Low-Cost Power Steering Added To IH Utility Tractor

Low-Cost Power Steering Added To IH Utility Tractor TRACTORS Accessories 26-5-8 Lloyd Meffert, Hettick, Ill., used parts salvaged from a Deere 45 combine to add power steering to his 1962 International Harvester 340 utility loader tractor. "I've used it for several years with no problems. It didn't cost much and was easy to put together," says Meffert. He used the combine's hydraulic pump, oil reservoir, and power steering cylinder, which had a spool valve built into it. He mounted the pump on one side of the loader frame and mounted the reservoir about 2 ft. behind it. He bolted one end of the power steering cylinder to the tractor frame and attached the other end to the tie rod on the left side of the tractor. He also replaced the tractor's original direct current generator with a GM alternator that came off a Chevy Camaro. A second pulley that he welded onto the alternator is used to belt-drive the power steering pump. "The tractor already had hydraulics but there was no easy way to tap into it to provide power steering. Adding the hydraulic pump and cylinder was a relatively simple way to do the job," says Meffert. "I replaced the tractor's original generator because I wanted to convert the tractor's original 6-volt electrical system to 12 volts. The only problem I've had is that I used a small 3/8-in. belt to drive the power steering pump, and if there's a heavy load in the bucket and I try to turn the steering wheel, the belt can slip. A wider belt would solve the problem." The tractor was originally equipped with separate steering rods on the left and right and didn't have a cross rod all the way underneath it. Meffert disconnected one of the rods and made a tie rod that goes all the way from one front wheel to the other. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Lloyd Meffert, 25921 Mt. Ragan Road, Hettick, Ill. 62649 (ph 618 778-5519).

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