285 steering

mmfan55 · Jan 12, 2014

I posted this earlier; but; must not have been clear on my question so here goes again. We have an M-F 285 that has the "hydrostat " steering. All steering controlled hydraulically. No traditional steering gear box; pitman arm; drag link, etc.... The only "hard" parts in the steering is the tie rods ( 2 ) and the hydraulic "valve" that hooks to them. This tractor has a good size front loader on it. It will not steer sitting still with an empty bucket. If moving; it steers fine. we have had all front end components gone thru by a local M-F dealer ($3000 worth). Does any one else have this issue with the hydro steering? Is no steering at standstill normal?? The dealer says the steering is okay. Not supposed to steer with the weight of a loader. Would like to hear FROM OTHER dealers; mechs; and owners of this type steering tractor. THANKS

Dieseltech · Jan 12, 2014

Has the power steering pump relief valve opening pressure been checked? Brother's 1085 with loader will turn when still, but is better when moving.

mmfan55 · Jan 12, 2014

Yes, new pump installed

samn40 · Jan 12, 2014

I replied to your earlier posting.....The only other thing I can tell you is my old 590(same type of tractor just different tin and cab) steers weather it is loaded or not.

gbs · Jan 12, 2014

does yours have a single steering cylinder or dual

mmfan55 · Jan 12, 2014

to Samn40: thanks gbs: it has NO cylinders on it; just the steering "valve" mechanism ( I do not know the technical term) mounted in the frame near or under the radiator. No assist cylinders anywhere on tie rods. It has no drag link or gearbox. this "valve" hooks to the 2 tie rods

J Wendt · Jan 12, 2014

When I had a 285,I would go through a steering pump every couple of years. It did exactly as you said. The system a=on the old 1100 was much better. A new pump is all I ever needed. Not cheap and no aftermarket or rebuild. Jim

gbs · Jan 13, 2014

can you post a picture of the steering unit sounds like you are describing an integral steering unit all I've ever seen on 285's is steering cylinders,1085 and up had the integral units

MKinON · Jan 14, 2014

Just because it's a new pump, doesn't guarantee the relief pressure is properly set. The other possibility could be the cylinders bypassing internally, but with the price of work done by dealer, one would think they'd be confirmed good. Did they check or rebuild those cylinders? If, with the wheels lifted, you can continue to turn the wheel after full lock of tires, could be the cylinders.

ramtuff · Jan 23, 2014

I have a 255 it has about the same problem,the orbit valve on the bottom of the steering columm is worn out.mine was tractor only had 1200 hrs on it.

Anonymous-0 · Jan 27, 2014

My MF 285 had the same problem. We checked the pump. It had plenty of pressure, but no steering. I found a small screen inside the reservoir behind the relief valve that was almost completely plugged. I cleaned that and the steering seems to work fine.

285 steering

mmfan55

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Dieseltech

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mmfan55

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samn40

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gbs

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mmfan55

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J Wendt

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gbs

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MKinON

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ramtuff

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Anonymous-0

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