3204 Hydraulic Steering

jnovak01 · Aug 9, 2006

Does anyone have a 3000 series with hyd steering? I just purchased a used one and had it checked by my local dealer. The steering seems loose. Like it is is remote control and provides no feedback. I understand it is hyd and gives you power steering, but it requires a light touch and on top of that it seems like there is excessive play in the linkage, though my dealer went over the machine and he said it was good to go.

I have had manual steering prior to this machine and it provides good feedback, plus you can deffinitely tell when there is play in the linkage.

Is there any other experiences that anyone has had out there like this, or is this just the difference between manual and hyd steering?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Joe

Fordlords · Aug 9, 2006

On the tractors I have used with power steering at least to me they had feedback like manual steering but require much less effort to steer. I'm wondering if from what you are describing and the play in it, if there might be some air in the line down to the control cylinder that needs to be bled out?

-Fordlords-

jmt1271 · Aug 9, 2006

on my 3200 there is a good feedback, but turning the wheel is effortless, it can easily be done with one finger. there is no percieved "play" at all. mine only has 28 hours, I am sure they change with usage.

jnovak01 · Aug 9, 2006

How do you bleed the hyd system, or should I say how do you bleed the steering cylinder?

Thanks

Bob_Bainbridge · Aug 9, 2006

My 3235 has 130 hours on it and the power steering is still very responsive with no noticeable "play". I used a spinner knob on the steering wheel on my old 1450 but the new one turns so effortlessly I can spin the steering wheel with the palm of my hand. I did notice a 3235 in the dealer's showroom, before I bought mine, that had probably been sitting a long time without running. The steering wheel could be turned without turning the tractor wheels. I assumed that the hydraulic system had bled down over time.

Bob B.