Power Steering on 7119 update

[BDSchmidt]

I have completed the install of a power steering unit on my 7119. Only glitch was I had to install a different style solenoid under the dash that wouldn't interfere with the steering motor. Although steering effort is greatly improved, it doesn't seem particularly sensitive, ie. it seems to take more movement of the steering wheel to get the degree of turn desired than what it did when it was manual. Is this to be expected or do I need to adjust something? THanks in advance! Brian

[nahrwoldt]

Brian, Could explain and tell me what solonoid you had to replace. I'll be doing your exact change out in two weeks. It would be helpful to know the part number and what exactly you had to do! Any digital pictures would be great to post to this website. Thanks, Tim

[BDSchmidt]

Tim, Unfortunately I don't have a way to do pics. I had downloaded the instructions from Simplicity on installation prior to arrival of the kit so I was able to have all the removal of parts done ahead of time. The only part that was alittle challenging was getting the old steering sector out. THe rear lift cable went through it along with 1 hydraulic line. Both had to be disconnected to pull through the steering sector.. When I was putting the new hydraulic steering motor in, I found that because I had a solenoid that had its 2 large terminals sticking out to the sides and opposite each other, the motor would not sit properly or allow it to be bolted in. THe one I replaced it with is part number 1685291. THis solenoid has the 2 large terminals sticking out from the middle, pointing towards the front of the tractor when installed. This provided the clearnace needed for the steering motor to go in.. THe instructions said it wouldn't be necessary to change any of the angles of the hoses where they attach to the motor however I did change some of them to get what I feel was better clearance and better angle for them to go where they needed to go. In my first message I said the steering didn't seem as "sensitive" as I though it should be. Response may be a better term...it doesn't seem as responsive as I thought it would be. Has anyone noted this on their tractors ? I have three Sovereigns and this is the first to have power steering. THe tractor with the manual steering seems much more responsive and quicker to turn than the unit with the power steering. Any help or comments would be appreciated. Brian Tim... the loader is up and running and working great.!

[Kent]

I can't offer anything that really addresses your question, but tf the steering effort to turn the wheel is low, you could make the steering feel more responsive by using a smaller steering wheel. I used to do that on VWs all the time -- otherwise they drove like a truck because of the large steering wheel... It will increase the effort needed to turn the wheel, however. That's why I mentioned the steering effort with the new power steering...

[Dutch]

Brian, I've never driven a Sovereign with PS, but from what others say, they have a "lag" when the wheel is turned and before the power kicks in. Rumor has it that there are 2 different types of PS available for the Sovereign. I don't know. According to the parts break downs I've seen, the PS appears to have the control valve inline. That is 50s automotive technology. It was great at the time, but we are now familiar with the faster full time PS. Another complaint was that you loose PS when you depress the brake. That can be dangerous going downhill. But since the brake and clutch pedal are the same, what can be done? The clutch disengages the hydro pump.

[Roy]

Brian/Dutch, The PS on my new Sovereign has "lag" only when making fast turns as in when dodging trees while mowing at speed. Lag can be very annoying. Without looking at the book I think my PS is all hydraulic (e.g. no mechanical link between the steering valve and the steering hydraulic cylinder). Initially this was un-nerving because the straight ahead steering wheel position keeps changing but I got used to it. My 2 cents worth,

[PatRarick]

I converted one of my farm tractors to full hydraulic power steering and it is less responsive. As Roy said, the "straight ahead position keeps changing. When plowing a field, you have the right front wheel in the plow furrow and keep the wheel up against the edge of the furrow. When lifting sugar beets, I set the differential lock as it helps to keep you straight on the row. In both cases, I am constantly changing the position of the steering wheel to maintain a straight line. In the case of lifting sugar beets (which I do for a neighbor), that poor little deer in the center of the wheel never knows where it will end up!:D Pat

[roma3112]

GUYS i agree with roy, as some of you may know i got a NOS sovereign over the winter, and i found that the ps does indeed have a bit of a lag. I have had a chance to mow the lawn a few times and have had to adjust my speed to compensate for the steering lag when going aroung obsticles, but i have gotten used to it, i do wish the ps had a seperate pump so you could have steering and breaking but i cant complain too much the trade off is well worth it.