Forklift brakes - it's a wonder I could stop at all!

I worked for one of Cat's competitors back in the 80's. Brakes were basically considered something to pass the manufacturer's association requirements with. Most operators used the shift lever instead. It was easier and more reliable to reverse direction than put your foot on the other pedal. I think the brakes went bad because they leaked like everything else on the trucks did, soaking the shoes. I remember one story of a service tech being forced by his customer to watch them unload their new Cat truck, having switched because of our unreliable brakes. Sure enough, the brand new Cat rolled off the truck, down the ramp and right through a block wall. Their brakes weren't any better than ours, at least that example!