If I may add a few comments. I own a 455c and although the brakes had some advancements including oil filled brakes on the really late models, to my knowledge they are similar through the range.
Mine had a weakness where the links that pulled on the disk would separate and break the split pin resulting in no brakes. I fixed it by welding a metal strip between the links stopping it from separating. After that I have been able to use the brakes for steering anytime when needed and as mine is a loader, that is most of the time when loading trucks. In 10,000 hours I have only replaced the disks once due to the wear pattern in ball channels. The friction disks although quite hard showed very little wear, although I still replaced them. If the brakes are up to spec, then I see no reason to shy away from using them whenever tight turns are needed. I agree about using the brakes for inching off a trailer etc.
There was a valve available to stop the knockout valves from disengaging the tracks when braking and you may be able to find one from a wreck or Case specialist. On the 455C the park brake is very easy to use when you need to brake both tracks without disengaging the trans., not sure if this is easy to do on the earlier models. I have run mine in and out of the back of a tipper for nearly 30 years like this.
One other thing, if the pedal is really hard on the side that does not work, it is most likely something is seized. I would start at the pedal and work my way back. loosen the master cylinder and see if the pedal moves. If it does, undo the hydraulic pipe coming from the master cyl, and see if the pedal moves further. If it does the problem is in the brake area, if not the master cyl is seized.
Good luck.
Mine had a weakness where the links that pulled on the disk would separate and break the split pin resulting in no brakes. I fixed it by welding a metal strip between the links stopping it from separating. After that I have been able to use the brakes for steering anytime when needed and as mine is a loader, that is most of the time when loading trucks. In 10,000 hours I have only replaced the disks once due to the wear pattern in ball channels. The friction disks although quite hard showed very little wear, although I still replaced them. If the brakes are up to spec, then I see no reason to shy away from using them whenever tight turns are needed. I agree about using the brakes for inching off a trailer etc.
There was a valve available to stop the knockout valves from disengaging the tracks when braking and you may be able to find one from a wreck or Case specialist. On the 455C the park brake is very easy to use when you need to brake both tracks without disengaging the trans., not sure if this is easy to do on the earlier models. I have run mine in and out of the back of a tipper for nearly 30 years like this.
One other thing, if the pedal is really hard on the side that does not work, it is most likely something is seized. I would start at the pedal and work my way back. loosen the master cylinder and see if the pedal moves. If it does, undo the hydraulic pipe coming from the master cyl, and see if the pedal moves further. If it does the problem is in the brake area, if not the master cyl is seized.
Good luck.
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