3020 Steering valve conversion

[IH4386]

I have a late model 3020 that serves as our loader tractor and as of late there has been a leak under the dash in the steering valve, Ive cleaned all fittings to find that none of them are leaking but found the leak to be coming from where the two housings bolt together which Im guessing the valve needs to be resealed and reset on the valves. I know this is a tricky process and likely wont tackle myself and am not sure of my dealers ability to rebuild the valve as it seems their most experienced tech may only have about ten years of current JD experience, possibly never even worked on one of these valves. So the question is should I put one of the conversion valves in that farmland sells or an original rebuilt unit or take the chance on dealer rebuilding current one? Those of you that have converted to the orbital valve what are your thoughts on it, was installation as simple as they describe and how does the performance compare to the original? Those of you that installed a rebuilt one off the shelf were there any problems with them not being set right? Thank you for all replies with info to help make a decision.

 

[wore out]

You could send your steering unit to site GURU Tim S for repair and return for less than half what the conversion kit will cost and it will likely work without issues for another 40 or 50 years. On the the other hand the orbitrol steering units are a tried and proven technology and I doubt there'd be any issues if you choose to go that route, would save having the tractor "laid up" for a week or 10 days and that may be a HUGE factor in this decision.

 

[tim s]

I don't know much about the new conversion units, they may be okay...I can reseal your unit and bench test it here to prove it, if you may be interested,,$380 for parts and service plus shipping,, the shipping to central states is about $70 each way, the valves weighs 74 pounds.I would start on it the day it comes in and send it back the next day or [email protected]

 

[Resting Relics 1]

Hey,
I would have someone rebuild it. I've done quite a few over the years and when I worked for a Deere dealer back in the eighties. There really not that complicated as long as you're a competent mechanic and pay attention to the manual. Most of the time and work is pulling it out and reinstalling it. The parts are minimal. Since this is a one and only for you I would take it to someone familiar with this type of setup. Good Luck!
John

 

[WTW]

The very last thing I would do or recommend would be to change what you have to some after pop fix (for better words). The steering and hydraulic system on these old tractors were a big part what gave them the great reputation they have. Don't cob fix it just repair it. If it worked good for this many years in its life, why would you alter or change it and make it a morphydite??. There is plenty of people including myself that has rebuilt, resealed and adjusted these valves successfully. Like Tim posted ship it out or take it to someone competent and have it repaired right. He is not out of line at all on his price. There's not any tractor in its class or age that has got a better steering system than the one you got. DW

 

[David G]

I would have Tim S do mine.