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Powermax power steering project update UPDATED


midnightpumpkin

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Updated picture at the end of this post added 12/4/2011 It seems like it has been a year since I started the project to add Sunstar power steering to our 4041 Powermax. It was actually this past July when I started the project. Again my thanks to D-17_Dave for sharing some tips when I started the project. Some progress has been made and I can see it all coming together in the next few weeks. Here is a front shot, you can see the steering valve mounted below the spool valves. I added the second set of hard lines from a 4040 so I can add power angle to the front plow blade later on.
[img]http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g409/1944corp/powermax%20power%20steering/DSCN2076.jpg[/img]
Here is a close up of the steering valve with the 1/2 inch drive socket swivel to connect the steering shaft. Anothe 1/2 inch drive swivel is attached to the steering shaft to complete the connection.
[img]http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g409/1944corp/powermax%20power%20steering/DSCN2079.jpg[/img]
Here is a shot of the bracket for the steering valve. The bracket is a modified bracket from the donor sunstar. The two bolts in the picture fasten the bracket to the frame. Drilling the holes for the bolts is the only modification to the Powermax frame that was required.
[img]http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g409/1944corp/powermax%20power%20steering/DSCN2081.jpg[/img]
Here the steering tower is installed and the steering shaft connected to the steering valve with the 1/2 inch drive socket swivels.
[img]http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g409/1944corp/powermax%20power%20steering/DSCN2084.jpg[/img]
The hydraulic lines routed very cleanly with ample clearance to any moving parts. Routing these lines is probably the trickiest part of the whole project. The next step is to get the Onan cleaned up and back in the tractor. Well here it is, all back together and running!
[img]http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g409/1944corp/powermax%20power%20steering/DSCN2123.jpg[/img]
The power steering is very responsive not too fast, not too slow. One of my concerns was that the donor Sunstar steering cylinder does no quite have enough throw to move the wheels lock to lock. After centering the steering, I find the fact it doesn't quite make lock to lock is not going to be an issue, at least for me. John U
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Great work John, I want to add power steering to one or two of my Powermax's someday. I have most of the parts I just need to find the time. I am somewhat confused on the caption about the bracket for the steering cylinder. I see what looks like the steering valve but not any for the cylinder....am I missing something? Dan
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Dan, Thanks for pointing out my error. The bracket in the picture is for the steering valve. I fabricated the bracket for the steering cylinder from a piece of 3x3 angle iron. John U
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Phill, he's pulling off the output from the transmission that would feed the lift. By running the flow through the steering valve that has power beyond first then to the lift valve you in effect get 2 hydraulic circuits for the price of one. The steering in the loop first gives the steering priority.
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