A question for our not american members

[tjc transport]

Here. In the states we use drum brakes on big trucks.

I know that in Europe and Australia disc brakes are very popular.

We are soon ordering a few new dump trucks, one tandem, and one triaxle.

So my question, what are the pros and cons of disc brakes?

Should we spec the new trucks with disc brakes, or just stay with the drum brakes everyone else uses.

[Swishy]

Here in Oz we prefer 'S' cam drum brakes

U cannot get anything more simpler

it teachs U to drive by not over use n your brakes as U get brake fade as the drums gro bigger when hot

down hill max speed what ever gear U can hold the beast in gear on engine brake with may B a little tuch of the brakes

cya

 

[tjc transport]

ok, that works for me. 

i was just wondering, because the salesman was trying to talk us into disc brakes. 

we average 150-175 thousand mile son a set of brakes on the tri axle dumps. 

and we change brakes when shoes get down to 1/8 inch.

shoes, drums, S-cams, and hardware kit. 

we are firm believers in replace everything , unlike some of the other outfits that just replace shoes and then wonder why the truck still has no brakes. 

[Hayseed]

Disc Brakes are nowhere near as popular here, Today than they were 10-15 Yrs ago.

For the Simple reason that they're substantially Dearer to Maintain..

Drums, Shoes, S cam & hardware Kit will be in the low to mid $200 range. per wheel end

Whereas Discs Pads Ect will mid to High $300(& higher) range per wheel end.. & because the total Friction area on Disc Brakes is Smaller than on a Drum setup, They run a softer compound that wears out quicker so you're replacing Pads more often that your replacing Linings..

 

Though in Fairness. The aftermarket range of Disc Brake parts is slowly Getting more extensive, & slowly becoming more affordable..