Power steering conversion: How-to guide

[toehead]

All,

I've converted my 154 to power steering and would like to share a quick guide on how to do it.

Parts list:
1) Orbital control valve off of a John Deere 322 tractor. ebay, 109$

2) Hydraulic ram (steering cylinder off of a heavy tractor). ebay, was 50$

Hydraulic Ram.jpg (3.16 KiB) Viewed 2813 times

3) Pressure regulator, 1500 PSI set (Price RD1850-H). amazon, 60$
https://www.amazon.com/Prince-RD-1850-H-Relief-Valve-Cast/dp/B0000AX3IU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1545406079&sr=8-3&keywords=hydraulic+pressure+relief

4) Various fittings: Everything on the tractor is 3/8 JIC

5) Steering wheel off of a JD 322
The suicide knob is nice!

p.jpg (5.24 KiB) Viewed 2812 times

6) Hydraulic Hoses to make the following connections:

[toehead]

Steering column mounted in place with welded bracket:

Hydraulic ram installation:
Pay no attention to the bad welds... I was welding with a long extension cord and the voltage drop was too much for that thickness of metal. I re-welded with the welder plugged directly into an outlet once the machine could drive and it is much better.

Video of it working:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/rST5scagqVZRLYtw9

You can now steer with one finger, no matter the load in the bucket

[wagonmaster]

Good job. I like it.

[outdoors4evr]

Very clean installation! I like where you placed the hydraulic cylinder!
I'm curious if you are going to have any issues with limiting the 3-point to 1500 psi?

[toehead]

Merry Christmas!


I haven't honestly noticed anything different. I am pretty sure that the 3-pt controls limit the pressure to ~1800 PSI anyway, so it is pretty similar.

The regulator is required though, as you will spike the pressure (deadhead the pump) when you hit the steering stop. I did that the first time and blew the side off the steering box

[ibdilbert]

The part number on the steering control valve is AM100268. My Dad has a few John Deere 318s and this is the same valve they used on later model 318s as well. The older 318s had a 4 port valve kit, no aux port.

[toehead]

Thanks! That's a good point. My searching indicates that they also used them on the 332, 420 and 430.

It's a parker box (HGF series, service manual here: https://www.parker.com/literature/2753% ... ervice.pdf) with a long column on it that works well on our tractors.

These HGF boxes are also used on other things, but have different column configurations that may make it more difficult.

They are usually available on ebay, but I have noticed a very wide variation in price.


The only con that I noticed here is if the tractor isn't running, steering is much harder. it still works, but is marginal at best.

[wagonmaster]

can't see how the rear of the cylinder is mounted, and do you think it will interfere with a mower deck?

[toehead]

The way I mounted it certainly will, but I don't have a deck on my tractor and don't want one either (The PTO is driving the loader pump anyway).

However, there is plenty of room there to get creative so as not to interfere with the deck.

[wagonmaster]

can you give us a pic of how you mounted the rear of the cylinder ?

[toehead]

Sure, I'll grab a picture.

[toehead]

As promised, here you go. It's mounted directly to where the mower hydraulics went. don't mind the "rustproofing" all over the frame. it got a hydraulic oil bath when I was first working the bugs out of the system

[AL Farmall Boy]

VERY COOL!

[toehead]

Thanks! I'm having fun slowly tinkering on this thing. Now if only the motor didn't clearly need rings

[BigBill]

Great project. I wonder if a power steering box from a car with the power steering pump would work.

Second thought a different setup I purchased a double ended hydraulic cylinder that can be used horizontally like a rack and pinion setup. The cylinder body mounts to the front axle and the shafts connect to the tie rods.