Gear Reduction Steering

[mcghs 1]

Can anyone explain to me what gear reduction steering is and if a 414-8 tractor be modified to make steering easier with a FEL?

 

Thank you,

 

mcghs

[decksetter 50]

It's the steering setup from the 91+ 520s. Not only is the axle swept forward and really beefy, the steering is gear reduction... basically you have to turn the steering wheel further to turn the same amount. That also means the wheel turns a lot easier. Perfect for a loader tractor.

The whole steering setup can be swapped out, but you have to pull the engine to do it. Everything has to change from the steering wheel to the front wheels. I just took gear reduction off a 520 and swapped to the other steering setup (from a 416).

I may put my spare parts together and sell what's left as a gear reduction 8 speed rolling chassis.

[js5020 111]

Another option is a device called a steering quickener, the race car guys use it.  In the tractor world you would invert the device and it becomes a reduction unit,, most 2:1 units Ive looked at take up a space around 2x3x8 and run around 100 bux.  As said it takes a few more turns from lock to lock but effort is reduced.

[leeave96 488]

The whole steering setup can be swapped out, but you have to pull the engine to do it. Everything has to change from the steering wheel to the front wheels. I just took gear reduction off a 520 and swapped to the other steering setup (from a 416).

 

Considering this mod on my 314-8.  Do you really have to remove the engine to do it or does it just make things much easier?

[Dieselcowboy 210]

I put one in a 520-8 and did not have to remove the engine. Although it would have been alot less cramped while installing if no engine was in the way. I didn't want to make a 2 day project out of it. 

[decksetter 50]

 

The whole steering setup can be swapped out, but you have to pull the engine to do it. Everything has to change from the steering wheel to the front wheels. I just took gear reduction off a 520 and swapped to the other steering setup (from a 416).

 

Considering this mod on my 314-8.  Do you really have to remove the engine to do it or does it just make things much easier?

 

Lots Easier.  Not sure I could have done it with the engine in, but a Kohler tractor may be easier than a big onan twin.

[Kelly 1,031]

Just pull the engine, 15 min and it's on the floor, swap the steering and 15 min have the engine back in, Kohler or Onan

[zieg72 209]

This thread cleared up a lot, thanks guys.  Swap is coming soon to my 414-8

[mcghs 1]

If I found a gear reduction setup would I also have to change out the axle on my 414-8?

 

Thx,

mcghs

[546cowboy 301]

Yes you would unless you modify where the tie rods connect to the steering. I wouldn't though since you have a loader. You will be much better off with the 1" spindles, tapered bearings, heavier wheels and the heavier tie rods.

[mcghs 1]

Does anyone have any pictures on how a steering quickner would be mounted in the limited space of the wheel horse dash.

Thank you,

mcghs

[953 nut 58,295]

Hanging a lot of weight behind the rear axel would help. A weight box on a 3 point hitch or weights hanging off a 2" hitch is worth a try.   

[mcghs 1]

Hey 953 nut - I think you answered the question for someone about rear weight in the wrong forum.

Thx

mcghs

[js5020 111]

Does anyone have any pictures on how a steering quickner would be mounted in the limited space of the wheel horse dash.

Thank you,

mcghs

Do something like this,, someone sent this to me and I don't think it was a WH but you can splice into the shaft that runs from mid machine to the front where the tie rods attach,, tuck it between the frame angle irons

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt264/js5020d/GetAttachment1_zpsa2354eb2.jpg

[953 nut 58,295]

Hanging weight behind the rear end will reduce the weight on the front end, this is known as a fulcrum.