Which HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for Drum Brakes on Farm Wagon

Updated 02/12/2021 | Published 02/11/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,200 psi

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$899.94

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers

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$18.72

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

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$179.85

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

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Question:

Hello, Im looking at the hydrastar electric over hydraulic actuators. Im looking at installing these on a farm chassis wagon which have water tanks on them for filling the sprayer. We use a 2500 pickup to transport them to fields at 30mph loaded so not real fast due to the weight Loaded approx. 22000lbs. The chassis on the wagons are rated 15 ton and come with drum surge breaks but of course meant to pull behind tractors. Id like to add these actuators on to help with the braking if possible when pulling with a truck, We dont travel large distances. Couple questions - is the 1200psi the one I want for drum brakes or should I go to the 1600 psi to allow a little more pressure to the breaks for the weight? Do the actuators need to have a breakaway kit installed with them to operate?. any type of insight would be appreciated Thanks

asked by: Mark

Helpful Expert Reply:

You'll want to use the Hydrastar unit rated for drum brakes, because if you used the disc brake model which operates at a higher pressure you'd likely blow the wheel cylinder seals out pretty quickly. Which would be not be so good.

Of all the EOH actuators we offer, the Hydrastar # HBA-12 is the favorite among our team of installation technicians because of how well it works and how reliable and durable it is. Farmers work very hard, and so does their equipment, so this would definitely be the right choice.

If you're operating the wagon on public roads, you really would need to use a breakaway kit like # HBA-EBA. It's not required for the actuator to operate, but not having one would expose you to unwanted legal liability should the wagon break loose and damage something or hurt someone.

The Hydrastar unit would be driven by an electric over hydraulic compatible brake controller. If you don't already have one I'd recommend the Tekonsha P3, part # 90195. A vehicle specific wiring harness, part # 3016 will also be needed. You can see an installation video by using the provided link.

expert reply by: Mike L