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Orscheln offers both standard hand and foot parking brake levers, as well as the capability to design custom control systems. We specialize in providing parking brake systems that include park brake levers and park brake cables. Standard type levers are also now available through our F.A.S.T.® distribution channel.
Orscheln® hand levers are designed on the principle of variable mechanical advantage, and therefore, variable hand effort. During the initial movement of the lever from the "off" to the position, there is great linear movement compared to the output effort. As the lever approaches the "on" position, the output effort becomes greater in comparison to the linear movement. As the lever passes over center, or toggle position, the mechanical advantage is theoretically infinite. Orscheln® hand levers also provide a screw-type adjustment feature which allows the operator to make system adjustments. This is accomplished by simply turning the adjustment knob on the lever handle. Using Orscheln's standard parking brake levers where possible can generally provide shorter lead-times and lower costs. When custom designs are needed, we offer many options and variations. The key characteristics to remember in designing a lever system include required lever output, mounting location, operator access, and handle effort. Mounting bracket design should be determined by travel, cable clamp pattern, and mounting preference.
Choosing the correct park brake lever:
When specifying a new over center parking brake lever, or replacing an existing lever, considerations should include:
- Hand vs. foot type unit ( user needs, space considerations, location, ergonomics etc)
- Mounting positions ( access, ergonomics, location, orientation, etc)
- Safety latch or no latch (hand levers) (user needs, location, access, orientation, ergonomics, amount of experience or training operator possesses, etc)
Proper use:
The over center park brake lever system is a simple system to operate, but there are a few aspects that users should be familiar with:
- Operation (preventing “slam off”) : when releasing the hand brake lever, the operator should execute a controlled release of the handle mechanism through the entire stroke of the lever. ( i.e. do not slam the lever releasing it under its own power) Pre mature wear and reduction of lever life may result with slam off operation.
- Adjustment: the hand brake levers are designed to adjust as needed over the product life to maintain proper system load .
- Maintenance: commercially available high pressure wheel bearing grease can be applied sparingly to the moving parts of the lever to maintain smooth operation. A lever should be replaced if bent, broken, or unable to be adjusted properly.