DIY 8N Power Steering?

ZZZeke

New User
I have this 8N with a front loader on it, and as you can imagine, steering takes a bit of effort when carrying a load.

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I was wondering if anyone knows of any resources out there for installing a DIY power steering system. I'm a pretty good welder/fabricator and have built many race cars from scratch. I'm wondering about modifying junk yard parts to produce a power steering system for an 8N. For instance, is there a stock automotive power steering valve that can be made to fit on top of the 8N steering box? The old F-150 truck box seems to have a detachable power steering valve. Has anybody tried that?
 
Haven't tried it with those parts, and not on an 8N, but I
re-purposed a Char-Lynn (I think) power assist steering valve
from a later model tractor and made it work on my Jubilee.

Just did my second one actually, this one I plumbed into the
loader hydraulics so I didn't have to mess with an added pump.

I also know guys have just added the cylinders to the tie rods
and used a single spool valve plumbed into the loader.

There are aftermarket kits too, but they cost as much or more
than the tractor. It's an option though if money isn't an issue.

These pictures were taken while mocking it up and testing.

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I don't know other than if it does not have P/S I wont buy it.. The first N I brought had a loader I took it off to rebuild the engine and trans i found it so handy I did not have the heart to put it back on.... (maybe it was because of all the chit I had to repair that the loader tore up)... I have brought 4 ford loader tractors and took the loader off 2 with power steering... They do not make good loader tractors,,, I hope one day you can afford a good loader tractor... If you don't try it then we learn nuttin go for it...
 
"They do not make good loader tractors"
Agreed. Wouldn't it be fair to say that they were not designed to
be loader tractors? They are nimble, plowing fools, but the front
end was just not designed for loader work. Still, they take the
abuse until it has gone to the point of major repair needed. :(
 

Said but true... I understand and enjoy to see folks make out with what they have... Its a good question I hope he beats it...
 
Your 8N and loader looks better than mine. I have found the loader
to be very useful. Best thing to do when using the loader is to add
weight to the rear 3 point. Buying a power steering unit for an N is
too high. If you can build one from scrap go for it.
 
The sad truth is by the time you pay for all the required stuff to add PS to an N you could sell it and buy a tractor that has PS.
And you would get some other significant upgrades as well.
 
even if you can figure out a power steering setup,
a very heavy counterweight out back will help a lot.
On the rear lift, not the wheel, tires, or axle. Get that weight
way back. Lift it, and then use check/limit chains to save the wear on lift parts. It really does help steering. I use a BIG counterweight on all loader tractors, even my newer one with 1 finger power steering.
Ya, I know, it makes it a one use machine, but a little Ford with a loader is pretty much that anyway.........
 
perhaps remove steering box, add orbital valve and get a priority valve to tap loader hyds?

( RJ MAY have a kit like this.. )

int he end.. probably cheaper to get a tractor with ps already as the others said.
 
perhaps remove steering box, add orbital valve and get a priority valve to tap loader hyds?

That's the kind of thing I had in mind. I'm going to look at a few automotive PS valves and see if anything can be adapted. I've worked with hydraulics on large power plant equipment for years, so I understand the principles involved. Here's the kind of thing I'm used to building for race cars:

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Yep, exactly. RJ does have a kit, but it goes for $1500. I think I can possibly do it for a bit less.
 

I see that this thread is a couple of years old, but I have a couple of questions, and you may be able to help. I'm hoping that you, Royse, can contact me. I'm new to posting here, so forgive me for not really understanding proper protocol, yet.

Thanks,
Eric
 
Not sure how to contact you Eric but you can email me if you like.
RoyseTractors at gmail.com
 
(quoted from post at 20:25:55 07/27/16)
(quoted from post at 19:16:53 07/26/16) Not sure how to contact you Eric but you can email me if you like.
RoyseTractors at gmail.com

I just emailed you, moments ago. Thank you!!
You've got mail too! :)
 

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