I've got my dad's Series I Bearcat with the Cat 3160. He bought it in 1975 and it's been sitting since the mid-'90s. I'm trying to resurrect it to use for light fieldwork and eventually restoration.
The steering wheel takes two or three times as many revolutions as it should for the amount of articulation. It doesnt steer when stationary, although it improves enough to get around the yard when moving. It won't go to full articulation or reach the end of the steering cylinders. The steering wheel just keeps turning endlessly without the tractor reacting.
The hydraulic oil and filters have been changed. The implement hydraulics seem to work okay.
I installed a pressure gauge ahead of the steering relief valve and got the following readings:
I'm looking for ideas from anybody who's dealt with these old Steigers. Has anyone had similar problems? What would you chase first? I am thinking the relief valve, then get the pump tested, then the steering motor?
Thanks for any suggestions
The steering wheel takes two or three times as many revolutions as it should for the amount of articulation. It doesnt steer when stationary, although it improves enough to get around the yard when moving. It won't go to full articulation or reach the end of the steering cylinders. The steering wheel just keeps turning endlessly without the tractor reacting.
The hydraulic oil and filters have been changed. The implement hydraulics seem to work okay.
I installed a pressure gauge ahead of the steering relief valve and got the following readings:
- No steering input: 0 PSI.
- Steering at idle: approximately 500–700 PSI.
- Around 1,200 RPM: approximately 1,000 PSI turning right, 500 PSI turning left.
- Steering while moving: approximately 500 PSI turning right or left.
I'm looking for ideas from anybody who's dealt with these old Steigers. Has anyone had similar problems? What would you chase first? I am thinking the relief valve, then get the pump tested, then the steering motor?
Thanks for any suggestions
