Parking brake ideas?

[muleyman78]

Anyone found a good valve for parking brake the doesn't empty the bank account?

[Ray Strickland]

I will have a used Grove unit for sale, probably in June. I have been very satisfied with it and have a new one in my Bearhawk which should be ready for 1st flight in May. Contact me at rays@ntelos.net.

[JimParker256]

The Matco parking brake valve (Aircraft Spruce item # 06-17200) is about $140 (about 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of others. That’s what I will probably use.

[rodsmith]

That was $90 a few years ago when I bought it!

[marcusofcotton]

Four left at $100 each for NOS Gerdes. A friend has one and is happy about it, I just bought two for my planes.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gerdes-Brake-Distribution-Valve-Model-A-850-10-for-Piper-or-Homebuilt-Aircraft/152012254828?hash=item2364a2ee6c:g:KNIAAOSwAuNW4zxf&vxp=mtr

[Battson]

Grove makes a nice product but they are not the cheapest.
I can vouch for their function, durability, and long lasting brake application.
You may find cheaper valves let-off over the course of a few hours, not sure.

[whee]

I know a BH builder had a bad experience with his Matco parking brake but they have been redesigned since then. I plan to install a Matco if I install one at all.

[Archer39J]

I just got a Matco. I plan to treat the parking brake as a temporary aid...

[schu]

I was thinking about installing a on/off valve on both sides under the doors and if I need parking brakes I just hold them down and close the valves. The idea came from a cubcrafters airplane, it turns out it's a little lighter, and I don't have to deal with more control cables, and linkages.

[Battson]

I was thinking about installing a on/off valve on both sides under the doors and if I need parking brakes I just hold them down and close the valves. The idea came from a cubcrafters airplane, it turns out it's a little lighter, and I don't have to deal with more control cables, and linkages.

But how will you sleep at night :P Not sure its worth the operational headache, to save 50 dollars on a $90,000 plane?

[Rollie]

The Matco parking brake is basically two ball valves operated by a single lever. Pretty simple and straight forward. It's either on or off. It won't turn off by simply pressing the brakes like some types do so you have to actuate it both directions. The only downside I can see to it is if you were to turn it on (close the valves) while the brakes are not applied, either while taxiing or flying, you would be basically turning off your brakes. Not a big concern, just a remote possibility. I just include checking that the park brake is off on my before landing GUMP check.