Heavy steering on a fe35

JohnPom · Oct 5, 2019

I have a fel on my Perkins powered 35 and coming from a tea20 it is VERY heavy
Got good ribbed tyres and pressure

I've been looking at power steering but there is very little info
So just wondering if people have done it?

There seems to be a few options
1 installing one from a later model (135)
2 from another brand of tractor
3 an electric one
4 a universal type one

All of them require some degree of re engineering which is not beyond me

Ta
John

Steve@Advance · Oct 6, 2019

My first choice would be installing a factory power steering unit from a 135 if it will fit. If the mount pad is different, an adapter should be easy to make.

Then you will need to mount a pump to the engine, again factory if there is a provision, if not a belt driven automotive pump.

I would not use a torque amplifier type, either hydraulic or electric, that simply puts more power to the existing steering gear. That will quickly break the gear, which was never intended to have that type power applied to it.

The other option would be hydraulic assist cylinders that attache to the drag links. But for this application, you would need a cylinder on each side to keep stress off the steering gear. Gets complicated and expensive.

John Deere D · Oct 6, 2019

I have first hand experience...loader on a MF FE 35 X...made in Coventry England..

The front axel was NOT from a MF 202.....

When the recirculating ball steering failed ...the entire steering column was welded solid....$^&^%#$(*)

After I acquired the Tractor, all repairs were made and I sold the loader.....

Yes, the Tractor was most likely abused....

Bob..

Steve@Advance · Oct 6, 2019

Also wanted to add..

As Bob pointed out, many other components had failed.

If you are planning on this being a daily use, heavy use loader, might consider a bigger tractor. The front suspension as a whole is light for loader use with this tractor. Not much can be done to improve it, especially the pivot pin and bushing area.

Bob in Australia · Oct 6, 2019

I have 1964 FE35 with 3 cylinder Perkins. Did look at putting a loader on it from a TEA 20 but decided against it (have the loader), as I thought it would spoil a really well balanced tractor.

Also have a 1963 MF65 with a front mounted forklift. With any load on the forks, this tractor is impossible to steer. Otherwise it is a good tractor and I will remove the forklift sometime.

For any real lifting I use my JD 6330 which has a JD 340 loader.

derwen1959 · Oct 10, 2019

What condition are the stub axles and bushes also
the steering joints??
Also have you applied grease lately?

Heavy steering on a fe35

JohnPom

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Steve@Advance

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John Deere D

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Steve@Advance

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Bob in Australia

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derwen1959

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