T2310 No Steering with Engine Not Running

[kingsland]

I have a 2008 T2310 (same as TC40) with around 500 hours on it. The other day I noticed the tractor will not steer when the motor is not running. When I turn the steering wheel it starts to turn the wheels then I feel a jerking like a gear is jumping it's teeth. As I continue to turn the steering wheel the wheels just pulsate but never turn. When the engine is running it turns fine however, when the loader is on and with a full bucket of material the steering will not turn unless the tractor is moving. I have five other Fords and the steering still operates even with heavy loads. According to the owners/service manuals, the tractor should still steer with the engine running. It's not and inconvenience but I wonder if this is a prelude to something more serious later on. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Gary Fowler]

That is the hydrostatic steering pump causing the jerky motion and that is how they work when no pressure from the pump. The seals are worn a bit allowing oil to leak by. If your turned the wheel fast, it would probably turn the wheels a bit. They all have a little leak by even when new and do get more as they get older. Some times the power steering is not able to compensate for too heavy of a load. This is also normal.

 

[jinman]

I think you could steer the tractor if you were towing it. If you are not moving and the engine is off, certainly you don't need to steer. Try raising the front end off the ground with the loader and then shut off the engine. Now, try your steering to see if the wheels turn.

I have had normal power steering stall when sitting still, but it always works fine as soon as the wheels start rolling.

 

[Misfire]

I'm not familiar with that particular model, but modern tractor steering is generally not like that of an automobile. There is no direct mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Unlike that on a motor vehicle, the only connection is hydraulic. To put it another way, your tractor has pure hydraulic power steering, while your car has power assisted steering.

If the engine is not running, the steering pump fails (assuming a separate pump), or a hose breaks, you will have no ability to steer, although sometimes you can muscle a slight direction change if all the seals are in perfect condition and there is no leak.

 

[jinman]

I'm not familiar with that particular model, but modern tractor steering is generally not like that of an automobile. There is no direct mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Unlike that on a motor vehicle, the only connection is hydraulic. To put it another way, your tractor has pure hydraulic power steering, while your car has power assisted steering.

If the engine is not running, the steering pump fails (assuming a separate pump), or a hose breaks, you will have no ability to steer, although sometimes you can muscle a slight direction change if all the seals are in perfect condition and there is no leak.

Just for your information, the steering motor on these tractors contains a pump that allows steering in an emergency. As you turn the steering wheel, a mechanical pump supplies oil to the steering hydraulic cylinder. This is well documented in the Repair Manual for this tractor.

 

[JC-jetro]

There is a positive displacement pump (not gear type) called "General Rotor" aka gerotor that assists in turning the wheel when the engine is off in a hydrostatic power steering. The pump is directly coupled to steering column. A bit of leaky pump might keep it from turning the wheels is on the ground.


JC,

Google Image Result for http://hetacfluidpower.com/images/screen_shots/low_speed_gerotor.jpg

 

[Misfire]

The main point I wanted to get across was the difference between hydraulic power steering on tractors and the power assisted steering on cars and light trucks. Mainly the lack of a direct mechanical connection. Even with a gerotor steering valve, turning the wheels will require significant effort if the engine isn't running and may be impossible if the machine isn't moving.

 

[jinman]

The main point I wanted to get across was the difference between hydraulic power steering on tractors and the power assisted steering on cars and light trucks. Mainly the lack of a direct mechanical connection. Even with a gerotor steering valve, turning the wheels will require significant effort if the engine isn't running and may be impossible if the machine isn't moving.

Yep, and HST transmissions have no similarity to automobile automatic transmissions.