850 Power Steering Conversion - Is it a Viable Job???

[LarryMaine]

My 850 has manual steering and I want to convert it to power steering (yes, I am going to put a FEL on it mostly for snow removal). There are PS conversion kits for later model Ford Tractors, but I cant find one for the 800 series. I am thinking of doing it using a combination of salvage yard and new replacement parts. Has anyone done this conversion and is it a worthwhile project or a fools folly. I restored the 850 because it was more efficient that putting a Sherman over/under trans into my 2N, plus of course other benefits of an 850 over a 2N. Am I better off just finding and restoring perhaps an 861 with power steering, or going for an 850 conversion? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks to all as always, Larry. P.S. Does anyone know if it is realistically possible to convert my PTO system into a Live PTO (i.e. convert an 850 into an 860)?

 

[Fordfarmer]

If you can find a complete system, it's a worthwhile project. Watch for someone parting one out... a p/s system will usually sell complete, as there is more demand, and therefore more value that way. Or buy a whole non-runner for the p/s, then sell off the rest whole or as parts.
To convert your 850 to live PTO, you'd have to do a transmission swap... the parts can't be added to one with transmission pto.

 

[Billy NY]

I would say it could be viable, it will be a bit of a project and aside from the power steering parts you will need to source, I think you will need to change out the radius rods, or drag links(I forget which part, but length is different for PS). I thought Jackson offered a PS set up for these.

Modifying the trans to have the parts needed for the 2 stage clutch, I think is even more of a project, not sure what and how many different parts would be needed, vs changing out the 850 transmission with an 860 transmission.

That is a lot of work to do and money to invest vs going up to a thousand series with a light or heavier industrial front end that is much better suited for loader work. Don't get me wrong, the general purpose adjustable front end can certainly handle loader work until it is wore out,(pivot pin/bushing assembly + spindles) but ideally there are much better models and front axle arrangements for loader work. I ran an 850 with a Wagner loader for 14 years, and while it worked for my needs, front end was worn out, power steering not working, I had to upgrade to a much newer tractor and am so glad I did at this point.

Realistically you are talking about quite a bit to accomplish this and still only have an 850 or 860 with a general purpose front axle, though you may find a light industrial axle from salvage, they are non adjustable unlike what you have now.

 

[Ultradog MN]

There are kits to put PS on a 3 cylinder tractor but I think it says right in the listing that they won't work with a loader.
I have never installed or even seen one so I don't know why they say that.
I agree that if you want PS on your tractor you should buy a complete used system from someone or buy a tractor that has it and swap it onto yours.
I know you need the following items:
Complete steering column, pump, 6 (six) hydraulic lines, two drag links, both radius rods, two steering cylinders and a different thermostat housing/water neck as the pump/belt tensioner adjusts off the water neck. I don't remember if you need a second pully for the pump or if the pump runs off the same - longer fan belt. Someone here will know.
If you are wanting live pto And PS you are much better off buying a different tractor.
If you are thinking of a different tractor, maybe think about a 3 cylinder 3000 or 4000 if only because you can get an 8 speed.

 

[Larry NCKS]

PS is a different belt. It requires a double groove drive (crankshaft) pulley.

 

[Andy Wickiser]

Jackson Power Steering can fix you up with a new kit for your 850 but I imagine it's kind of expensive. Below is a link, if interested give them a call.
Jackson Power Steering

 

[LarryMaine]

As usual you have all given me good information and a lot to think about. So far, all 3 Ford tractors I have restored have cost me more to purchase and then restore (just including parts and paint), then they will ever be worth. It is a labour of love and not a commercial enterprise for me, so I no longer even try to do the $ math. You all know what I mean. You are all responsible for making me an addict. I think the best thing for me to do is keep the 1925 Fordson as a movable lawn ornament, keep the 2N with the Dearborn plow just for cleaning the driveway of snow, keep the 850 just because I might need one some day, and go ahead and start searching for a 4000 series that would be the best realistic match for my FEL. Here in Coastal Maine there just are not a lot of salvage yards or even used Ford tractors around. For some unknown reason Lobstermen have not learned the importance of having a tractor. I think the best plan is just to look for a later 3 cyl 4000 with power steering, live PTO, etc. already there and just restore it, and hopefully continue with my learning process, which to be honest, is why I enjoy working on these things. Sincere Merry X-Mass, Happy Hanukkah, Enjoyable Kwansa, and New Years to you all. Larry.

 

[GlenIdaho]

I put a Jackson Power Steering unit on my 850 and have been very happy. It is a relatively simple job mechanically and if you are going to put a fel on well worth it. One finger steering is nice. You essentially remove the stock steering column and replace with the new column and torque generator; route the hoses, install the cylinders and connect to the hydraulic supply. I run my supply off by loader valve. No need to replace the radius arms or anything else. One potential problem area is battery removal. With my fel and corresponding hydraulic lines for the P/S it's almost impossible to remove the battery. My fix was to go to the narrower type batteries used in small cars. Works very well.

With that said, in retrospect I wish I would have searched around for a parts tractor with power steering. I like original. The original Ford Power steering naturally makes for a cleaner job. If you have the funds, look around for a nice 861 with power steering. The 861 provides a little more with the live pto. These days a good 861 is not all that expensive.

I attached the link to Jackson Power Steering for you to look at their products. Roland Jackson is a very nice man and will give you any help you need. Hope this helps.
Jackson

 

[BearGap]

Has anyone considered an electric power steering system? From what I've read online you can get one out of a late model car in a junkyard for $100-150 and the Toyota and some other units are stand-alone, not needing to have a vehicle speed sensor input. The downside seems to be you need to be able to supply up to 60 amps at the peak from the electrical system (much less most of the time), so an upgrade to the battery might be needed. The advantage of an EPAS is that it needs no hydraulics and is a compact installation.

 

[Ultradog MN]

There have been a couple of guys that have installed electric PS over on the N Board.
One of them might have been on a TO Ferguson.
There are a couple of issues I see with those.
First is that you have to chop your dash all to heck to graft the ps unit on top of the existing steering box. They were pretty ugly.
A bigger issue was WHERE they applied the power. All of the Ford power assist steering systems applied their power IN FRONT of the sector gears, meaning you weren't putting significant amounts of extra torque to the sectors. Grafting an electric torque multiplier BEHIND the sectors would be like 400 lb Brutus ham handing the steering wheel at all times.
It would wear out or blow out your lower box components in pretty short order.

 

[Dean]

Many PS installations have been done to 6/8*0 tractors.

Some have replaced non live PTO transmissions with live PTO transmissions in 6/84/50 tractors.

That said, you will certainly be many hours ahead and probably $ ahead to replace your 850 with an 861 equipped with PS if you wish to accomplish both PS and live PTO.

Dean

 

[David G]

I think you will spend less money buying a tractor with the options, than fixing that one.

 

[hurleyjd]

Might be time to move up to a later model Ford. Go with the blue ones. Find one with power steering and quit trying to make an antique modern.