Now my B6100 has power steering :)

[KubotainNH]

Hi guys, just finished adding power steering to my B. Running it off the PB of the FEL. I removed the hose that went from the PB back to the block which sends it to the 3PH. I then put the power steering setup inline. The only issue I noticed is that when using full loader, the loader gets all the pressure but when messing around it did not seem to be an issue. This setup was under $400 counting the 2 - 1/4" hoses I got from TSC. I may still add a couple 90 degree fittings to get the hoses where I want them on the cylinder side. Bostonrats and I got our cylinders together to try and get the best price. I can't complain at all with it, and it's well worth adding. You can see Bostonrats info hear: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/138014-power-steering-90-minutes.html Attached is some pics, the best place to mount it was on the step which I reinforced. It's a pretty tight spot.

 

[Willl]

That step flex any while in use ?

 

[cappys tractor]

Now I'm jealous. Some day, when I grow up i would be happy with HST. But until then, I'll settle for my old six speed. I would love to have someone explain to be the PB circuit, and how/if I have that on my FEL.

I would love to plug into that to give me two ports to use a rear splitter without doing major plumbing.

OTOH, the FEL does have quick connects. Are quickconnects a industry standard? Mine are stamped "Sanyo" Is that a modern brand? The loader valve is a two valve "sanyo" brand also.

You took Larrys advice.... get 'r done! congrats.

 

[yeagisyeag]

Man, that looks sweet! I've just been playing around in the driveway, haven't even started really using my B7100 and I already wish it had power steering! I'd put this mod on my short list, but it's already too long!

I noticed you and Bostonrats mounted your cylinders differently, do you need to find the center of the "stroke" then work on the mounting? Or is it not as critical as I'm thinking?

I like the way you added the reinforcing plate there. Are you able to replace the "toe guard" thing over the pitman arm?

Do they include some kind of instructions?

I'm hatching a devious power steering plan:

I'll make sure the wife and daughter get plenty of seat time mowing this year, dropping the hints here and there about this cool power steering mod I've been reading about.......

heh, heh, heh........

I'll be joining you next year!

Great work, really clean mounting, what a great design too!

Jim

 

[KubotainNH]

Willl: No flex whatsoever. I added 2 pieces of angle iron and a thick plate under there. It used to flex when stepping on it but no longer.

cappys tractor: It's definetely a worthy mod for anyone who does allot of fel work. From what I can see, the PB allows all the pressure out when not using the loader, maybe the same as open center? When using the loader, the extra fluid is dumped out a different hose. I don't know anything about quick connects but I know there's posts about it.

yeagisyeag: Bostonrat's L185 has much more space for mounting than does the B, I wanted to make sure the tire did not hit the cylinder. It rubs a bit on full turn but not a big deal. On the toe guard, I removed it when I had to replace the clutch pressure plate and never put it back on. Depending on the tractor, it may need to be centered more but there is more than enough stroke for the B6100/7100 so I went with it as close to the front arm as possible and out of the clutch pedals way. It comes with some basic instructions but not specific to the tractor model. Good plan by the way

Thanks for the kudos.

 

[bostonrats]

Nice job Mike!! How is it without a priority valve? Also, did you notice the "should I paint my JD" thread that got about 10,000 hits.... Please start a "should I paint my Kubota" thread. My vote is yes. I know you have NOTHING to do.

 

[KubotainNH]

Unless the priority valve is before the loader I see no reason for it with this setup. I didn't want to lose any FEL speed so I went this way. Does make me wonder what it would be like with the p/s before the loader. I may have to try it, easy enough to move.

Paint, bah. I would have to clean it before I could paint it.

 

[RoyBrooks]

did you have to limit the stroke on the cylinder? or does it just hit the hard stops? I see the website has listed the stroke as 8" and I think my b6200 would require about 5" stroke before hitting the hard stops.

 

[KubotainNH]

It hits the stops on the tractor and I still have cylinder to spare. This setup has a built in relief valve so when you hit the right/left stops the relief kicks in and there's no harm done to the steering components. The cylinder is longer than needed but it does the job.

 

[npalen]

Going back in time about a year to this discussion:
The supplier seems to be out of stock on most of the power steering components. It brings up the question, at least in my mind, whether a person could jury rig a steering cylinder with a mounted valve.
The valve would appear to be a 4-way with the pressure and return and the A and B cylinder ports. My question is what makes the valve special such as tapered lands on the spool to make smooth the operation, built in flow control etc.
Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Thanks
Nelson

 

[KubotainNH]

Don't go by the website for stock info. Call or e-mail the guy, it's a small outfit that sells them so he may not keep the site updated too well. I don't think it's his full time job. There's not too much special to it except that everything is in one unit. People have installed used valves/cylinders for cheaper but I think one would be hard pressed to install new ones at the same price.

 

[Lefty_Kubota]

nice write up. and great photos , thanks for sharing

 

[KubotainNH]

Thanks. I really like your avatar. The sun light shaped like a cross through the flag is cool.

 

[npalen]

Got a question for you guys with this type of power steering:
Is the tractor steerable manually if fluid pressure is lost?
Thanks
Nelson

 

[KubotainNH]

Got a question for you guys with this type of power steering:
Is the tractor steerable manually if fluid pressure is lost?
Thanks
Nelson

Yes, this is why I went this route. If my tractor is disabled I can still steer it unlike the full hydraulic setups. You cannot put a bunch of pressure on the small control valve pin but enough to get the tractor to a better location. The other pluses for p/s is no violent steering wheel spin and hopefully prolonging the life of the delicate steering box.

 

[npalen]

Can't beat power steering no way no how!
I just need to figure out how to get it on my Allis 720 due to limited space next to the loader subframe. I do like the cylinder with integral valve as it will be much easier to install again due to limited space under the steering column.
I do understand that some if not all the torque assist type setups (orbitrol etc) will still steer with power loss but does take much more effort.
In the way of related trivia, we had a 1960's vintage McCormack WD9 back on the farm when I was a kid. It steered extremely hard and would try to break your arm if you hit a plow furrow at an angle. Dad had a power assit steering unit installed exactly like what you guys are using. It was not fast steering by any means but it was a pleasure to turn compared to without PS.
Nelson

 

[jimmer2880]

Don't go by the website for stock info. Call or e-mail the guy, it's a small outfit that sells them so he may not keep the site updated too well. I don't think it's his full time job. There's not too much special to it except that everything is in one unit. People have installed used valves/cylinders for cheaper but I think one would be hard pressed to install new ones at the same price.

I agree. I had a custom cylinder made for my old yanmar by this guy. He made the cylinder & had it at my door within a couple weeks. Absoltely wonderful person to deal with. Very knowledgable and doesn't mind helping you out by answering lots of dumb questions.

 

[onowino]

Hi Mike. You said of your power steering that you were "Running it off the PB of the FEL." That gives me the perfect opportunity to display my lack of knowledge in the exciting world of tractors. I've studied on it a while but, for all my skills and capabilities in other fields, the "PB" confounds me. If it were spelled out for me, in its entirety, it may still elude me, but at least I could do a more fruitful search. I know I'll kick myself in the butt when I see the answer and a lot of other tractor owners will dust off a space on a lower shelf for my future posts, but I have to risk all that to find out.
Thanks Mike.
Fred

 

[638]

PB = Power Beyond

 

[KubotainNH]

LOL...gotta love acronyms. 638 is correct.

Not all hydraulic controllers have power beyond but this Kubota one does. It fed the 3 point hitch. Now it feeds the power steering before it heads off to the 3ph. Basically power beyond allows all the hydraulic pressure out the p/b outlet unless using the loader.