3054 steering

[wanasrx]

When I have a full bucket of material (heavy wet stuff) my steering is hard. Is this normal? Throttle position doesn't make a difference.

 

[bncsauve]

On my LK2554, I notice the same thing. When the bucket is loaded heavy, its tougher to turn, especially at slow speed or no speed. But, I would expect this is normal.

 

[KiotiJohn]

From my experience on different models, this is not normal. Now, if you didn't have the RPM up and it happened, I wouldn't be surprised, but you state that doesn't change things. I don't care how much of a load I have, I can turn mine easily with my little finger.
I've used other models and no problems with full loads.
John

 

[wanasrx]

Hmmmmmm. ????
I Hope it isn't major.

 

[depratt_equip]

It sounds normal for your model. Now all the new models have more hyd flow to them so I would not expect this out of them. About what year is your tractor?

 

[wanasrx]

I think a 93'

 

[depratt_equip]

Your tractor more than likely has the smaller hyd pump. I have had one guy upgrade to the 10GPM pump. It was pretty much a direct bolt on replacement. How fast is your loader? Or should I say slow ?? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[To20Chris]

My 2003 does this too, but only with a really heavy bucket on something like clay. It's never been a big deal to me.

 

[depratt_equip]

One thing to check and im sure you already have is your filter screen. We have seen some get plugged and reduce the flow and affect the steering. All newer LK3054xs models now have dual hyd power steering cylinders with a higher GPM pumps that take care of any steering problems at low speed and heavy buckets.

 

[To20Chris]

Thanks Jon, I'll have to take a look (I haven't yet) - it really hasen't bothered me, I just chalked it up to the limits of the power steering system, and to my habit of running the engine at lower RPMs unless I need the power. I really have no idea at what RPM the hydraulic pump tops out.

To expand, I get some really heavy buckets with the Rhino FEL, and have no lift problems, but I often drop the engine speed back pretty quckly afterwards. I've never really taken notice if this is when I see it, but I will try to pay attention next time.

 

[KiotiJohn]

Thanks for posting that Jon about the older model, I hadn't thought about that when I posted earlier. Of course the new model with the higher pump flow works much better than the older models. I think it would be worth doing the upgrade for those who do a lot of heavy lifting.
John

 

[wanasrx]

Thank for all the help. The speed of the loader seems about right. The lift capacity does max out though. The steering does get tough before this . The upgrade does sound like a good idea. $?

 

[tractorhead]

i'm also having this same problem. Except i've got a leak from the right side of the steering column. The yoke and locking screw back out causing loss of fluid and difficult steering.

does anyone know of this problem or

Does anyone have a parts breakdown?

 

[Jim_in_Omaha]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( When I have a full bucket of material (heavy wet stuff) my steering is hard. Is this normal? Throttle position doesn't make a difference. )</font>

Did you find out anything to improve your steering?
thx
Jim

 

[wanasrx]

There is a 10 gpm pump available. I just haven't had the extra $ to get it yet.
Rich

 

[Jim_in_Omaha]

I noticed my 3054 is steering hard with the loader maxed out. I don't try and turn it without moving.

Not sure why an increase in volume of oil per minute would help this. Seems like the pressure at the steering box is the main issue. The rest of my hydraulics work fine. Wondering if there is another screen to the steering that is dirty.
thx
Jim

 

[depratt_equip]

The higher GPM pump will help out some, basically the loader is robbing the steering for fluid, and thus decrease in steering performance.

Had one guy here on TBN replace his pump with the higher GPM and noted some gain in the steering end of it.

 

[philshel]

I believe that I may be the person Jon is referring to. I changed out the lower volume pump for one of the newer and higher volume pumps on my ’99 LK3054. It was a simple switch with the only modification being the replacement of two bolts with two long studs and nuts. I did this mainly to run a BH off of the remotes. It works great and I have noticed an improvement in all of the hydraulic systems speed. I particularly like the fast dumping circuit of the FEL now, it actually dumps. I don’t remember the cost but I do remember that it was less than a PTO pump for the BH. All in all I would say that it is a useful upgrade. And of course, everyone here who has had the pleasure of dealing with Jon knows that he is a joy to deal with.

 

[wanasrx]

philshel,
Did it improve your steering also?
Rich