Adding power steering to a JD 950 with FEL

68mgc · Apr 11, 2016

Hello all, I originally posted this in the JD owning & operating thread but got no replies so I'll try here. I have a 1978 JD 950 with a Great Bend FEL. It has an AICO controller with a capped power beyond outlet. Can I use the PB outlet to a Parker hydraulic control valve then plumb from there to a Hoye DIY power steering cylinder and then to the transaxle (sump)? I'm not a hydraulics expert but it sounds good! Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Jtullis13 · Apr 18, 2016

68mgc I am not familiar with the Parker hydraulic control valve, but if it is similar to the Brand FCR51 flow valve then I would say you probably can. I am experimenting with my Yanmar 2210d at the moment with a similar set up. The thing you need to know is that you will need a Power beyond sleeve that is compatible with your AICO controller. From what I have been told they are specific for each controller, so look for your AICO controller model and order the Power beyond sleeve appropriate for that model. As for the dump side of it, if you can find a location on your axle or sump tank somewhere that isn't a pressure port then you are golden. I also have a Hoye DIY PS kit that I have already installed and now re-plumbing to achieve better results. Good luck

Jtullis13 · Apr 18, 2016

If JJ or another Hydraulics specialist can chime in to help us out, it would be appreciated. I posted my current project on the Yanmar side if someone wants to look over there or I can re-post here. Any advice would be nice.

Tx Jim · Apr 19, 2016

68mgc
I'm no hydraulic specialist but I'll attempt to answer your question. You can supply oil to a power steering valve from power beyond port BUT power steering will not get priority oil similar to factory designed power steering IE hyd function with least resistance will get pressure 1st. Tractors with factory power steering have a flow divider valve(encircled in red) to accomplish this task which I'm fairly confident your tractor lacks.

68mgc · Apr 21, 2016

Thanks for the advice. It looks as though my pump outlet feeds a flow block (divider?) back at the 3 point and from there to the Aico loader controller. I removed the PB cap and I can see the Aico internals. Is there supposed to be some kind of restrictor at the PB outlet? The Parker control valve I have is an 800S and I figure I can use it to give me the steering response I want but still have loader response. I looked at Jtullis13's latest post about his power steering questions and now I'm really confused! Correct me if I'm wrong. Tractor running-no loader or 3 pt movement-oil flows from pump to sump. Loader operating-flow thru loader to sump. 3 pt operating-flow thru 3 pt to sump. If I add power steering thru the PB outlet then I will have flow thru steering to sump. If I try to use the loader and steer at the same time what happens? Path of least resistance would be what? Couldn't I adjust that with the Parker?

J_J · Apr 21, 2016

I believe that most tractors use a divider valve to allocate some of the flow to the steering for safety reasons.

If you interrupt the steering flow by activating another valve, you may endanger yourself.

Just use the divider valve as it is supposed to be used. Priority flow to the steering.

It is your tractor , so do it however you desire.