After changing ownership a year or so ago I suspected that the new people would close Terraquip if it didn't meet profit goals. I never liked the high prices of ordering parts, but
always appreciated the level of help and o'all service I got from the crew, not at my beck and call 24/7 but always getting me going if I had some patience and could call back during their shift. I DO always ask politely and don't demand help when I get through.
I don't feel so handicapped, along with a my share of 'earthwork' I service/repair my own stuff and can make/modify/adapt parts as needed. I also haven't lost a job lately, and have never blamed a source for poor handling by a shipper. That said, some of us are going to be screwed just like TQs recently idled crew.
We still have each other and I suggest we stick together as long as we still own Terramites. These have their share of 'modular' components, many found from other sources (valves, cylinders, hoses, .. darn few 'exclusives') and here's a workaround for IMO one of the tough ones.
A particular detail bugged me for a while after I realized that not having a center button on the steering wheel was a ticket to a slow death of my 'early' T-5's 'offset' steering 'box'. As rainwater enters/fills the column, the now-rusty shaft gouges out the upper bushing. Detritus gathers on top of a critical seal and the wobbly shaft works it in. When the seal goes South, along with allowing more water to contaminate hydro, oil can fill the column during operation and ooze out just below the wheel where the water leaked in. That freezing water also bulges the tube might be the first sign of trouble.
I found a workaround to replace the older offset column/'box' with NO mods to the machine or replacement parts:
- Char-Lynn/compatible 4-port hydraulic assist non load-reacting steering valve, typically $350-600, but
shop around!. While thinking that 4-6 cu in could be enough, I found this hi-cap one cheap & NLR, and the worst thing to fear is 'close ratio' steering.
9.8 cu in White Power Steering Valve S1�16�AARAAAAAAAAAA | Power Steering Valves | Power Steering | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com .. while they last.
- 24" Char-Lynn column. Surplus center doesn't show this length at present (Dec '17) but other sources should have it. ~$150 most anywhere. (0.858" dia 36 tooth serrated end)
- Steering wheel .. M-F, AC, many others, diameters 15"-17" 7/8" with 0.858" dia 36 tooth serrated end.
https://www.steinertractor.com/OLS139-steering-wheel
I'm putting this info here, but not
just here, and I hope folks can find it if their stuff goes crappy like mine. :laughing: Here's my main bits & the nut I bought from SS with the column and valve:
You got questions? Ask us.
t o g