I recently acquired a 444C wheel loader with log forks on it, and I am curious about the brakes on it. The seller told me it had enclosed 4 wheel wet brakes, which it appears the manual confirms that. What I am trying to find out is how to adjust them, if it's possible, and how big a deal it is to service them. They work now, but they don't brake as well as I'd like. It does seem as the loader warms up and runs for a while that they start working better, but beyond that they just don't work that great most of the time. They do always work though. Any input or information on how these systems work would be appreciated. Thanks.
There's no adjustment. If they're not working well you have several possible causes, first being worn out brake facings. Usually makes noise or throws metal into the oil, so you might tap some oil out of the axles to see if it's shiny. Second possibility is someone has put an incorrect oil in the system, some oils or additives have too much "slick" for want of a better word and the wet brakes don't like to work. Third and maybe most likely, brake pressures, brake accumulators, brake valves, may not be providing the specified maximum pressure, time to get some gauges on the system and go by the manual for testing. Make sure everything in the brake pedal and linkage is free and making it's full range of movement.
I'm in the same boat as you, slightly bigger boat but lets call it the same boat. If you look at your front axle there's two big hex plugs, maybe 1 1/4 hex, about centerline of the axle itself, part of the center housing. Get underneath and drain out 5 gallons of fluid, great time for inspection and looking for metal. Once you drain 5 gallons out, pull the two plugs, in the middle will be the brake disc, pads on both sides, pads are about .038 or so thick new with a groove in them halfway deep, if you don't see grooves or pads, your pads are gone. No adjustment and either a lot of bullwork and a few grand in parts or just have a shop do the whole job for about 6k. YMMV