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 - 183 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 - 183 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 - 263 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

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edition #1254 - 30 October 2025
In this week’s Forkliftaction News - As an industry, our focus is often on key economic indicators such as productivity and profitability, but we all know our sector simply wouldn’t exist without the skilled operators who bring the machinery to life... Continue reading
Fact of the week
The word "robotics" was coined by Russian-born American science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov who first used the word in 1942 in his short story 'Runabout'. He characterised robots as helpful servants and as "a better, cleaner race."