Manufacturers Reject Proposed Braking Standard

Committee balloting closed April 18 on the proposed changes to the current ASABE Agricultural Equipment Braking Standard. While not all comments are posted, it is clear that many in the industry do not support the change. 

Take a look at a handful of comments:

“Implements intended to be loaded only for in-field applications and specified by the manufacturer’s instructions not to be towed …do not need to have brakes.”

“There is no evidence provided that indicates a cost-benefit analysis will justify the extensive cost addition for brake requirements for field-only loaded applications.”

“This requirement places an extreme burden on an implement manufacturer. To operate a parking brake reliably from the tractor cab operator’s station would require a control lever or device to penetrate through an environmental cab, reducing the environmental integrity of the cab.”

In addition to votes from committee members to reject the new proposal, more than 20 comments were forwarded to ASABE from Association members during our Supply Summit & Showcase in Omaha. 

Our thanks to all who have taken a leadership position on this important issue and helped educate fellow members as to how best to express their opinions.

The Association will continue to follow this issue as the ASABE committee addresses the concerns expressed by our members, and we will update you on the committee’s next steps.