PS housing leaking on 401C

[Joe King]

I am going to look at a JD 401C this weekend. the fellow says the power steering housing is leaking. he has taken it off and tried to have it fixed but it now leaks in another spot. also he says there is a tear drop shaped piece missing from the casting right below the ps housing but the housing covers the area of the missing piece. How big of a deal is this to fix and can I get the parts at a reasonable price? He wants $5500 for the tractor, runs good, pto, 3 pt, good loader, cab, cosmetically challanged, supposedly about 4000hrs. Is this to much for a tractor that need repair?

 

[Roy Suomi]

Power steering can be expensive to repair..I'm not so sure the steering valves are still available..You might be better off finding a complete steering assembly..Those steering valves can be easily turned into junk if the shims get torn..That column has 2300 lbs. stand-by pressure on it at all times..5 grand is a bit much for such a peach..They bring that much in fair running condition..

 

[Joe King]

I read somewhere (on this forum) that the 401c is the industrial version of the 3020. If that is the case would the steering assemble from a 3020 be a replacement for the one in the 401c? Where would I find one that fits?
Thanks

 

[MSM]

401 and 3020 are not the same.You will need a steering valve for a utility tractor if you are looking for an ag version. But they need to be matched up as there are differences in them from model to model. Try some of the salvage yards like Worthington ag.