Power Steering in 90 Minutes!

[KubotainNH]

Bostonrats isn't using a priority valve for his setup but one of the surplus places has them for about $85ish. This steering unit needs 1.5gpm to run it, here's an example: Burden Sales Surplus Center Item Detail

 

[LC7100]

Bostonrats -

On my power steering, similar to yours, I loosen the nut on the front of the cylinder, rotate the cylinder as close to the tractor as possible and tighten the nut back up. There will be a little play, but not enough to let the cylinder rotate very much.

 

[bostonrats]

Thanks for the post! KubotaNH and I will try it, I don't think I tightened up the front too much, I would love to get rid of the bungee if possible.


PS Do you love the mod or what? I still can't get over how natural it feels. It's like a new tractor.

 

[rankrank1]

Hi Wedge!

It does not come with a pump, you can use FEL hydraulics with a priority valve, KubotainNH bought a kit too and will be posting his photos...he's going to use a priority valve. I was lucky enough to have an unused send and return. You can see in in this photo..under the seat.

Thanks for the note!

Boston,

The 2 lines that you are calling unused and that you are using to power your steering; are used to power my FEL on my Kuboa tractor. How is your FEL powered?

 

[bostonrats]

That is the same system that was used on some Ford cars in the 50's & 60's the valve was built in. If you could find one in the junk yard might be able to adpt to tractor.

Hi Oldmax,

My brother told me the same thing, pretty sure it was done on a Ford Maverick...(one of the WORST cars I ever owned)

Thanks for the note!

 

[bostonrats]

Boston,

The 2 lines that you are calling unused and that you are using to power your steering; are used to power my FEL on my Kuboa tractor. How is your FEL powered?

Hi Rankrank,

My FEL has a pump driven off the engine shaft, AKA front PTO. My pal has the same setup as you, he is going to try to put the steering mod in series with the return from the FEL. The bypass flow from the PS kit should not present an issue as it's claimed to be higher than the pump max flow. The only down side seems to be sluggish steering when you use the loader and try to steer at the same time. The alternative is a diverter valve, it's around 100 bucks but allows you to better split the flow.

Good luck pal!

 

[bostonrats]

Hi Rankrank,

Sorry for the delay! I never thought about an alternate mounting point but you bring up a good point. I'll never pull my FEL...unless I have to. I guess for a clutch job or some other reason I need to split the case. For you and other folks that might want to pull the FEL and drive you would have to find an alternate fixed point.

On the diverter, KubotaNH and I both fielded that, feel free to ask more about it to us or Rick at the place we got our kits. KubotainNH is going to try it without the diverter, I would do the same if I were him, only fix the issue with extra hardware if needed.

On the hydraulic hose, check Napa for these...I had mine custom made for only $50 and needed 6 fittings and 5 or 7 feet of hose or so. They didn't have the size I needed for one end so we made 4 hoses to fit into 2 that work. Some stores have more ends than others, this may be the most difficult part of the job...the project is pretty easy as stated.

It's AMAZING! I'm VERY HARD TO PLEASE.... ask KubotainNH In this case I'm 100% happy. It's as smooth as any factory steering and the price is killer.

Good luck!!

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

My Ford 1900 came with an aftermarket powersteering set up similar to what you have. My problem was the power steering was taking speed and power away from the FEL. What I did was I went to the bone yard and found a nice little powersteering pump with a remote reservoir of of a VW Jetta. I added another pulley to the engine to drive the pump and have been happy ever since.
Bill

 

[KubotainNH]

My Ford 1900 came with an aftermarket powersteering set up similar to what you have. My problem was the power steering was taking speed and power away from the FEL. What I did was I went to the bone yard and found a nice little powersteering pump with a remote reservoir of of a VW Jetta. I added another pulley to the engine to drive the pump and have been happy ever since.
Bill

An add on car pump is my backup plan.

 

[jas67]

Bostonrats -- Am I correct to assume from your name that you are in Boston? Too bad you aren't close to me in PA, I'd pay you to do this mod on my B7100HST. I don't weld, so this project is beyond my skills, although I might be able to find someone to do it.

Reading this thread has definitely left me with a jones for power steering. This years upgrade money is going to forks for the FEL to move firewood, which is going to make me want power steering even more.

Hi Darryl,

I was surprised on many levels with this project. The cost, the easy install, but most of all how natural the steering feels. I thought there might be some slop in it since there was without the mod. Somehow between the strong center detent on the actuator valve and the design it feels tighter than before. I was going to take off the "suicide knob" but found it's even better with PS. I had it on there to help the hard steering.

As to "arm-strong" steering with a load, you know it. There were times when I could hardly move the wheel with my snowblower attachment or a full load in the bucket. I had learned to make long 3 point turns and 5 or 7 point turns to save my arms. The lack of PS really dictated how I drove, and how about almost breaking your fingers when you hit a curb or rut...as the devil takes over and spins the wheel faster than you can see? No longer a fear.

I'm betting all the folks that always had PS can't relate to this...but those in the Armstrong club know EXACTLY what I'm writing.

Darryl, good luck with your mod, you will LOVE how it drives after.

Best to all!