Hydrostatic Steering VS Power Assist

[pat32rf]

My JD Tech manual is #TM1677. Things must have been re-designed since yours. No oil pressure from pump, no steering.
The first time, my fuel solenoid went up in smoke. Had to get towed to my workshop. Used brakes to steer.....
The next time the rod in my steering cylinder came off the piston. I could drive but had to steer with brakes to steer....
The one good thing about the system is that there is NO relief valve in the steering circuit, plus both brake pedals are on the left, not like my BIL's Massey....(both on right, above the hydrostat treadle)

 

[Soundguy]

Both of my working tractors have hydro steering. Never been a problem. If I ever did loose a hose. I would just leave it be and replace it where it sits. Maybe a long walk but no big deal. I just don't have that much land.

I sure do like having power steering! yeah baby!

that's fine in pasture.. it's not so fine haulin down the road pulling a big implement !

soundguy

 

[ModMech]

I know this is a dumb question but what are the advantages of hydrostatic steering over regular power assisted steering??

I have had both and can hardly tell the difference when they are both operating properly. On one of my older tractors the hydraulic pump was weak and barely able to lift the 3ph. When the 3ph was up and under load it "starved" the hyrostatic steering to the point it was very hard to steer. This seems to me to be a distinct disadvantage yet all of the manufacturers claim that the hydro is superior.

Can anyone tell me the major differences and advantages/disadvantages of both?

Others have made excellant points but I word them differently

Advantages of Hydro over assisted? *maybe cost* and there is no gear to wear out causing slop in the steering accuracy.

I consider Hydro steering to be like steering a go-cart with a rope attached at each end near each front wheel. Safe until the rope breaks

Assisted steering is what ALL on-road vehicles use, some *mechanical link* between your hands and the wheels that is assisted with hydraulics (or on modern cars, electric motors).

Many, if not most off-road equipment uses hydro steering. There are serious dangers to working on it depending on the system and installation - you can break your hand/arm easily if you get high pressure air trapped in the system - when the steering wheel comes around full-force!

 

[Soundguy]

are you saying that you have hurt yerself on something like an orbital valve??

soundguy

 

[Dogg Zigmund]

I have had two hydrostatic PS tractors, a New Holland TN65 and a Kubota M8560, and they both also enable use of the steering wheel to impart steering force on the front wheels through the hydraulic cylinder, even when the tractor is not running (but, of course, with drastically increased steering wheel torque required). So does a Kubota L series my son owns. That is a relief, as it could be catastrophic if a hydraulic pump failure at road speeds resulted in all loss of steering control. As to advantages/disadvantages, I agree that the lower cost factor probably benefits all of us who buy tractors. But, much the same way that some automobile sport enthusiasts argue that overly sensitive power steering (albeit assisted) on cars ruins driveablility by taking away 'road feel' (feedback to the operator), I find the same thing when using these hydrostatic tractors as opposed to an older MF 135 we also use which has power-assisted steering. This is particularly so when doing field work on side hills - the hydrostatic tractors drift from a straight line very easily, whereas the MF gives you feedback through the steering wheel that it is starting to head downhill. It isn't a huge issue, but with the newer tractors you have to constantly observe your forward position, or drifting out of your intended path (for me, most often a hay windrow) just happens, and quite quickly.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I have had two hydrostatic PS tractors, a New Holland TN65 and a Kubota M8560, and they both also enable use of the steering wheel to impart steering force on the front wheels through the hydraulic cylinder, even when the tractor is not running (but, of course, with drastically increased steering wheel torque required). So does a Kubota L series my son owns. That is a relief, as it could be catastrophic if a hydraulic pump failure at road speeds resulted in all loss of steering control. As to advantages/disadvantages, I agree that the lower cost factor probably benefits all of us who buy tractors. But, much the same way that some automobile sport enthusiasts argue that overly sensitive power steering (albeit assisted) on cars ruins driveablility by taking away 'road feel' (feedback to the operator), I find the same thing when using these hydrostatic tractors as opposed to an older MF 135 we also use which has power-assisted steering. This is particularly so when doing field work on side hills - the hydrostatic tractors drift from a straight line very easily, whereas the MF gives you feedback through the steering wheel that it is starting to head downhill. It isn't a huge issue, but with the newer tractors you have to constantly observe your forward position, or drifting out of your intended path (for me, most often a hay windrow) just happens, and quite quickly.

Oh, its a huge issue. No doubt about it. ...

Hydrostatic sucks .. You exceed relief pressure you got nothing.
LiveLeak.com - Tractor ramp stunt goes not as planned ;

larry