TC55DA power steering no good with heavy load in bucket

[robertiverson]

I recently purchased a used 2005 TC55DA with EHSS and about 60 hours on the meter. The TC55 is replacing a NH 1630. Using the quick-connect Gearmore forks on the 18LA loader, I picked up a half pallet of paving stones weighing about 1400 pounds. The back tires lifted off the ground with only my 5' box scraper as a counterweight. I added a bit more weight to the scraper to bring the back tires back in contact with the ground. Because I was in a tight area to grab the pavers, I needed to do an eight-point turn to get out. The front tires would not turn as if the power steering was poop with the heavy load. No.1, is this normal and to be expected? No.2, if not normal, how do I troubleshoot the power steering's lack of oooomph? The front tires did turn a bit when I had some forward or reverse movement but it was not a good feeling to have the power steering not easily turn the wheels under load.
My 1996 1630 with SuperSteer never gave me any steering grief even when loaded with lots of wet sand. This is my first post on TbN so if I've posted incorrectly, let me know. If you have a good idea on how best to weigh down my back end to counter-weigh the long loader's heavy lift capacity, let me know. Thanks.

 

[emorris]

You may check out the load limit of your tractor. It may be too much weight for the tractor. You may also check the air pressure in the front tires. It they are low the weight will flatten the footprint which increases the pressure needed to turn the tires.

 

[RickB]

It's not hard to over-run the TC55's power steering capabilities. 1400 lbs on a set of pallet forks would probably do a good job of it.

 

[jimmysisson]

I think a lot of these NH tractors have weak ps systems for turning under load. My 2120 just plain won't turn the wheel until it's rolling just a tad if the loader is full. Not like a car or pickup at all. You will get used to it.
Jim

 

[Ford850]

This issue was discussed on here over the years for these tractors. It was one of my only concerns when I looked to buy a DX55. Having used mine now for 3 years, I have encountered it a few times and each time my rpms were very low with a very heavy load in the bucket. I would give it a boost and my steering was then fine. I don't know if it was actually the low rpms at the time or if the few seconds it took to bump the accelerator was enough time for it to correct itself. Were you idling at the time you had the issue?