Power Steering Issue - Or Am I crazy?

[bmarshall1]

Hello - I have an issue that is driving me crazy - I have a new to me Yanmar EX3200 w/ about 130 hours. The steering wheel is not centered which bugs me, but what's worse is that every time I use the tractor, in fact every time I make a sharp turn the steering wheel is now 'centered' in a different position. Additionally there is 2.3 turns lock-to-lock when turning right and 3.3 turns lock-to-lock when turning left :confused2: )and of course the steering wheel is now re-centered when doing this).

Is this normal and if so why, the steering seems to operate normal otherwise.

 

[oldnslo]

The difference in turns lock to lock is caused by the difference in volume on the single rod cylinder used for steering on these smaller tractors. Both my JD & Branson have the same issue with the steering wheel not returning to the same "home" position. It has something to do with the style of steering unit used.

 

[bmarshall1]

OK, thanks oldnslo, since it works so good and consistently in the same manner, I assumed it was designed this way but for the life of me I could not find a reason for it.

 

[s219]

I have had equipment that behaves both ways -- some centers with the wheel in the exact same place every time, others never center in the same place twice. Can drive you a little crazy if you're one of those guys who likes to see a logo sitting straight and level when the wheel is centered. My Kubota RTV also centers in a different place every time. Just depends on how the system is setup and how the hydraulic assist works.

 

[DK35vince]

Your tractor likely has hydraulic steering. (I think most modern compacts do).
That sounds normal to me for hydraulic steering. The steering box is basically hydraulic vs solid gear driven. So the steering wheel will always be in a different position to go straight.

 

[Wagtail]

:laughing: I knew that this was going to be the OP's question just by seeing the title.

As all have said, you're not crazy. My HST 4105 does the same. My D110, being "armstrong steering", is 'centred'.

 

[Todd727]

Turn left or right, full lock and keep trying to turn. You will see that the steering wheel keeps moving even though the wheels can't move.

 

[k0ua]

There is a quick and easy solution to the problem, (see the OCD thread). Just take your pocket knife, and flip out the little logo plate and sail it into the weeds. Problem solved. Hydraulic steering systems have been like this for as long as I can remember. With the tractor off, start turning the wheel left and right, until you work all the oil out of the orbitrol. Then you can turn the wheel round and round and stop it anywhere you want.