Joystick steering retrofit

[Tentman]

Hello Folks

I'm wondering if there is a way of adding a "steer by wire" or joystick steering to compact tractors. There seem to be kits available from a couple of manufacturers (Fendt and Case are two I've found) but they appear to be aimed at big machines. It's a difficult Google search due to "interference " from loader kits.

Thanks
Foster

 

[Runner]

Sounds like an interesting project, I will be following. Sorry I can't be much help. The first thing I think of with joystick steering is Country Clipper ZTR mowers. I wonder if you could buy any parts from them to adapt to your project?

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[chim]

I worked for a road builder back in the late 60's and recall Letourneau pans that were steered via a big toggle switch.

 

[old and tired]

Look up hydraulic steering or rear steering (for the buggy world up here).

https://www.polyperformance.com/psc-fhk400rs-psc-full-hydraulic-steering-kit-rear-steer-275-x-80-steering-cylinder-for-d6070-axle

 

[oldnslo]

Some compact tractors use the steering return oil as charge pump supply for the Hydrostatic transmission and possibly pressure for PTO clutch. Based on that you would need a valve operated by the joy stick that has similar flow path as factory steering unit.

A possible option might be a proportional operated directional control valve. Just have to confirm that the back pressure created by charge circuit does not have any detrimental affects on the valve function.

Another might be a stepper motor or some type of motor driving the factory steering unit with motor controlled by joystick.

 

[Harry in Ky]

You might get some better answers if you mentioned what compact tractor is involved, (as mentioned, they're not all the same) and maybe why this idea even came up. Where do you plan to be while "remotely" operating the steering?