Ford 650

[onion farmer]

Can this tractor be fitted with power stearing, are there kits out there or is a junk yard the way to go and is this a big job to do , Also the three point hydraulic pump is leaking how bad is it to repair this.

 

[Sean in PA]

There are after market power steering kits available. Roland Jackson has a great reputation. Here's a link:

Roland Jackson power steering kits.

If it is the later style piston power steering pump (round body) then parts are available to rebuild them. Get the Service Manual and you shouldn't have any problems rebuilding it. If it is the earlier vane pump (squared body) then I would replace it with a piston pump.

 

[Steve in IL]

Can this tractor be fitted with power stearing, are there kits out there or is a junk yard the way to go and is this a big job to do , Also the three point hydraulic pump is leaking how bad is it to repair this.

As Sean has said, they can be fitted with PS. However, I’m a fan of the simplicity of manual steering on these tractors. We have a 641 that doesn’t have PS, and it turns nearly as easily as our 4000. Perhaps if you have a loader on the tractor, then PS would be nice. But in many 3 point applications, like mowing, the rear weight of the mower makes the steering even easier.

If you find your 650 is difficult to steer, perhaps check out all the system for binding/lubrication/adjustment?

 

[onion farmer]

As Sean has said, they can be fitted with PS. However, I’m a fan of the simplicity of manual steering on these tractors. We have a 641 that doesn’t have PS, and it turns nearly as easily as our 4000. Perhaps if you have a loader on the tractor, then PS would be nice. But in many 3 point applications, like mowing, the rear weight of the mower makes the steering even easier.

If you find your 650 is difficult to steer, perhaps check out all the system for binding/lubrication/adjustment?

Hi, Steve the guy that has the tractor is up in years and with the tractor having a loader it is tough for him to drive it. I was asked to help him out as he is the dad to my buddy , so the shop that he took the tractor in to get the leak fixed did not fix it right as the owner was in a hurry to leave for Florida and at that point the tractor was thrown back together and he left town. So now they can"t find anyone to work on the ford , and now I am trying to help them out. I have not looked at the ford yet so I will check everything that you have indicated in your post and will keep you up dated on the progress going forward. Thank You .... Dave.

 

[onion farmer]

There are after market power steering kits available. Roland Jackson has a great reputation. Here's a link:

Roland Jackson power steering kits.

If it is the later style piston power steering pump (round body) then parts are available to rebuild them. Get the Service Manual and you shouldn't have any problems rebuilding it. If it is the earlier vane pump (squared body) then I would replace it with a piston pump.

Hi, Sean I have looked at the Roland Jackson kits I have not told the owner yet as the cost of the unit might give him a heart attack, if it was my tractor I would be installing that kit , it is the best way to go , but the owner has a hard time cutting lose with the cash ,so I don"t know at this point . Thank You for the info it realy helps alot......Dave.

 

[showcrop]

sixty years ago you could get a power steering for these at a junkyard, because cars and pick-ups used the same thing. You might look into a rear mount counter weight for it. 500 lbs. hanging three feet behind the axle can make a big difference. They can be built to be easily picked up or removed with the three point, and they can also be built to incorporate a drawbar so that he can still hook up to things that he wants to pull. Where is the hydraulic oil leaking from?

 

[onion farmer]

sixty years ago you could get a power steering for these at a junkyard, because cars and pick-ups used the same thing. You might look into a rear mount counter weight for it. 500 lbs. hanging three feet behind the axle can make a big difference. They can be built to be easily picked up or removed with the three point, and they can also be built to incorporate a drawbar so that he can still hook up to things that he wants to pull. Where is the hydraulic oil leaking from?

Hi, Showcrop, back in the day we had some great junkyards and it would not be a problem to find a power steering unit ,but now they are all gone. I will offer the weight idea to the owner and see if he would try that . I have not seen the tractor yet to know where the leak is , I will let you know what I find , I will try to get out to see the tractor this week.

 

[showcrop]

Hi, Showcrop, back in the day we had some great junkyards and it would not be a problem to find a power steering unit ,but now they are all gone. I will offer the weight idea to the owner and see if he would try that . I have not seen the tractor yet to know where the leak is , I will let you know what I find , I will try to get out to see the tractor this week.

Yes, because they are all gone was why I posted "sixty years ago", LOL.