870 heavy steering

[1370rod]

I am rebuilding a early 870 with power brakes, steering valve and old style hand pump. These earlier tractor ussually required more effort to steer than the later ones. Does anyone know if there is anything that can be done to improve this condition ?

 

[casecollectorsc]

There were different hand pumps. My 1170 is first year made and didnt steer as easy as Dads 74 1070, so I changed hand pumps. later ones have more turns lock to lock therefore making them easier steering.

 

[RGMartin]

My first year tractor is the same way. Much heavier feel than the 71 and on tractors. Nutty sent me a few pages out of the tech manual, I am going to mess with shims and spring rates in the valve if I ever get caught up on everything else.

 

[1370rod]

I have to agree the valve is probably the place to start since these first year hand pumps are not interchangeable with later units.

 

[casecollectorsc]

Why arent they interchangeable? Changed the one in 1970 model 1170 to later model no problem. As I said earlier steers easier because of more turns from lock to lock. I know 1170 was early model because when we overhauled it rod and mains were stamped 1969!!

 

[1370rod]

This 870 pump only has 2 hyd. hoses coming out,our 73 970 pump has 4 lines coming out the back and everything looks different. At the dealer the parts book showed a kit with a smaller rotor to replace the orriginal, that would do just what you mentioned turn easier but more turns, but now nolonger sold. Thanks for info, Rod.