Power steering kit for 860 ford tractor

br860

Member
I have ford 860 I have restored. It is in good shape except it won't stay in third gear. I am older, it does not have power steering and it is getting harder to operate. I would like to convert to power steering. I priced kit at Jackson steering at $2000.
My question is- the tractor is worth about 2000 which what Jackson wants for kit, I like 1950 model tractors and I like my 860. What do you all recommend.
 
I have ford 860 I have restored. It is in good shape except it won't stay in third gear. I am older, it does not have power steering and it is getting harder to operate. I would like to convert to power steering. I priced kit at Jackson steering at $2000.
My question is- the tractor is worth about 2000 which what Jackson wants for kit, I like 1950 model tractors and I like my 860. What do you all recommend.
In Indiana a $2000 Ford 860 is seldom what I would describe as "restored and in good shape". I'm also a geezer who was raised to be concerned whether I could recoup the cost of an improvement when I eventually sell something.

In the last few years I've come to realize that burial shrouds don't have pockets. Once your time comes, you are a long time dead. In my remaining time on earth I am more interested in enjoying myself than worrying whether the next owner of my possessions will be willing to pay for the choices I make to improve my enjoyment.

What someone else recommends (probably based on their situation, not yours) shouldn't make much difference.
 
I have ford 860 I have restored. It is in good shape except it won't stay in third gear. I am older, it does not have power steering and it is getting harder to operate. I would like to convert to power steering. I priced kit at Jackson steering at $2000.
My question is- the tractor is worth about 2000 which what Jackson wants for kit, I like 1950 model tractors and I like my 860. What do you all recommend.
As Tom has said, a "restored" 860 in "good shape" would be worth considerably more than $2000 in my area (formerly SE IN), absent serious issues.

The most common way of adding PS to mid/late 50s Ford tractor is to retrofit PS parts from a donor tractor. Going rate for a complete PS system is around $1000 but most such systems are badly worn and will need considerable work prior to installation for proper operation. Still should be able to overhaul control valve, buy a new pump and two new slave cylinders and still come in below $2,000.

Does it pop out of third gear under load or only under overhauling load?
 
Overhauling as long as it is in a pull it will stay in, when load is off it jumps out. Even holding gear shift lever you cannot hold in
 
Reverse is ok. 1st will jump out going down steep hill, but I can keep in gear by pulling back on gear shift lever.
 
In Indiana a $2000 Ford 860 is seldom what I would describe as "restored and in good shape". I'm also a geezer who was raised to be concerned whether I could recoup the cost of an improvement when I eventually sell something.

In the last few years I've come to realize that burial shrouds don't have pockets. Once your time comes, you are a long time dead. In my remaining time on earth I am more interested in enjoying myself than worrying whether the next owner of my possessions will be willing to pay for the choices I make to improve my enjoyment.

What someone else recommends (probably based on their situation, not yours) shouldn't make much difference.
Thanks, you are right when I get to heaven things like this will not matter
 
As Tom has said, a "restored" 860 in "good shape" would be worth considerably more than $2000 in my area (formerly SE IN), absent serious issues.

The most common way of adding PS to mid/late 50s Ford tractor is to retrofit PS parts from a donor tractor. Going rate for a complete PS system is around $1000 but most such systems are badly worn and will need considerable work prior to installation for proper operation. Still should be able to overhaul control valve, buy a new pump and two new slave cylinders and still come in below $2,000.

Does it pop out of third gear under load or only under overhauling load?
It jumps out over hauling. As long as it is in pull it will stay in but you cannot hold it in with lever when load is off. 1st works good but going down steep hill it will try to jump out. I can hold it in gear with pressure on shift lever.
 
Just noticed this thread. I have the Jackson system on my tractor now. So far it is steering nicely and it is a breeze compared to before. Couple things about it I can mention. It does not have a through shaft to the steering gear, and that bugged me a little bit. It will steer though even if the hydraulic pressure is gone for whatever reason, but it does need fluid to do so. Also, I didn't like that the mounting seemed a little less solid than it could be. I mean that if you pull on the wheel hard, it flexes more than the original. I want to be able to hang onto the wheel with all my weight, pull myself up or whatever and not worry about bending something. I rigged up a little angle iron reinforcement and it is very solid now. All in all it seems to be a very good upgrade so far, however I am working through new hydraulic issues that might be my fault and unrelated to the system, still troubleshooting. Feel free to ask me any questions about it if you like.

Here is the link to the thread where I am working through the hydraulic issues. I feel fairly certain I'll get this solved, just a matter of time, effort and $$. FWIW I have many thousands into this tractor now. It's like fishing or hunting and expecting to feed yourself for less, not happening these days. I have some $20/lb elk burger, and $100/lb (at least) Marlin in the freezer right now 😂

https://forums.yesterdaystractors.c...ount-eaton-26013-hydraulic-gear-pump.1768789/
 
It jumps out over hauling. As long as it is in pull it will stay in but you cannot hold it in with lever when load is off. 1st works good but going down steep hill it will try to jump out. I can hold it in gear with pressure on shift lever.
mine as well! noticed it the other day when i finally got to drive this rig after refreshing my power steering seals/oils, 🫠

was going down a hill in 1st and sure as shingles, it popped out as i gracefully glided forward... i had better luck in 2nd gear
 

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