Single Output, Hand Brake
Price range: $250.00 through $312.50
| Output Direction | Left, Right |
|---|
Manual operator with 0.625″ output shaft, guide wheels and handle that serves as a brake.
This is a manual hand brake operator for single output greenhouse curtains and roll-up sides. The handle itself is the brake — it applies friction against the guide pipe as you hold it, letting you control the curtain’s speed by hand rather than cranking it down a turn at a time.
To adjust the curtain, pull the handle toward you and crank as needed. In this position there is no resistance — the handle will spin freely if released, so maintain a firm grip while cranking.
To lock the curtain in place, push the handle back through so that as it winds down under load, it hits the vertical guide pipe and stops.
Because the handle is the brake, this operator requires a firm grip throughout operation. Releasing the handle removes the resistance and lets the curtain drop freely. This is by design: growers who want to release a curtain quickly, without cranking it down, use this style of operator for that reason.
If you want an operator that locks automatically and requires cranking in both directions, see our internal brake gear cranks instead.
1 review for Single Output, Hand Brake
Does this brake lock automatically?
No. The handle itself provides the brake by pressing against the guide pipe. It only holds while you’re gripping it — release the handle and the curtain will drop freely.
Why would I want a brake that doesn't lock on its own?
Some growers want to release a curtain quickly without cranking it down a turn at a time. Pulling the handle out of contact with the guide pipe lets the curtain drop on its own, controlled by how much resistance you apply with your grip.
What's the difference between this and your internal brake gear cranks?
The internal brake gear cranks require cranking in both directions and lock automatically between turns. This hand brake operator is designed for quick manual release instead, and requires a firm grip while operating.
Is this safe to use?
Yes, when used as intended — with a firm, continuous grip while operating. It is not designed to hold position unattended. If you need a self-locking operator, see our internal brake gear cranks instead.
What output shaft size does this use?
0.625″
Loren Newswanger –
THIS CRANK IS NOT SAFE!!! There is no resistance on the handle so if you accidentally let go while cranking up or down the handle spins around like a fan till the curtain is down. The (brake) is simply sliding the grip through the handle till it wedges against the guide pipe, not a brake at all, simply a prop.
Chris Hume –
Thanks for taking the time to leave this feedback — we want every customer to know exactly what they’re getting, so let me clarify how this unit is designed to work.
This is a hand brake operator: the sliding handle itself is the brake, applying friction against the guide pipe when you stop cranking and want to hold the curtain at that position. It’s built this way so you can release the curtain quickly without cranking it down, but that does mean it needs a firm grip throughout operation — it’s not a self-locking mechanism.
If you’d like an operator that locks automatically and requires cranking in both directions, our internal brake gear cranks (GC-71/131/151) are a better fit. We’re glad to help you swap or choose the right one.