Power steering valve assembly very hot

Kiotidriver · Dec 14, 2015

Hello everyone. I'm a new owner of a used (2007) CK 30 HST tractor and have 2 questions:

1 - Today after running the tractor for 15 minutes and driving it for 1/4 mile I found that the steering valve assembly located under the steering wheel was extremely hot (Could not keep my fingers on it!). I had removed all the plastic fairings to fix the trottle friction mechanism. Is this normal for the valve to be so hot after such a short use?

2 - I found the steering to be overly sensitive. It would be easy to loose control of the tractor at high speed, if not careful.
Thanks.

tcartwri · Dec 14, 2015

It's normal for the hydraulic fluid to run at around 180 F, which would definitely be uncomfortable to touch.

Kiotidriver · Dec 14, 2015

Thx Tim. I called the local dealer and he told me that the hydraulic fluid temperature can reach 200 F. I'm new with tractors so there will be a learning curve. I'm greatful for this forum and its contributors. So much good info available! I wish I had read about engine oil change before doing it since I had happily poured the new oil through the valve cover oil filler and discovered later it is a no-no
André

tcartwri · Dec 14, 2015

...and the steering is a one finger affair. You will get used to it.

Alien · Dec 14, 2015

I have no option but to fill mine with oil at the valve cover. (2006) I haven't had any problems ever. I get the motor hot and drain it. Then refill it while it is hot. Because of the oil filler location you can not rush filling anyway. Probably the fact I am a (retired) mechanic, I feel quite comfortable filling it there.

Coyote machine · Dec 14, 2015

Kiotidriver said:
Hello everyone. I'm a new owner of a used (2007) CK 30 HST tractor and have 2 questions:

1 - Today after running the tractor for 15 minutes and driving it for 1/4 mile I found that the steering valve assembly located under the steering wheel was extremely hot (Could not keep my fingers on it!). I had removed all the plastic fairings to fix the trottle friction mechanism. Is this normal for the valve to be so hot after such a short use?

2 - I found the steering to be overly sensitive. It would be easy to loose control of the tractor at high speed, if not careful.
Thanks.

Item #2. Slow down- tractors aren't meant for high speed. Be careful, high center of gravity also allows for more likely loss of control, tipping, rollover. Always keep ROPS in UP position, and wear the seatbelt.

Kiotidriver · Dec 14, 2015

Thank you for your driving safety advise. The CK30 may be new to me, but I used to drive farm tractors when I was a teenager (that's 50+ years ago) at my grand parents farm during the summer break. The tractor was a gas powered Massey Ferguson 2 wheel drive (nobody had 4 WD at the time), without power steering. This MF tractor was very stable at high speed (tractor hi-speed), unlike the Kioti. Of course my CK 30 is fitted with a FE and this represents a lot of weight hanging in front of the front wheels. I'll be careful from now on.

Kiotidriver · Dec 16, 2015

I found the cause of the overheated steering valve assembly, and it was because of my unfamiliarity with the hydraulic system on this tractor. I had removed the backhoe assembly from the tractor which required to disconnect the two hydraulic lines from ports A and B at the back of the tractor. However I didn't know that I needed to place the Double Acting Lever (A and B) located on the right of the seat to the N (Neutral) position. This caused the hydraulic fluid to be forced through the relief valve. The tractor was ran in this configuration for almost 20 minutes, and the hydraulic fluid overheated and consequently warmed the steering valve assembly (up to 228 F). The book has a warning about this condition but it is not very clearly explained. For those of you who have the owner's manual (2007), look at section 7-5 (hydraulic unit).

TJP89 · Dec 16, 2015

Kiotidriver said:
I found the cause of the overheated steering valve assembly, and it was because of my unfamiliarity with the hydraulic system on this tractor. I had removed the backhoe assembly from the tractor which required to disconnect the two hydraulic lines from ports A and B at the back of the tractor. However I didn't know that I needed to place the Double Acting Lever (A and B) located on the right of the seat to the N (Neutral) position. This caused the hydraulic fluid to be forced through the relief valve. The tractor was ran in this configuration for almost 20 minutes, and the hydraulic fluid overheated and consequently warmed the steering valve assembly (up to 228 F). The book has a warning about this condition but it is not very clearly explained. For those of you who have the owner's manual (2007), look at section 7-5 (hydraulic unit).

It's amazing how many times that valve has been left in detent, even by experienced operators. Luckily 20min shouldn't have done any lasting harm, but don't make a habit of it.

On the steering, I can twirl the wheel with my palm, very fast, tight turns. Have to be very careful in tight areas with the loader. At high speeds, abrupt movement of the wheel will likely tip the tractor. Even without power steering, tractors, high speeds, and tight turns don't mix. I have a farmall H with the tricycle wheel setup, and in 5th gear, the only direction I can go is straight, maybe very gentle curves. Turning requires application of both brakes and the clutch well before the turn.

TJP89 · Dec 16, 2015

Kiotidriver said:
I found the cause of the overheated steering valve assembly, and it was because of my unfamiliarity with the hydraulic system on this tractor. I had removed the backhoe assembly from the tractor which required to disconnect the two hydraulic lines from ports A and B at the back of the tractor. However I didn't know that I needed to place the Double Acting Lever (A and B) located on the right of the seat to the N (Neutral) position. This caused the hydraulic fluid to be forced through the relief valve. The tractor was ran in this configuration for almost 20 minutes, and the hydraulic fluid overheated and consequently warmed the steering valve assembly (up to 228 F). The book has a warning about this condition but it is not very clearly explained. For those of you who have the owner's manual (2007), look at section 7-5 (hydraulic unit).

It's amazing how many times that valve has been left in detent, even by experienced operators. Luckily 20min shouldn't have done any lasting harm, but don't make a habit of it.

On the steering, I can twirl the wheel with my palm, very fast, tight turns. Have to be very careful in tight areas with the loader. At high speeds, abrupt movement of the wheel will likely tip the tractor. Even without power steering, tractors, high speeds, and tight turns don't mix. I have a farmall H with the tricycle wheel setup, and in 5th gear, the only direction I can go is straight, maybe very gentle curves. Turning requires application of both brakes and the clutch well before the turn.