broken brake cables

[beck]

This is my third year with my Dixie and I seem to be replacing brake cables about 2-3 times a year. Is anyone else experiencing this? It is not the same one each time and both of them do not break at the same time. For the past few weeks we have just been chocking the rear wheels, I am undecided if I want to keep spending the time and money replacing the brake cables.

[DC Service]

You should not overtighten the brake handle.This is the only reason they break.The cables were upgraded a few years back and are much stronger now.Perhaps you are trying to move the unit with the brake on?There has to be a reason why you are going thru brake cables. :confused:

[Crabgrassman]

Actually there is another reason they will break. I broke one on mine at about 400 hours and I figured out why and it hasn't happened since. When you release the brakes don't push the lever all the way down. Just release it and let it stay where-ever it stops at. When you push the lever all the way down it severly bends the cable where it enters the sheathing at the handle. If you bend it enough times it will break just like any other piece of metal. Dixie could add a couple of springs at the brake bands and avoid this problem.

[DC Service]

Good point! I will bring this up with R&D on monday.Perhaps it can be done.
:cool:

[Fine Lines Lawn]

That is a good point Crabgrassman. That is the same reason that we used to have problems with throttle cables. DC, I also sent a link to this thread to R & D.

[beck]

That is actually where they are breaking. So we will replace it and try your method.

Thanks for the help

[Rich DTLC]

I've only broke one brake cable in the 4yrs I've had my Dixie's. I had to replace the bands and drums on my XT last year. This was due to the brakes not fully releasing, when the dealer replaced the bands and drums we added a spring on each one to pull the slack out of the cables. Like crabgrassman said, my only broken cable was from constant bending of the cable when I released the brakes.

[beck]

When you get a chance will take a picture of your spring assembly.

Thanks Mark