dk45se power steering

kiotidk45SE · Apr 17, 2010

Today I started up the tractor and backed it off the trailer to find the steering is alot stiffer. Does the 45se have a seprate power steering system separate from the hydraulic system? I checked the fluid in the back of the tractor and its fine. All the hydraulic systems operate normally , HST, 3 point hitch, etc. Does anyone have any ideas?

Dk45

mx5guy · Apr 17, 2010

Did you let it warm up a little, as if cold, could make it stiffer untill warmed up, just throwing out a maybe.

Coyote machine · Apr 18, 2010

Where are you located? Consider adding this info to your signature- it helps TBN members to help you by knowing what climate you're exposed to.
I believe you may want to see if running the tractor a while until the fluids warm up, as already stated, changes the steering's stiffness.
I know I've seen the cold effect my DK-35se/hst- but I live in a really cold climate. I posed a similar question about steering this winter and that is what I was told by MIE.http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/161186-cold-start-knock-pwr-steering.html

kiotidk45SE · Apr 19, 2010

Coyote machine said:
Where are you located? Consider adding this info to your signature- it helps TBN members to help you by knowing what climate you're exposed to.
I believe you may want to see if running the tractor a while until the fluids warm up, as already stated, changes the steering's stiffness.
I know I've seen the cold effect my DK-35se/hst- but I live in a really cold climate. I posed a similar question about steering this winter and that is what I was told by MIE.http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/161186-cold-start-knock-pwr-steering.html

I apologize for not adding my information to the signature. I will get that done.
It was about 60 degrees that day and I did run the tractor around a good hour moving top soil with the FEL. It is still stiff.

Coyote machine · Apr 19, 2010

At 60 degrees there should be no stiffness in the steering. Have you examined the entire steering system from s. wheel to tires and checked tire pressures, ball joints, possible bent linkages etc.?
If not I would do that first. Your hydraulic oil is what provides power steering to the steering wheel. Have you checked it for any low fluid or abnormal color or smell? Was or has your hydraulic oil filter been changed at the first service interval? If not it needs to be done even if there was not a stiff steering issue. List you hours and maintenance on the tractor to date so we can determine if something was missed.

kiotidk45SE · Apr 19, 2010

I lifted the front end off the ground using the FEL and the steering was the same stiffness. I have checked the pivots on the front and they are tight. The front wheels spin freely.

BTI · Apr 19, 2010

Make sure you don't have the remote lever tripped.
This will cause harder steering if it is left on and "dead headed"

BTI

Coyote machine · Apr 19, 2010

I suspect it is the steering gear has gone awry, but I'd call Michigan Iron & Equipment and ask them what they can do for you regarding a breakdown/schematic of your steering mechanism. Have them or your local dlr email you a pdf of the relevant pages.
Who's your dealer locally? Have you contacted them about this issue for assistance?

kiotidk45SE · Apr 19, 2010

The first thing I checked was the remote lever. I have a 18 inch hose with male fitting on each end. When I am not using the remotes, I keep that loop back hose plugged in. I have not contacted my dealer yet. My local (1.5 hrs away) dealer is LaVoy Equipment in ashland, va. http://www.jalavoie-equip.com/ Maybe I will do that today.