Building up arm muscles just steering a Cockshutt?

LA in WI · Oct 30, 2015

My Cockshutt 30 is a stubborn tractor; it just wants to keep going in the direction it was last turned to. I call it "my two armed tractor" because I cannot turn the steering wheel when moving with one arm/hand. It has the standard wide front. I have jacked up the front end, lubed and greased every zirk on the steering (also greased the worm gear)...and the steering wheel turns nice and easy. When I let it down and drive it, it steers like a stubborn Army mule.

Several "Cockshutt addicts" have told me that Cockshutts just steer hard and nothing can be done about it. I am thinking of checking or replacing the thrust bearings on both spindles. Is it worth doing that? Or is it kin to an Army mule?

I also have a Farmall H which steers like a dream so maybe I am spoiled by that.

LA in WI

steve21757 · Oct 30, 2015

man do I ever agree with you.I have a cockshutt 50 standard and it is so hard to turn.There is no turning it with one hand it takes both arms.I have used a couple of times on trailrides but what ever direction you turn it it stays there and constantly are adjust the steering wheel trying to go straight.Ruins the ride because you are worn out.Love the tractor but will ride one of my others from now on.If you find out anything please let me know.Steve

Neil Grant · Oct 30, 2015

It is usually best to eliminate the friction on the side of the system without mechanical advantage first - before and on the worm side of the steering gear, then go after the other side as in the thrust bearings primarily, My 40 steers like a dream and my 35 not so much, so I know they can. Often it is the bearings on the worm shaft with sometimes one side worse than the other which means it will steer easier one way than the other,
I hope that helps. Phil Heisey is the go to guy for the parts.
Neil

Mike(NEOhio) · Oct 30, 2015

I have one that steers hard and one that's easy, both narrow fronts but they use the same gear. It's not really a worm gear but a barrel cam. Check the cam and follower pins for wear. There are adjustments for the shaft bearings and pin engagement. Also a seal in the bottom that keeps the gear lube in. I&T manual covers it.

oliver90owner · Oct 31, 2015

Of course, we don't know whether you are a strapping 90kg or a 55kg, err, non weight lifter! However, if more difficult than other manually steered tractors of similar weight it is likely a single obvious fault or a combination of less obvious defects.

If really hard, then the steering box is also going to be stressed, too.

Suggestions: service the spindles, check tracking and camber (compare on-ground to jacked up), check steering box and steering joints, try altering the track (probably making it narrower). Even type of tyre can affect it, although not returning more central from lock would not indicate those as prime suspects

RAB

Denny K · Oct 31, 2015

I put many hours on our E-3 Co-op wide front swathing, baling, lots of other farm chores and a few hours on my uncles 30 narrow front and both were very easy steering so it is a little surprising but anything is possible. Something worn or set too tight. Get ahold of Phil H. I'm sure he can help youl

P Heisey Harleysville, PA · Nov 1, 2015

Hi Neil,

THANKS for listing me as a source for parts for Cockshutt built Cockshutt tractors.

Phil Heisey

LA in WI · Nov 2, 2015

Oliver90owner,
It took me a few hours to figure out kg vs pounds. I added up my pounds, subtracted for boot weight, started adding, carried a 2, divided by 4, and ended up with...lessee here....55 kg equals 121 lbs, then 90 kg gives 198.

Now that I had that all figured out, I used my weight to get to kg...and it looks like I weigh 111 kg. And at 78 years young I ain't a weight lifter any more.

Oh, that is not correct; I struggle to lift my weight every time I try to get out of my Lazy Boy chair. I swear that my tractors are getting taller as the years pass by...at least it takes more effort just to get in the seats.

This week I plan to operate on the spindles. I cannot alter the track as it has a non-adjustable front end.

You have me curious....do you live in Canada? Or a European country? Or Australia? (you are smarter than I, you can work with metric and "American" weights....I do have the Fahrenheit vs Celcius figured out!).

Thanks for your answer and your suggestions.
LA in WI in USA

Building up arm muscles just steering a Cockshutt?

LA in WI

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steve21757

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Neil Grant

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Mike(NEOhio)

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oliver90owner

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Denny K

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P Heisey Harleysville, PA

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LA in WI

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