1550 steering

This message is a reply to an archived post by TASO on June 30, 2017 at 18:52:48.
The original subject was "1550 steering".

Well- the tractor is fixed now. It took all summer working on it here and there.
Replaced line with Agco line- no change with steering. Replaced flow priority valve- no change in steering. Checked hydraulic pressure and found out pump was weak and replaced pump with 1650 style(needed a new spur gear)-no change with steering. Rebuilt steering cylinder- no change with steering. Replaced Saginaw steering motor with used Saginaw unit- no change in steering.
Finally replaced Saginaw steering motor with new Char-Lynn unit; that required a new mounting bracket, lines , and steering wheel.
So after ~$1500 in parts and a lot of work, hydraulics are updated and tractor steers like a dream. We lost the telescoping function with the new wheel but that is not a big deal. Learned that good Saginaw steering motors are not likely to be found. Our only conclusion after this experience is that the steering motor must have been borderline prior to blowing the hose and running it low must have been the final blow to it.
I am posting this so everyone can know what the outcome was.

When I changed my 1650 I cut the base off the steering columns and welded the old telescoping top to the new base so I still have the telescoping feature.

Thanks- I will remember that trick if I ever do another conversion.

I came awful near to replacing the one in my 1550 until I found out the trouble was the needle bearing in the top of the steering column was dry and seized up.

Can a Char-Lynn hydraulic steering motor be used with an open center hydraulic system? Can that same part or parts be used on a 1800 A series?

1800 is open center just as my 1550. Conversion kits are available to replace Saginaw steering motor with Char-Lynn. You have to get a new mounting bracket to allow the tilt of the steering wheel, you will need new lines for connecting to the flow priority valve by your left heel and for connecting to the cooler and steering cylinder. You can check the All-States Catalog or you can call Maibach's. I got mine from Maibach.