John Deere 430W power steering conversion?

josephs816 · Oct 22, 2015

Hi, I am new to the forum,...I recently picked up a 1959 John Deere 430W, Serial #146755. I have attached some pictures. From analyzing the tractor, it looks to me like I do not have power steering. I would like to know if this can be modified to install a power steering unit.

Were 430Ws after 125,001 sold with manual steering or has this tractor possibly been modified and the power steering removed?

Thanks and I look forward to your answers.

Joe

josephs816 · Oct 22, 2015

Didn't see my pictures in the post,......trying again,.....

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Hayfarmer · Oct 22, 2015

I have a 430U with a #35 loader and have pondered how to put on power steering for years. If you can find someone who is parting one out and get the whole thing would be best, but they usually want a lot for them. I considered using something like the old 95 combines used with a cylinder and sensing tie rod, some old cars used that also. Early 420s had a double hookup on top of spindle wehre tie rod hooks to put on cylinder. I guess it depends upon how original you want tractor to look. Mine doesn't steer bad without the loader.

josephs816 · Oct 22, 2015

Thanks for the reply,...that was going to be an additional question,...how hard will it be to steer with the manual steering? It may not be worth the cost to convert. I am understanding what you are implying by the cylinder and sensing tie rod. Would be nice if someone here has done something like that and could give some direction. Thank you!

Mike M · Oct 22, 2015

Looks like you have your work cut out for you.

You won't need power steering on that tractor as long as you don't add a front end loader and you get all the possible gremlins that might be wrong with yours. I have a 40W which looks set up much like your front axle and it steers nice after some work in the steering gear box which is a weak spot on these tractors.

josephs816 · Oct 22, 2015

Thanks for the reply, Mike. Experience is always the best teacher. I will most likely leave the steering as it is then.

I plan to break the tractor down completely and build it up right,....new seals, new bearings, new gaskets. My plan is to make it look and run great and then use it around the house for light duty and then use it at the farm to plant food plots for the wildlife.

Question,...when you say "steers nice after some work in the steering gear box", did you do anything special or just repair worn parts?

When you say that this is a weak spot on these tractors, what component is the weak link? Is there anything I can do to beef it up?

Thanks,
Joe

jCarroll · Oct 22, 2015

Anybody know what the bars were used for which run from the clutch housing to the front casting?

buickanddeere · Oct 22, 2015

The free parts book on the JD web site will show what is required. As long as there is no loader on the tractor and the tractor is moving. Steering is light and easy.
The key way in the steering collar and the shaft from the steering box will likely be worn to bits.
Some of Kim's/ytmag vendors sell the real, not the IT. Operator's and service manuals. Setup of several systems are typically blotched if the mechanic guesses the rebuilding steps.
Otherwise 1-800-522-7448 for the JD manuals .

DScott · Oct 22, 2015

(quoted from post at 07:18:30 10/22/15) Hi, I am new to the forum,...I recently picked up a 1959 John Deere 430W, Serial #146755. I have attached some pictures. From analyzing the tractor, it looks to me like I do not have power steering. I would like to know if this can be modified to install a power steering unit.

Were 430Ws after 125,001 sold with manual steering or has this tractor possibly been modified and the power steering removed?

Thanks and I look forward to your answers.

Joe

I restored a 430W several years ago and I put power steering on it. I bought a running donor tractor with a complete PS system, swapped everything out and then sold the donor. I have seen some systems for sale but they were pretty pricey, $1500 or so (and you don't know how well it works until you install it). I have had several 420s, 430s and 435s and like the others said, if you have the steering system tuned up the way they should be they steer pretty good without PS.

Nick m · Oct 22, 2015

I'm guessing cultivators.

OhioTractorGuy · Oct 24, 2015

I have several of the 420/430 tractors. . . some with and some without power steering. Id say 75% of the time for normal driving/use of the tractor power steering is barely noticeable. For the other 25% though I would not restore another tractor without it. The situations I am thinking of are turning/moving in tight situations -- something I do a lot of in the building or at the end of rows. The best way is find a tractor that already has it or buy a complete setup from someone that knows what a "complete" setup is. I have seen a lot of setups advertised that have incorrect parts, missing parts, etc.
If your tractor will be for occasional use the manual steering will work just as well as it did 50 years ago when it was worked daily -- you will also have less components to maintain, fewer seals to buy, and fewer areas that want to leak several years down the road!

John Deere 430W power steering conversion?

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