Help me figure out this power steering!

[gsdavis1]

Ok, I am coming to the hydraulic gurus because, I am a little confused.

I have a Bolens HT23 that I would like to add power steering to. Parts are unavailable so I will have to build this on my own.

Here is a breakdown of the original parts:

http://sonnys_bolens.tripod.com/attachments-misc/18114.pdf

What puzzles me is that there doesn't seem like there is a steering wheel valve in this setup. It looks like the ram is some sort of valve/ram combo (Part 23). I can't find any part for a steering column valve and it looks like the hydro lines connect to the hydro pump and the existing valve on the tractor (for deck lift etc) Can someone shed some light on this for me?

Thanks
Greg

 

[gsdavis1]

OK I have done a little more research. It looks like it is a valve/ram combo piece. I have never seen one before and after searching the net for hours this is the closest I have come up with:

eBay Motors: Mercruiser 15294 - C Power Steering Ram Actuator (item 270222299396 end time Mar-30-08 11:52:24 PDT)

This is from a MerCruiser boat I am assuming. Anyone got any input on how I can get my hands on somthing similar to the factory setup?

Thanks a million

Greg

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Hello Greg,
This is a common, older style power steering unit. I'll try to explain it as best as I can. Please keep in mind that my brain wiring was stolen by copper thieves and replaced with spaghetti, so the following may not make sense.

Your tractor steering arm would hook to part # 16, which goes thru the valve via # 13. 13 would then actuate the spool valve, 42, which would then port fluid to push the rod/piston assembly, 47 & 46. So, when you turn your steering wheel, the linkage would tell the spool which way it is turning which would port fluid to assist the steering linkage with the turn. Part #23 would be the orbitrol valve in the steering system you are thinking about.

Maybe Soundguy knows more about this as I know this was common on Ford tractors. I recently rebuilt a set-up like this from an old Ford 3000. I don't know how big your Bolens is, but maybe you could find similar size tractors to yours and rob the whole system. Good luck, Andy.

 

[gsdavis1]

Thanks Andy!

My HT23 is much smaller than a Ford 3000. It is more like a large Garden Tractor. John Deere 400 size.

Any idea where I can get a similar ram to this. There has to be other applications where this type of setup is used.

Greg

 

[RonMar]

That sounds about right. I believe this is also known as hydraulic over mechanical? If I am visualizing this right your current steering draglink(#18) goes from the steering gearbox or bellcrank to the arm out on the hub, and the hubs are connected by a separate tie rod.

In this setup, the cylinder is connected between the frame or axle bracket(#54) and the arm on the hub where the steering draglink now attaches. The steering draglink is relocated to the sliding collar(#32) to provide input to the valve. This steering should work even without hydraulic power as the draglink will still open the valve to allow movement and still provide mechanical force to steer the wheels as it does now. It adds a little slop to the steering system, as the valve slack must be taken up before the hydraulic will start to move.

JD had a similar system that I had on a machine I used to work with/on several years ago that used more common hydraulic components. If I recall, theirs had a fairly common looking spool valve on the draglink, and the two piece draglink could telescope slightly. A tab on one half of the draglink could push/pull on the spool on the other half of the draglink to control the hydraulic force. But with no hydraulic, such as towing a tractor with a bad engine, the draglink would still provide steering force to the wheel.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Greg,
I have no clue where to find what you need. However, if I were ever to add power steering to something, I would probably just install an orbitrol valve and buy a steering cylinder from somewhere like Surplus Center. I think that may be the easiest way to go.

 

[gsdavis1]

Ron,

You remember what John Deere that was?

Greg

 

[gsdavis1]

I found a picture of the original part. Remeber that these things are extremely hard to find so I will need to piece together one on my own.

Thanks for all your help.

Greg

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Greg,

I don't know how you are with fabricating, but you could duplicate that with a double acting cylinder and an orbitrol valve.

 

[gsdavis1]

I have thought of that and I think I could do it. That is the way the John Deere 400 series was set up. But those orbital valves are expensive! Not to mentinon that my steering column would need cut etc. Sure would be nice if I found a similar "bump" cylinder like Bolens used. The install would be much easier I think.

Greg