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Steering effort 8N vs 860

J

Jeff Hamilton

Member
I've had the '52 8N for 6 years and just got a 1955 860 . My question is with regard to the steering. The 8N steers with ease, it's not power steering, but on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being very hard steering, I'd rate the 8N steering a 3 to 4. However, the 860 steering is more like a 7-8 (also, not power). If you're performing a slow maneuver with the 860 it's a two handed effort (direction does not matter). No loaders involved. Both tractors have 6X16 3 rib front tires, although the 8N fronts are new and, with the 860 front tires, the center rib is a lot taller than the side ribs. The 8n rear tires are empty, but the 860 rears are loaded. In both cases, nothing hanging on the 3-point. Oh, I almost forgot, the 8N is a side mount, 12V and I have all the important manuals for both tractors! So, is it typical that the 860 steers so much harder or should I look for something to fix? thanks, Jeff
 
Dad had both of those tractors. Same thing...the 860 required significantly more effort to steer than the 8N. They are a fair bit heavier.
This picture was taken couple years before we sold them as part of the estate. Kind of wish we still had the 860 at least.
cvphoto114970.jpg
 
Jack the front end of the 860 up so that both wheels are off the ground and turn the steering wheel. If it turns easily then the harder steering with the wheels on the ground is most likely normal as the others have said. The 860 is a bit heavier, and if the tires are different then that could be contributing to it as well. If it steers hard with the front wheels off the ground then there's probably something wrong inside the steering box and/or spindles.
 
While it may be normal for the 860 to steer harder, it would be a good idea to check the oil level in the box to make sure you're not starting to fail a bearing. I've seen this many times. Not many people check steering box oil level on a routine basis.
 
I'll agree that the weight difference is significant. Toe in could make a difference if incorrect. Air pressure in the tires could too. I just sold my '63 2000D with original front end in excellent shape and it was a 2 handed operation even though it was an upscale 600 series, not the heavier 800 series. My '65 3000D was hard steering too till I put an aftermarket power steering kit on it.
 
I'm sure the 860 will steer harder. I would check the gear box fluid level and grease all the spindles and tie rods.

I have a 9n I put new steering gears in back in 1999. I can steer it with one hand.
Dad has a 1962 4000 row crop. (Same tractor as a 971) The 4000 is a wide front dad removed the power steering because of the constant leaks. The 4000 is geared slower than the 9n. Have to really crank on the steering wheel to turn short with the 4000. When backing up to an implement. Have to take two or three runs at it to get lined up. Very difficult to steer going backwards. The 9n I can steer going backwards with one hand and put the tractor right where I want it.
 
I don't see why they would be so different.
The late 8Ns and the Hundreds had almost identical steering. And though an 860 is heavier I don't see how a couple? hundred lbs of front weight would make the difference you are seeing. In addition to what Bern suggests I would also check the spindles for adequate grease and also inspect the spindle thrust bearings. They are not greaseable and if bound up or disintegrating will make a tractor steer much harder.
Photo shows the top of the spindle on my 3000. Note the small amount of clearance between the steering arm and spindle housing (knee) if yours is much more than that I would suspect your thrust bearings.

cvphoto115016.jpg
 
Trust me, it's noticeable.

Both my 51 (since sold) and 52 8Ns steered noticeably easier than my 55 860 (since sold) when stationary and unweighted and all steering components in proper operating condition. All tractors had good three rib tires.

Perhaps steering ratios are different. Don't know.

Dean
 
Gotta agree with Ultradog on this one. I dont have an 8N, but I have a 641 that steers with one hand, and have an 860 that also steers easy with one hand. Neither has power steering. Condition of the steering box, spindle bushings, and thrust washers in the bottom of the axle knees all play a part in ease of steering.
 
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