P/S B7100/7200

[mr.pauls@verizon.net]

I DON'T KNOW THE PART NUMBER FOR THE JD DRAG LINK, BUT IT IS FOR A JD MODEL 400 TRACTOR WHICH HAS YOUR ACCUATOR VALVE AS PART OF IT. IN ANSWERING THE ELECTRIC PUMP CONNCERNS, YOU ARE RIGHT, NOT ENOUGH CHARGING TO KEEP BATTERY UP. ALSO THE WHOLE IDEA FOR ME WAS, TO SEE HOW LOW I COULD KEEP THE OVERALL PRICE DOWN. IF YOU GET INTO A LOT OF BUCKS, THEN IT WOULD BE BETTER TO SELL THE B7100 AND BUY A TRACTOR WITH P/S.

 

[mr.pauls@verizon.net]

HEY GUYS, FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT SIILL WANT ANOTHER IDEA, HERE IT IS AND WILL WORK BEAUTIFULLY. TAKE A STEERING SECTOR OFF A 80-88 MONTE CARLO,OLDS CUTLAS,GRAND PRIX OR ANY G BODIED GM CAR.IN SAME PLACE AS TRACTOR SECTOR IS,STAND UP GM SECTOR WITH PITMAN ARM FACING OUT. TAKE 1/4 PLATE AND MAKE BRACKET. THIS WILL HAVE SECTOR IN ALMOST VERTICAL POSITION. YOUR STEERING COLOUM WILL NEED TO BE SHORTENED 5 INCHES AND A 13/16 UNVERSAL JOINT WITH 36 SPLINE WELDED TO IT AND OTHER END SLID OVER END OF SECTOR AND CLAMPED.THE COST FOR THIS SHOULD BE LESS THAN A HUNDRED BUCKS PLUS THE COST OF A PUMP. PART BREAKDOWN, USED SECTOR $25-40 UNIVERSAL JOINT $50-60. A LITTLE MORE WORK,BUT A CLEAN INSTALATION.

 

[Egon]

The recirculating ball steering box would be a nice fit. I had considered that at one time but the Mechanic at the dealership told me it would require too much flow from the tractor hydraulics and I really did not want to install a power steering pump driven of the fan belt as there is little room on the side. The loader frame really restricts side room.

The wreckers eould have charged me about 25 dollars for the steering unit.

 

[mr.pauls@verizon.net]

I HAVE A LOADER. THE PUMP ONLY PROTRUDES OUT ABOUT 2 INCHES. THE EXHAUST STICKS OUT 5 INCHES. SHOULD HAVE WAY PLENTY OF ROOM.

 

[Egon]

Muffler on one side, air cleaner on the other side also get in the road.

Turning the muffler was not an alternative.

 

[Elsie71]

Lots of interesting way to approach this issue, all of which appear to be good. I still think some might be underestimating the ability of the B7100 hydraulic system to handle the power steering. When I did mine I could not find a suitable flow divider (or proportional valve). Now that I have internet access, I might be able to find one that would work satisfactorily. It doesn't take much hydraulic flow to operate the power steering. At the time all I could find was the complete hydraulic block off a B8200 that already had the provisions for power steering. If I recall, it diverted 1 gpm to the power steering and left the rest of the flow for the tractor hydraulics. Other than the 3 pt. not working at a complete idle, nothing else seems to be affected, and this has not been a problem. It is sometimes a little inconvenient when hooking up a 3 pt. implement, but not enough to offset the tremendous advantage of having the power steering. I saw a complete steering column and cylinder off a 318 John Deere on Ebay recently that would appear to fit, although I haven't looked closely at my 318 to be sure. With that type of setup, all you would need would be a regular hydraulic cylinder with one end attached securely to the tractor frame and another to the steering arm on the left front wheel. Then just tap into the tractor's hydraulic block. Might still need a flow divider of some type however, I'm not sure. In any case, power steering makes a completely different tractor out of the 7100. If the kit I purchased was still available, it would be a simple conversion.

For those that asked, there is more than enough hydraulics to run the power steering at any speed. I apparently takes the first part of the hydraulic flow, leaving the rest for the 3 pt. or whatever.

 

[robbieo11]

Actually from my experiece the power steering is slowed by using the bucket or 3 point

 

[clarkvg]

You all Have been a great help to me.

I went to a guy who parts out compact JD's and he supplied me with the draglink, cylinder, and hoses off a JD 400 for $250.

I'm considering attaching the cylinder, as it is on the 400. The rod end of the cylinder attaches to the steering arm and the other to the frame cross piece under the radiator.

Can anyone think of any weaknesses of this design?
Thanks, Clark

 

[mr.pauls@verizon.net]

clarkvg//// I THINK IT WILL WORK PERFECT. I HATE TO SEE YOU PAY THAT MUCH MONEY, BUT LEAST IF THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT, YOU HAVE SOMEBODY TO COMPLAIN TO.

 

[Elsie71]

clarkvg - I think your JD400 system will work fine. All you will need now is to find a way to tie into your hydraulics. Keep us posted. Pictures will help.