New member with a JD project.

[CliffordK]

Most of the tractors I've seen power the steering off of the hydraulic system. But, apparently on your tractor, JD chose to do something different.

What does the steering gearbox look like?

Perhaps you could adapt an automotive pump, running off either the fan belt, or the crank.

Does the rest of the steering system seem to be intact? I'd hate to spend $1000 to fix the steering pump, only to find that one also needs a $1000 steering gearbox.

 

[Zebrafive]

Sounds like he is missing the crank driven hydraulic pump.

 

[slimjimmy]

I have thought about adapting an automotive pump. From what I'm reading my tractor is closed center hydraulics. If I understand correctly. That means this factory hydraulic pump must have a relief system built in? I am also worried an automotive vane pump might not handle the weight of a loader? I was thinking maybe a gear style pump off a heavy truck.

 

[CliffordK]

So, is it the systemic hydraulic pump, for the steering, and the loader, or is it just specific for the steering?

There are lots of hydraulic pumps at:
Surplus Center - Hydraulics, Engines, Electrical and More

Also on E-Bay.
But, I see the 1020 pumps are expensive. even though they appear to have been used on many different tractor models. The cheapest one is in India with a seller with zero seller feedback which is concerning.

You might be able to build an adapter for a more generic crankshaft end pump, like these dozer pumps.

 

[slimjimmy]

The pump I need is for the steering only. Their is also another main hydraulic pump that runs the loader and three point.

So, is it the systemic hydraulic pump, for the steering, and the loader, or is it just specific for the steering?

There are lots of hydraulic pumps at:
Surplus Center - Hydraulics, Engines, Electrical and More

Also on E-Bay.
But, I see the 1020 pumps are expensive. even though they appear to have been used on many different tractor models. The cheapest one is in India with a seller with zero seller feedback which is concerning.

You might be able to build an adapter for a more generic crankshaft end pump, like these dozer pumps.

 

[CliffordK]

Take some photos of what you have, and what you're missing, as well as the steering gearbox on your tractor. Do you have the part diagram/photo of the part you are missing?

If it is steering only, then I still think you could run an automobile power steering pump off of the fan belt, assuming you can find a place to mount it. I suppose it depends a bit on whether you are trying to restore a show tractor, or a work tractor.

Some tractors appear to have 100% hydraulic steering, so without hydraulics, there would be no steering.

How does the tractor seem to work without the power steering?

I just brought a Freeman self propelled baler home. Someone had taken the pulley off of the PS Pump (also separate from the hydraulics). Anyway, the steering was very very loose. It had a rubber flex disk that was almost torn in half. Luckily I got home safely. I wonder if the power steering made it very unstable with that flex plate almost gone, and thus the reason the part was removed.

Prices for some replacement parts can be ridiculous. I priced out replacement drop center rims to replace my split rims on the Freeman baler. I was quoted at $2500 (for one rim?), but told that it probably wouldn't even fit.

 

[slimjimmy]

Not looking for a show tractor. The part number is AR39029. I did not see any on ebay. The steering column is a hydraulically assisted mechanical gear box so it works without pressure to it. It just turns really hard, especially with the loader. I'll search for a factory pump at a reasonable price for awhile. Then I may just try a car pump.

 

[CliffordK]

If you look on E-Bay for:

Deere 1020 Power Steering

You will find several Power Steering Conversion Kits for the 1020.
All with belt driven pumps.
Prices $600 to $700.

Perhaps you could just buy the pump. I'm also seeing a couple of vendors with the kit with a google search. Perhaps you can write to them to ask for more details.

If it actuating a 2-way hydraulic cylinder, perhaps the reservoir and actuation needs would be different than for autos.

There was apparently a thread about the kit on TBN a year ago. Maybe you could try contacting the original poster on that thread.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-ag-tractors/247358-1020-power-steering.html

 

[slimjimmy]

I like the idea of buying a pump out of one of these kits. I will look into this.

 

[INDIANA ROWE]

Slimjimmy, I too am a new member, but have been browsing here for a long time. Sooo much great info here. I am from a small town about 50 miles away. Have you tried any of the 3 tractor bone yards in the Milford/Leesburg area? They are within 10 miles north of Warsaw on State Road 15. McGrew, Worthington Ag Parts, and Gillsingers.