Discussion:
1981 Clark s/n E138-0368-4510 FA Hydraulic brake system, pedal fades

Maybe someone remembers this old Clark braking system. It uses hydraulic pressure from the steering bypass to actuate the brakes. From what I can see it only has 2 hydraulic lines connected to the "master cylinder"/valve.
The problem is that the master cylinder/valve fades. It will slowly travel to the floor though it will give you a little braking on the way down.

I left the dealership just before this truck came out so I have absolutely no information on it. Apparently this truck wasn't a big seller because this is the first one I've seen. Anyone have any information on this system, or an idea on why the pedal fades?
Thanks
  • Posted 16 Nov 2023 03:40
  • By lumberjack
  • joined 27 Jul'07 - 182 messages
  • Maryland, United States
Showing items 1 - 3 of 3 results.
My email is in my profile, but it is: endangered owl at gmail dot com

I'd be grateful for any info you might have. Thinking back on it, after I left the dealership I ran into one of the guys I used to work with and he was working on the hydraulic tank on one of these. He said I got out just in time.
I would have thought the master cylinder was just a valve but I haven't torn into it yet. It's got a big spring on top right? Anyway any info at all would be a help.

thanks
  • Posted 17 Nov 2023 02:36
  • By lumberjack
  • joined 27 Jul'07 - 182 messages
  • Maryland, United States
I was with Clark dealer in Dallas for 32 years
With Komatsu dealer for 5 years and hyster for
5 years and independent for 4 years and I only saw and worked on 2
I also have info on flash drive.I remember
They had around 8 pmt drivers and dash on OHG.one was at DFW airport and other
In warehouse in Denton
  • Posted 17 Nov 2023 02:03
  • By John_Bradley
  • joined 10 Aug'22 - 219 messages
  • Texas, United States
Jb69
I remember these trucks well. I called them the Edsell of Clark at the time. Some pretty neat features that people didn't want. Hopefully your problem is in the master cylinder and not internal brake components. The master cylinder a simple piston and seal. Repair kits used to be available. There are precautions with disassembly. I can provide pics to an email.
  • Posted 17 Nov 2023 01:06
  • By ErichO
  • joined 26 Oct'21 - 83 messages
  • Washington, United States

Post your Reply

Forkliftaction accepts no responsibility for forum content and requires forum participants to adhere to our rules of conduct. Click here for more information.

If you are having trouble using the Discussion Forums, please contact us for help.

Fact of the week
The dot-com bubble, a period of large and rapid investments in internet-based companies, peaked in 2000 and saw the Nasdaq Composite index rise by 579%. Then the bubble imploded. As the value of tech stocks plummeted, cash-strapped internet start-ups became worthless and collapsed.
Upcoming industry events …
September 23-25, 2025 - SÃO PAULO, Brazil
October 15-16, 2025 - Las Vegas, United States
November 25-26, 2025 - Singapore, Singapore
Movers & Shakers
Laura Ness Owens Laura Ness Owens
Chief marketing officer, Bobcat Company
Chief commercial officer, Teradyne Robotics
CEO, MHEDA
President, European Rental Association (ERA)
Movers & Shakers
Laura Ness Owens Laura Ness Owens
Chief marketing officer, Bobcat Company
Chief commercial officer, Teradyne Robotics
CEO, MHEDA
President, European Rental Association (ERA)