TC 55DA hard to turn when using the loader

[DieselMonk]

I am running around most of the time with my back hoe attached. Gives me nice counter weight and the steering problem is gone. Sounds to me like you have to use more weight in the back.

 

[Ford850]

I've noticed the same issue with my DX55. I did a lot of research on the 55 before purchasing it, and the steering lock was a concern but a minor one. Mine acts just as described on the many previous posts... It is fine when moving but rarely locks up when standing still and lifting a load. When I am moving stone or dirt, driving into and backing away from the piles as I lower and raise the bucket, I never notice a problem. If I stop before dumping, and try to turn the wheels after I stop before dumping, it can become locked. Not hard to turn, but locked solid. This isn't like an old tractor that becomes difficult to steer when under a load. These are hydro steering and it feels like the steering wheel is locked. If I move slightly forward or reverse it becomes free again and I can tuen the wheel with one finger. It rarely happens to me, and has never happened with a ballast on the back (yet). I'd say it has something to do with the steering being close to it's limits and it cuts out if pushed over that threshold. The ballast reduces the front axle weight so that helps. Wheels in motion reduce some of the friction that reduces the load on the steering, which also helps.
I know this has been discussed on this site many times. It's not abig issue to me. It's someting that helps me realize the tractor's limitations and probably keeps me safer in the long run.

 

[jimmysisson]

My 2120 does the same thing, but only if you're approaching the carrying limit of the loader. It's a good sign, in fact, that you should be real careful manuevering. I don't mind it at all.
Jim

 

[dogbreath108]

My front tires are 7.5x18, and yes it's a 4wd. (It's supposed to have 8x18 or 9.5x16 tires on the front with 28" rears but I can't find 6 ply 8x18 anywhere, it's a sour subject). If I had the wider industrial or turf tires (or maybe even the 9.5x16 R-1's) on the front I'm sure it would help because there would be less ground pressure and the tire would be easier to slide sideways when you are stopped. I have a bradco backhoe on the back usually. When I don't, I put a steel weight block on the 3ph. I don't believe the weight block is more than about 500 or 600 lbs. I think the backhoe must weigh about 1000 or so...

What we all need is to articulate the center of the machine and have a straight axle on the front! Now wouldn't that be nice! I do love those small payloaders, but wow are they expensive...

 

[shaley]

91 2120 4wd. I have R3 turf on the rear and I believe that is what you said you have. On the front I put a 8 ply R4 skid steer 8.50-15x27. It's within 1/2" of the circumfrence of the stock front R3 and fits the stock rims.
I've never had this steering lock issue. I wonder if it's a hydostatic steering pressures relief setting.

 

[dogbreath108]

Shaley, Those skid steer fronts probably help you a lot since they are wide and very flat.

I was thinking of using skid steers on the front of mine if I could find rims....

 

[shaley]

Dog, I've never seen those type of tires on a 2120. What option is that.
Here is my R3 2120

 

[dogbreath108]

Nice setup!
Yeah, the current wheel setup on mine has a lot to be desired. A cemetery contractor had owned mine prior to me. I would guess that he received it from the dealer new with 13.6x28 on the back and 8x18 on the front, both R-1's. Then switched to the 13.6x28 R-3's on the back to be less damaging to the turf, but had no tire options for the 18" fronts. So he put standard 2wd tri rib on the front. It actually works fairly well, but the tri-rib's are still a little too large on the outside diameter. I need to do something soon and change it around.

Joe