos available which illustrate this concept.

No need to "correct" me. I have had a drive tire spin out going up hill with a light trailer and hit ice. The tractor fishtailed. By letting off the throttle and steering into the direction that the tractor began sliding I was able to "straighten the truck and trailer" before losing total control. Drivers that learned to drive rear wheel drive cars will be able to relate to this description.

I do not recall advocating anyone should "lock up" their brakes at all. Driving in winter conditions or on icy roads require alot of caution. Light braking across all axles will be the best way to slow down. If the brakes do lock then the only way to regain control is to let off those brakes. Too many times new drivers panick and simply step harder on the brake hoping that the whole vehicle will miraculously find some traction and stop.

Actually Landshark made that post and I quoted it that way hoping he was joking;

Originally Posted by LandShark
I like to use them on steep down grades so If things dont go good I have cool tractor breaks to assist...

 

Two more uses:

• braking when you've blown a steer tire
• putting on a little "drag" when backing if you're geared too high in reverse