L3700SU Steering Problem?

[waxahachie]

I went to pick up a new L3700SU today. When the tractor was running, it seemed "scratchy" or jerky to turn the steering wheel. It is hydrostatic with a loader. I have a smaller hydro Kub w/o a loader and have never had this problem.
Dealer said he didn't think it was any problem, but am I buying a new tractor with a problem?
Replies are greatly appreciated.

 

[Grandad4]

Gotta say, don't like that answer he gave you. You shouldn't have jerky or noisy steering on a new tractor.

The power steering runs off the same hydraulic pump as the HST, the FEL the 3 pt lift, etc. Sometimes, under extreme conditions, I'll get a momentary "kick" in the steering if I don't have the rpm's up high enough. But it's very rare, and only if I'm doing maybe 3 hydraulic-intensive things simulaneously (raise FEL with full bucket, sharp turn, tractor in motion, for example). Too much demand, not enough fluid flow is the cause.

If yours is doing something like that, only under less extreme conditions, it's probably not right. And you shouldn't hear any "scratchy" or grinding sounds when you turn the wheel. Was it the salesman that told you that? Maybe you should speak with a service tech about it.

 

[firefighter jim]

Agree with Grandad,,,,,,,do not like the answer the dealer gave you. No, the
power steering should not behave that way. I had a L3400 which is pretty much the same tractor and it's steering was always as smooth as silk. It has an integral steering unit not hydrostatic.

 

[TripleR]

Agree with the others, I would not accept delivery until it works like it should which means "smooth as silk".

 

[DiezNutz]

L3700SU has the same dual pump setup that most other HST/PS L's and B's have. The PS and HST are on one circuit, the FEL and 3PH are on the other.

The problem could be as simple as something rubbing on the steering column, or as serious as a bad PS controller.

I wouldn't accept it until it was fixed. Sure it would be fixed if it failed under warranty, but who needs the hassle and downtime of dealing with it later when it could be nipped in the bud. Not to mention if it fails out of warranty.