FEL w/o Power Steering

[MChalkley]

Jim - The only down-side I can see to your getting an FEL is that the rest of us will have to put up with a whole new batch of "MIGHTY TC18" remarks. I say "Go for it!" /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

MarkC

 

[MarkV]

Jim,

I had a tractor with FEL and no power steering, it was extra work but workable. My old tractor was 2 wheel drive and that was the biggest problem. Wanted to "plow" the front wheels instead of turn. With 4 wheel drive I would say go for it.

MarkV

 

[Thomas]

Jim,
Don't feel alone,for I also check into power steering a couple years ago and no luck.
Just have to hold a tighter grip thats all. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Now if you purchase that FEL than the valve of your NH should almost be the same when I bought my B7100. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif
I do hope you will purchase the FEL you won't be sorry...believe me!!

Take care out there enjoy your tractor time.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Bird]

<font color=blue>Re: the rest of us will have to put up with a whole new batch of "MIGHTY TC18" remarks</font color=blue>

Darn it, Mark, I'm slipping in my old age. I didn't think about that. What I meant to tell JimBinMI was to forget about the loader unless he can find a Kubota dealer willing to take that blue machine in trade for a Kubota with a loader./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Bird

 

[Rowski]

Hey Jim the guys are going pretty easy on you for needing a FEL. The was a guy in this form that once said he didn't ever what anything to do with a FEL. I for get who it was /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif. Anyways I say go for it. They really are handy. They can be used year round. As for the snow blower good ones are almost as much as a FEL. As you mentioned you buy a blower and it won't snow anymore this season (murphy's law). If don't have HST you could break steer. Also if you are moving (doesn't have to be fast) the wheel will turn easier than standing still. Best of luck.

Derek

P.S. If the temps get around freezing or a lot of sun. Push them banks back as far as possible (with what ever you got) before it gets cold. Once they set up they take a lot more to move and possible so hard you can't move them.

 

[Estif]

I'll weigh in with the "doable" crowd. Actually, it's much better than just doable. I have the FEL, 2WD, no power steering, gear transmission. And for several months after buying the tractor, the FEL was the ONLY implement I had. Some thoughts/points:

1. It is easier to turn once it's moving. So get it in gear and then turn.
2. A little thinking ahead helps sometimes to arrange yourself so you can go straight for a few feet at first, to have it moving before you try to turn. Can't be much thinking, though, or I wouldn't do it.
3. Haven't had to worry about brake steering, but I keep thinking it'd be a neat thing to do. But then I don't need it when I'm working.
4. I've learned that I can affect handling A LOT by how I carry the load. Granted you don't carry it high just for safety reasons, but raising and lowering even within the safe limits seems to put weight on and off the back wheels.
5. Adding a heavy box blade made everything very much better, just from the ballast standpoint.

There is supposedly a field upgrade to power steering for my JD950. I do think it would be a good thing to do.

Steve

 

[gordon]

Jim I have to say a couple of words on the big blue---Nah I'll let it pass ---go for it you won't regret it.
Another possibility would be to go <font color=orange>orange</font color=orange> Sorry I had to get a small jab in.
A good investment you will kick yourself in the butt for not getting one sooner!

But if you get the front end loader what does the MRS get?
Gordon

 

[scruffy]

If you have a heavy load in your FEL, then brake steering (IMHO) is the only way to go. You can make your turning radius very short when you utilize brake steering, which is great for tight spots. Play with it some, and you will get the hang of it, plus it will become a handy part of your 'tricks' when working your tractor.

 

[TomG]

I can comment since my PS wasn't working properly until some recent shop work. However, steering sectors for non-PS tractors may use a different gear ratio than sectors used with PS, so a comparison with a barely working PS system may not be accurate.

Yes, the steering can be very hard and managed only with a lot of muscle. With the tractor stopped, a load in the bucket and the wheels in a hard turn, it can be extremely difficult to straighten the wheels. However, there are some things an operator can do to manage. First, extra rear ballast lightens the steering. Second, never stop the tractor with the wheels in a hard turn. Develop the habit of straightening the wheels before coming to a stop; when, for example, backing away from a pile after picking up a bucket load. Finally, the front wheels can be lifted with the bucket if all else fails. The later tip may affect the choice of a loader. My loader is not able to apply much down-pressure when the bucket is flat. For me to lift the front, I have to drop the bucket load.

I expect you'll like a loader with or without PS. I have a decent snow blower, but the blower can't be used very well for everything. I still use the loader quite a bit.

 

[Thomas]

Estif,
Not sure where you live,but do you use tire chains since you have 2wd.
I never had any luck getting around in 2wd during the winter months with out chains.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif