Adding Power Steering to a 3018

2656 Views 21 Replies 9 Participants Last post by wseternmd, Feb 13, 2012

wseternmd

Discussion Starter · Feb 5, 2012

Ok guys I am still fairly new to the site and I'm not sure I this is on topic or not. I love the idea of adding a loader to my 3018, but the first thing in my mind before the FEL would be power steering. Now to my question, can you simply add a power steering cylinder to a standard 3018 like I have seen on the p/s models. Or is there a different steering shaft and linkage to be changed as well. Also on a different note can a 600/6000 series model valve set up be put in place of the standard model, I have access to a 600 series for parts or really what ever I would want on it. Thanks guys and keep the great info coming

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JB222

· #2 · Feb 5, 2012

I am not sure what it would take to add P/S, but have seen a thread talking about a simple alternative with good results. I think it was called Poor man's power steering. Try searching the forum for that and see if it would work for you.

Also if you have access to a 600 I would grab it and fix it up. Your tractor would be cool with a FEL, but I dont think it could compete with a 600 all fixed up.

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Nutcase446

· #3 · Feb 5, 2012

There are a lot of differences including the steering column and the area where it mounts. You may want to go to Ingersolls web site and compare parts on a PS model to a non-PS model. There is not a lot of room under the hyd tank on your tractor but on a PS model it's really crowded. Like everything else you have to compare the cost and trouble of reworking yours vs finding one with ps and selling yours. Some people just like a chalange. I don't know your skill level or access to things like a welder so it's hard to say more. Like everyone else I think I'd give that 600 series a good look also.

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mikebramel

· #4 · Feb 6, 2012

Why would you put your time putting a loader on a 600lb tractor with 3/4" spindles and a cast iron axle when you can fix a 1200lb tractor with a steel beam front axle, 1.25" spindles, 5 bolt front wheels, loader integrated into the frame that is a little bit bigger

wseternmd

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 6, 2012

I understand your guy's point of view on the 600. I know they are way more suited to the robust needs of a FEL. The 600 needs a motor to start with and from there new tires and just a good goin over. My thing is I like to have a project and since I'm done my weight box (pic's coming soon) I really was just looking for my next move. The 3018 I have was given to me by my father and it will never go any were and the fact it only has 267 hrs on it I know I've got plenty of life left in the old girl. I'm no pro welder but I can make it hold and if it breaks well, you just get the welder back out lol. Thanks guys guess I have some thinking to do

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[email protected]

· #6 · Feb 6, 2012

:dunno: takes a little more than just adding a cylinder.
All of the parts in there now are removed (links to front end, shafts, steering wheel, etc) now you need a new steering wheel, OSPM Mini-Steering Unit, hoses , PS cylinder, brackets, etc. Also forgot you need fittings too and maybe a bigger GPM pump, but other than that it's not to bad :thThumbsU

P.S. I once upon a time through it looked pretty easy too :sidelaugh
been gathering parts for over the last six months :fing32:

Love to talk to you about the "parts" machine :trink39:

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JB222

· #7 · Feb 6, 2012

Sounds like the 600 is a wash. Since it just taking up space I would be willing to take it off your hands. I have a nice pasture where it could run and play with other old tractors and live out the rest of its life peacefully.
:thThumbsU

All kidding aside I would have a spare motor and would be interested if it went up for sale. :trink39:

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RestMyCase

· #8 · Feb 7, 2012

If this 600 series is a 648, then it might have some parts for your P/S conversion project and you could part the rest of it out to recoup some funds. At the very least the TCV from the 600 series would be nice to have because it has power beyond port for the loader circuit. I would vote you grab that 600 and do your project on the 3018. The loader & power steering can be done with some effort and fabrication and you will be happy, if not envy'd by most of us .... It won't be the first time this has been accomplished successfully on a low profile 200/3000 ..... Just need to know it's lift capacity limits ....

:thThumbsU

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ING3018

· #9 · Feb 7, 2012

There are a lot of differences in the power steering tractors. Rather than copying the factory design, you might consider going a differrent route. A design with a cylinder in place of the front tie rod would be worth looking into, in my opinion.
Power steering is great to have, especially if you are working with a heavy front load.

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wseternmd

Discussion Starter · #10 · Feb 7, 2012

First off I must say I love this site. I have been part of a couple of other forums over the years, and I must say this is the friendliest and most informative site I have ever been part of. Now down to business, The 648 is in a garage in Burlington, WV my home town. It is a project that I have had my eye on for a long time but the truth is it will prob stay a dream. My family has a large farm and myself and my dad bought a 580 C Case backhoe and a 450 C Case dozer, so that equipment does my heavy lifting when needed. However I would be happy to call the gentleman that owns the 648 and see if he would be willing to part with it so it could get a good home. I have found the power steering shaft and am looking into the lower carriage, but it is much more involve than expected. I did find the poor mans power steering on ebay but if I was looking right he is only making them for the 400/4000 series at this time, if any one knows otherwise plz let me know. I think it would be worth a try.:howdy:

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[email protected]

· #11 · Feb 7, 2012

wseternmd said:
First off I must say I love this site. I have been part of a couple of other forums over the years, and I must say this is the friendliest and most informative site I have ever been part of. Now down to business, The 648 is in a garage in Burlington, WV my home town. It is a project that I have had my eye on for a long time but the truth is it will prob stay a dream. My family has a large farm and myself and my dad bought a 580 C Case backhoe and a 450 C Case dozer, so that equipment does my heavy lifting when needed. However I would be happy to call the gentleman that owns the 648 and see if he would be willing to part with it so it could get a good home. I have found the power steering shaft and am looking into the lower carriage, but it is much more involve than expected. I did find the poor mans power steering on ebay but if I was looking right he is only making them for the 400/4000 series at this time, if any one knows otherwise plz let me know. I think it would be worth a try.:howdy:

Cut out the middleman and go to the source for PMS >>>>> (Poor Mans Steering) :sidelaugh:sidelaugh
http://www.mcmaster.com/#needle-roller-thrust-bearings/=g4zbc0

P.S. I have family just outside Weston, WV

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wseternmd

Discussion Starter · #12 · Feb 7, 2012

Thanks John for the tip. I have been through Weston more times than I can count, but that is cool. Also if you are looking for the steering shaft for your power steering project there is one on ebay

[email protected]

· #13 · Feb 7, 2012

wseternmd said:
Thanks John for the tip. I have been through Weston more times than I can count, but that is cool. Also if you are looking for the steering shaft for your power steering project there is one on ebay

Thanks, I have everything I need, but time to do it :fing32:

wseternmd

Discussion Starter · #14 · Feb 7, 2012

John just a quick question before I order the parts from mc master. All I need to do is measure the diameter of the spindle and order 2 thrust bearing and 4 hardened washers is that right?

[email protected]

· #15 · Feb 8, 2012

wseternmd said:
John just a quick question before I order the parts from mc master. All I need to do is measure the diameter of the spindle and order 2 thrust bearing and 4 hardened washers is that right?

Yes, and you will be good to go.

wseternmd

Discussion Starter · #16 · Feb 9, 2012

Thanks john, I'm going to order them tomorrow. I will get some pics up and let you guys know how it works

GBACBFan

· #17 · Feb 10, 2012

ING3018 said:
There are a lot of differences in the power steering tractors. Rather than copying the factory design, you might consider going a differrent route. A design with a cylinder in place of the front tie rod would be worth looking into, in my opinion.
Power steering is great to have, especially if you are working with a heavy front load.

I have actually been doing exactly that, but hit a snag. I have the steering valve, but as I looked at the tie rod replacement cylinder, and found one on the Surplus Center website, but with a rod diameter of 1 1/4", that seemed a little too big. They didn't have other options. Do you have other suggestions on where to look for a cylinder?

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wseternmd

Discussion Starter · #18 · Feb 10, 2012

GCABfan
I guess it all depends on what you are willing to spend. Brian Heldreth can prob get you a new cylinder very quickly. But if you are looking to go surplus type you may want to try mc master. Same site the thrust bearings are on. There are also several new cylinders on ebay. Did you replace the steering shaft and everything or did you figure something else out?:howdy:
P.S we would like pics:thanku:

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[email protected]

· #19 · Feb 10, 2012

GBACBFan said:
I have actually been doing exactly that, but hit a snag. I have the steering valve, but as I looked at the tie rod replacement cylinder, and found one on the Surplus Center website, but with a rod diameter of 1 1/4", that seemed a little too big. They didn't have other options. Do you have other suggestions on where to look for a cylinder?

These would work, just need to figure stroke needed, and if you have enough room for retracted length. The link below is for a,
1" BORE CYLINDER - 8" stroke - 1/2" shaft,>>> they have down to 4".

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-1649-08&catname=hydraulic

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kubotakid

· #20 · Feb 10, 2012

There are 2 ingersoll steering cylinders on ebay rite NOW

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