8N power steering

Hey folks.

I have an 52 8N that my wife absolutely loves.
Due to medical issues I feel that she may not be
able to steer the tractor comfortably in the
future.

My question is could a system be fabricated to use
the test port from the 3-point hydraulics as
power?

I have no plans to add a loader to this tractor (I
have used one with the loader) and would prefer
not to add another pump if possible.

This tractor is a side distributor.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Brad
 
(quoted from post at 12:11:23 07/14/14) Hey folks.

I have an 52 8N that my wife absolutely loves.
Due to medical issues I feel that she may not be
able to steer the tractor comfortably in the
future.

My question is could a system be fabricated to use
the test port from the 3-point hydraulics as
power?

I have no plans to add a loader to this tractor (I
have used one with the loader) and would prefer
not to add another pump if possible.

This tractor is a side distributor.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Brad

You can easily get low flow (~2.5 GPM) hydraulic power from the test port but it means you will lose the 3pt lift. If you need more flow than that or cannot give up the 3pt lift you need an auxiliary pump.

TOH
 
Hey TOH.

Would a belt driven automotive power steering pump
with attached reservoir do the trick??

I think I might have one in the bonepile.

Brad
 
There are a few schemes around for adding PS to an N.
But I think if they were viable, reliable and economically feasable they would be common place.
You just arent going to make a modern tractor out of an N.
Better to sell it and buy a newer tractor that came with PS from the factory.
Then you'll also likely get other great features like Live Hydraulics, Live PTO, differential lock, remote hydraulic capabilities, gas - or a diesel which does more work on less fuel than an N, plus legendary reliability and longevity.
Start looking for something like a Ford 3000.
About 50% more horsepower, likely the above mentioned features and just an all round Better machine on a platform just a little larger than an N.
If you think your wife loves your N you can't even guess how much she'd love a 3000.

Aitkin6_2014_06.jpg
 
I'd have to agree with UD.

when i started playing with newer 00+ machines.. I lost all interest in the 39-54 models.

you can get ps, better tranny ranges, live hyds and live pto depending on what machine you buy. More common to see ps on mid year range 00 and up... but many were converted too.

a nice 660/661 860/861 or the trike models 7xx/9xx with ps and the dual clutch and live hyds will be nice. find one with a remote valve on the hyd cover would be a bonus!

for the most part they are just as agile as an 8n... if you stick to a small carb model. they sip fuel too. A trike will turn around in less space than an N.
 
(quoted from post at 14:26:57 07/14/14) Hey TOH.

Would a belt driven automotive power steering pump
with attached reservoir do the trick??

I think I might have one in the bonepile.

Brad

The pump is easy and relatively inexpensive. It's the rest of the PS setup that will be the challenge. For what it will cost in parts to retrofit an N with PS you can sell the N and use the same money to buy a nice compact tractor with PS and a host of other features that will make her forget the N quicker than she forgot her first boyfriend :roll:

TOH
 
Thanks for the help guys.

I really feel silly for trying to fix up that
crappy old Ford.

I can probably get a couple hundred bucks for it
at the local scrapyard.

That is why I love this site. I always get good
advice here.

Brad
 
Nobody called your 8N "crappy". They just pointed out the fact that as Ford continued to build tractors they got better. And if your wife has physical limitations a tractor newer than an 8N would be better for her.
 
All good advice.
The newer Fords are just plain better.
And if she ever sits on a newer Kubota or equivalent
with PS, HST, etc, you'll never get her on a N again...
Seriously though, with what you have,
go thru the entire steering system and make everything tiptop.
19' front tires, motorcycle type, narrow, round profile even better.
Those N's when everything is right are effortless to steer on flat ground.
If she is just driving around, always have an implement on the back.....anything.
With the counterweight, true 1 finger steering.

and depending on how you feel about narrow fronts,
like said, Nothing steers easier....
 
I was thinking that a 12V hydraulic pump could power a power steering system, but the other commentators are right in suggesting changing to a later tractor. You can upgrade tractors much more economically than adding power steering.
 
Well said Alan.
It was a tough, highly competative market all through the 50s through the 90s.
If you didn't continually improve you might as well quit and go home.
Ford hung in there with the best and built some great machines.
 

19' front tires, motorcycle type, narrow, round profile even better.

After driving many a N with 19" and owning 19's you could not give me a set to run on a worker...
 

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