hard steering in cold on lb1914

[Tom_W]

My tractor doesn't get too much use this time of year. The last couple of times I have used it this winter, the steering has been frozen solid when I try steering it after letting it warm up for about 10 minutes. I have to use all my might to get it working. and after a while it's like normal. Whats going on? This didn't happen last winter.

 

[tractorhill]

My tractor doesn't get too much use this time of year. The last couple of times I have used it this winter, the steering has been frozen solid when I try steering it after letting it warm up for about 10 minutes. I have to use all my might to get it working. and after a while it's like normal. Whats going on? This didn't happen last winter.

check to make sure you have the right hyd oil in system, could have water in hyd oil

 

[Tom_W]

Well I had the same hyd oil in it last year. So I'd say it wasn't that. How do I know if there is water in it, and how do I get it out?

 

[Maineiac]

I have the identical tractor and have never had trouble with the steering, even in sub-zero conditions. The trouble, in those conditions, was strictly with the operator.....

 

[casey lb1914]

I have a Lb 1914, no problems with steering as of yet. Do you have power steering ? Might be a good place to start looking. good luck.

 

[depratt_equip]

i have seen water get down inside the column and freeze before... we had this problem on a guys LK3054 that he leaves outside year round. Water found its way down the steering tube and froze.... It does thaw after about 10 mintues. You may want to take you wheel off and check it out... i would install a new bushing at the top of the column. Call me if you have any questions.

 

[KRK]

I, too, have one and do not share your troubles so your situation must be a problem that can be fixed.

 

[jeffva]

Do you have the clutch in when having difficulty steering or is it at all times?

 

[VictorW]

Jon probably has the right fix from his experience with many of these tractors.

If your hydraulic oil is the same as last year it's probably OK unless water entered somehow. Condensation, as the internal parts warm up, can give you some moisture but probably not to the extent of your problem.

If water is in the oil, it will start to get a milky color/look to it. No way to separate it that I know other than drain and refill with new.

 

[Tom_W]

You may want to take you wheel off and check it out... i would install a new bushing at the top of the column. Call me if you have any questions.

Thanks for the tip. I'll give it a look to see if I can figure it out.