Posted by Inno on August 22, 2010 at 06:10:20 from (76.67.26.143):
Anyone who frequents the Massey Ferguson or the classifieds will know that I have been having a hard time finding affordable parts to fix the power assist steering on my 202 Workbull Industrial tractor. A previous owner had removed the hydraulic cylinders from the front end as well as the hoses which left the ports on the control valve exposed and rusted which meant I would need to replace pretty much every part of the steering system. It also meant that because of heavy use of the front end loader, it was a workout to steer and I had destroyed two ball screw type steering shafts to the tune of $180 a piece. Sure most of the original parts are available in the aftermarket but to put it back to the way it should be would cost over $1500 (just a rough estimate, it may be more) and I would still have power steering based on 50+ year old technology.
In searching around the internet I found power steering conversion kits for many old tractors but being as how my 202 had factory installed power steering, nobody makes a kit for it. So I did a little more searching and found that I could probably make my own kit for a lot less than it would cost to put it back to original.
I'm not sure how much detail any of you want so I'll try to keep it short. I will answer any questions anyone has that may want to do something like this for themselves.
Parts used :
- Char Lynn (Eaton) 211-1001 power steering rotary control valve
- Prince Hydraulics RD500 adjustable dividing valve with priority flow
- Surplus Center 1x6x0.625 hydraulic cylinders with swivel eyes X2
- About $230 worth of hydraulic fittings and adapters
I am using the front mounted loader/backhoe pump for power steering as it is there, I know it works and it's one less thing to worry about as opposed to testing/rebuilding the factory pump which has also been left in unknown condition.
What made the whole ordeal extra sweet was that after I had determined what parts I needed I did a little search on E-Bay and found someone selling a used Char Lynn valve for $125 as opposed to the $450 I would have paid elsewhere. What's more is that the auction included a 12" steering shaft, a steering wheel and 4 8' lengths of 3/8" hydraulic hose. So what would have cost me over $1000 ended up being around $700 (after shipping for parts etc.). And I never have to worry about wrecking another ball screw steering shaft. All that's left of the factory steering box is the sector gears and drag links to which I attached new tie rod ends to keep the wheels in sync.
How does it work? Super smooth and oh so easy to steer, even with the loader bucket full of gravel.
And now for the pictures. I know the tractor is pretty ugly but I am getting all the mechanical bugs worked out before I paint it. I think I'm almost there..........even the wife is starting to like it, except for all the ugly!
The box of removed parts, not shown is the damaged ball screw steering shaft. Good riddance!
Some details of the plumbing where it attaches to the front end loader valve, which was replaced over the past winter.
I didn't get any shots of it completed because I was too interested in testing and seeing what it would do. I'll post more later if anyone is interested. :)
This post was edited by Inno at 06:16:14 08/22/10.
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