Ford 2600 assisted steering weakness

[msjanket]

I'm looking at a Ford 2600 now and drove it today. Not sure how much assist the steering mechanism is supposed to supply. It seems to me that the steering assist was not working well at all. Almost as if there was no power assist steering on the tractor.
It's a very low hour tractor, mostly sat around it's whole life.
What is a good diagnostic sequence to determine what is most likely happening with this tractor's steering?
Where does the power come from, the main hydraulic pump?

The 2 cylinders don't seem to be reacting adequately to hydraulic stimulus, but since I have no experinence with this rig, I can't be sure I'm reading this accurately.

thanks to all

 

[Soundguy]

main hyd pump?

try the power steering pump at the front of the engine....

it needs fluid.. good and clean, and a clean filter.

also.. if rpms are low.. flow is low and steering assist will be minimal.

at rated rpm.. it should provide enough assist to turn the wheels lock to lock stopped without having to strong arm it.

 

[Ultradog MN]

If you were just idling along the PS is not real effective.
Takes 1200 rpms - better yet 1400 to develop full flow.
Other causes might be a clogged filter in the reservoir or a dirty control valve in the steering column.
Don't give up on it. They are pretty reliable systems.
Invented in 1956 or so and used for another 25 years.