WHAT ARE WET BRAKES AND ARE THEY MORE EFFECTIVE?
From a physics perspective, brakes are built to convert kinetic energy (your moving vehicle) into heat energy (friction). The vehicle then stops because of the energy conversion.
​
When it comes to heavy machinery, power is needed to effectively keep it from moving. You cannot just use any product because there are times when heavy vehicles will meet extreme weather and conditions, therefore you need to get that extra punch in the vehicle’s stopping power.
There are two main types of heavy machinery brakes that you can choose from: wet and dry brakes. To determine which one will truly deliver in the most intense braking situations, you should know the difference between the two.
A wet brake is also called oil cooled or oil immersed disc brakes because there is oil applied to the system to maintain its low temperature. When there is a need to step on the brakes even during extreme conditions, you can rely on this type of brake.
This type of brake is mounted internally right in the differential of the vehicle. It is placed there so that water and other outside elements will not affect the brake.
A dry brake uses a single drum system, which means that they will start heating up when they are put under pressure, becoming less effective..
​
A wet brake has multiple discs, which it uses so that the stopping power is evident whenever you step on the brakes.
​
For most users, a dry brake system is more applicable to their vehicle because it is not as costly as a wet brake.
Additionally, you can replace this type of brake with ease, which is why some people can perform the adjustment on their own. For light weight vehicles a dry brake is perfectly acceptable.
Since a wet brake system is in the differential, you can stop the vehicle even when you are driving through water, the brake will work effortlessly even on wet roads. This can give you a peace of mind when it comes to continual safety and the overall performance of the brakes. for heavier vehivles a wet brake is the more suitable option.
​​
Siromer Tractors have oil immersed wet brakes on all their tractors 50hp and above.
​