Hydrostatic Steering VS Power Assist

[knightrider955]

Well I guess as far as power assist steering goes, on a tractor that had one hydraulic pump running the 3 point, FEL, and the steering it might be a problem if the pump wasnt strong enough to run everything at once. My tractor came from the factory with two pumps. One runs my 3 point and the FEL and remotes, the other pump only runs my steering cylinder so I never struggle steering my tractor. Not sure how common this two pump setup is on other tractors but it works great for mine.

 

[Soundguy]

I know this is a dumb question but what are the advantages of hydrostatic steering over regular power assisted steering??

I have had both and can hardly tell the difference when they are both operating properly. On one of my older tractors the hydraulic pump was weak and barely able to lift the 3ph. When the 3ph was up and under load it "starved" the hyrostatic steering to the point it was very hard to steer. This seems to me to be a distinct disadvantage yet all of the manufacturers claim that the hydro is superior.

Can anyone tell me the major differences and advantages/disadvantages of both?

I can think of 1... when you bust a hydro line going down the road at full tilt.. power assisted steering saves yer but!

soundguy

 

[ovrszd]

Soundguy listed my first reason for preferring power assist steering. I would add to his comment that you always have steering without the tractor running.

Here's my second and almost as important. I use a spinner knob, with power assist the knob is always in the same position when going straight. :thumbsup:

With hydrostatic steering the knob is always moving, drives me crazy!!!

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. I have a 5000 ford and 7610s NH.. PA on the 5.. and orbital on the other. got to constantly reposition the orbital so the spinner is in the same spot..

soundguy

 

[ovrszd]

Years ago a friend of mine had a Case 580B backhoe. For no apparent reason it would spontaneously cramp left, then let go and could be turned back straight. Real bummer when roading.

 

[pat32rf]

I had the assist cylinder on my old Bota spring a leak one winter. Made it back to the garage with no problem but I left a trail of fluid.
Last winter the cylinder on my JD 4300 quit and left me spinning the steering wheel. I finally made it back to the garage using the steering brakes, but it would have been impossible on rough ground. (and yes, if the engine quits and you need to be towed back, you have NO steering except for the brakes)

 

[SPYDERLK]

Hydrostatic sucks .. You exceed relief pressure you got nothing.
LiveLeak.com - Tractor ramp stunt goes not as planned ;

larry

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. orbital valve has a pump.. but no good if a line is cut / no oil..

soundguy

 

[Gale Hawkins]

There are not many options for large machines. The 265 MF has it and I am not crazy about it.

 

[slaveToHorses]

Both of my working tractors have hydro steering. Never been a problem. If I ever did loose a hose. I would just leave it be and replace it where it sits. Maybe a long walk but no big deal. I just don't have that much land.

I sure do like having power steering! yeah baby!