Tractor power steering conversion?

My little Farmall 100 (Super A) with a loader is unbeLIEVably hard to steer with an EMPTY bucket. So I need power steering, and am pondering "the way" So we have
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Char-Lynn, Behlen, Yetter----inline "in the column"

very easy to implement, hard on the steering box
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Trash the column/ box and install a "wheel valve?" and cylinder

Pretty easy to rig, if you lose engine power---no steering??

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Find a pickup/ auto box and adapt that----

Very difficult to install, steering ratio may take some playing

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"Rig" whatever it's called----drag link cylinder style with a "wobble" valve activated by steering box arm a'la early Chivvy, older Ford pu's some tractors

Easy to install--might be tough?? to find

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So I've peddled around Efray a little

Any comments, ideas, sources of parts REASONABLE? (used)

Hoses aren't much of a problem. I should be able to handle that.

Dunno which would be best I guess. Another option would be to leave the poor little Super A stock and buy a loader tractor.

How about a hydro unit from a combine- plenty of them in salvage yards. Might be abl to use the drag link cylinder from the combine on your tractor. Use a priority valve to feed the hydro, rest goes to the tractor hydraulics. Typically uses about 3 gpm for PS.

(quoted from post at 21:40:21 01/16/10) How about a hydro unit from a combine- plenty of them in salvage yards. Might be abl to use the drag link cylinder from the combine on your tractor. Use a priority valve to feed the hydro, rest goes to the tractor hydraulics. Typically uses about 3 gpm for PS.

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I think that's what I called a "wheel valve" above--don't know the correct tech term. Yep. Like I said, I think? if you lose power you have NO steering?

Just have to pump it by hand - turns harder????

--->Paul

What you called a wheel valve does still steer without the pump running. It is harder than manual steering then, and is a little mushy, but you still have steering.

I put an orbital valve on my I.H B-275 I think thats the same as "wheel valve". Anyway it turned out the tractors hydrolic pump was too small to run the loader, three point and steering.Took the loader off.I also ended up replaceing the thrust bearings ect in the front end(should ha done that first I guess.)So I am suggesting you redo the stock steering.

Please do what Ultradog says and get that loader off the SA. A loader is extremely hard on the front end as you have discovered. If you are going to use it, get a loader tractor. The IH model 1000 loader if that is what you have will only lift 300 to 500 pounds. If it is just for show, then don't cobble up a P/S set up on that tractor. Had to wait many years after I got rid of my 1000 loader to be able to afford a loader tractor, was worth the wait. BTDT.

Drag-link "linkage" power steering is the easiest to install and is pretty strong. Power steering unit is self-contained, except for the pump. It's what Ford cars used in the 60s as well as many big-rig trucks. Also some tractors, like Case 511 series. When John Deere first starting selling the Yanmar tractors with the Deere name on the hood, no power steering was available. So, we added it to many with the linkage setups. Back in the 70s, companies like Brinley were selling kits. Now? I'd look in a truck junkyard. All the setup entails is a hydraulic cylinder that attaches to your drag-link. It senses movement and whenever you try to turn left of right, it turns itself on. A belt driven power steering pump off an old car or truck works fine for the hydraulic power.

(quoted from post at 11:56:01 01/17/10) Drag-link "linkage" power steering is the easiest to install and is pretty strong. Power steering unit is self-contained, except for the pump. It's what Ford cars used in the 60s as well as many big-rig trucks. Also some tractors, like Case 511 series. When John Deere first starting selling the Yanmar tractors with the Deere name on the hood, no power steering was available. So, we added it to many with the linkage setups. Back in the 70s, companies like Brinley were selling kits. Now? I'd look in a truck junkyard. All the setup entails is a hydraulic cylinder that attaches to your drag-link. It senses movement and whenever you try to turn left of right, it turns itself on. A belt driven power steering pump off an old car or truck works fine for the hydraulic power.

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This is what I'm leaning towards, or else a cylinder and I guess it's called an orbital valve--I called it a "wheel valve." When you say "truck junkyard" are you speaking of heavy trucks? 1/2--3/4T Fords haven't used this for years so far as I know.

By the way, this setup would NOT be all that easy with this tractor, because the steering arm (from the box) sticks out "in the middle" and connects to each wheel via a split two-tie rod arraingment I'd have to have a setup with a separate control valve like the "end of tie rod" valves were on the older Ford pickups.