Steering assist

[peacock]

My 9N came with a loader bucket and front mount pump for the bucket. Is there a "steering assist" that can be added? The wife has a heck of a time steering this tractor.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

Given the selling prices of 9N's w/ loaders, the cost of adding PS will be pretty close to half the value of the tractor.


http://jacksonpowersteering.com/

Cost-wise, you'd be better off buying another tractor or a gym membership for your wife!

As a buddy once told me, it tales a real jerk not to keep the ax sharp for his wife to split wood...........
75 Tips

 

[gears]

you could always make a steering wheel out of a barrel hoop

Take the FEL off and it'll be fine... or add more rear counter weight (but careful you don't break er in half).

 

[it me again]

bent something and you need to see what it is.
check you ball joint first then axle then your front
tire. you might want to use 3 rib tire or it to
heavy for that tractor.

 

[DGinVT]

You might also want to check the two front thrust bearings (p/n 9N 3123-B) in the spindle column assembly(one in each spindle column) and make sure that assembly is well greased. I had a similar machine(9N with Wagner loader) and both were gone when I got it. Tri rib tires will help but the big problem is you only have about 20 HP moving that machine and its not much. to make steering a little easier make sure that the machine is moving when steering. Also I used a counter weight on the three point hitch.

 

[souNdguy]

I hafta agree.

witht he fost of most ford small tractors centering around +/- 3000 $ you might be able to find a more updated loader tractor with ps for not much mor ethan you can sell the N for... ironically..

 

[Richard G.]

Bruce, folks always ask why I cut my wood short. I tell them it is so my wife can carry it in the house easier.
Old guy that worked at the local cotton gin years ago would only cut one load of wood at a time. when folks asked him why, he said "I might die and she will burn it with some other man".
My grandma would still split her own wood when she was 75 if no one else was around at the time.
Richard in NW SC

 

[WW2N]

I have a loader on a 8N, here is what I do and it
helps a lot. It steers a lot better with the
following pieces in place. Have liquid in rear
tires and a counter balance on the 3 point. Raise
loader up past horizontal about 30 degrees or more
this will transfer the load leverage and weight in
your favor. You will have to play with it to find
where this weight transfer works best. The most
important thing is watch your OVERHEAD ELECTRICAL
WIRES this is the biggest safety issue with a
loader. Steering is much easier with the tractor
moving,When possible dont sit still and try to
turn the steering wheel. I have a 8N and I use the
brakes to pivot and aid in turning. 9N and 2N
manuals say not to use brakes to aid in turning it
but I will leave that up to your judgement if you
use the brakes or not.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Think outside of the box.
Sell your N and buy a newer tractor with PS.
There is a fellow who just added PS (among other things) to his 641 loader tractor from a dead 881.
Posted a couple of delightful photos of it on the Ford Board.
Click Here

 

[Duner Wi]

From the archives
http://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=ttalk&th=341849%253E

or search gear reduction steering for tractor.

 

[Colin King]

A steering wheel spinner is a huge help on a hard to steer tractor.

Colin, MN

 

[NNP]

or if you are partial to N's, just buy another without a loader for general duties. They are one of the easiest turning wide front tractors out there with the standard front 19's and no loader.
Just fire up the loader one when you have to pick something up.

The other post reminding to only turn when moving is worth repeating. car, truck, tractor....loader or no, power steering or not, it's good practice.
The strain on front end parts is the same whether you can feel it in the steering wheel or not.

 

[Caryc]

(quoted from post at 19:59:41 04/21/14) A steering wheel spinner is a huge help on a hard to steer tractor.

Colin, MN

Until you hit a rut and your front wheels jerk to one side and that knob whips around whacking your hand.

It's a good idea to not even have your thumbs inside wrapped around the steering wheel when driving an "N" series tractor.

 

[BillM (OH)]

I don't wrap my thumb around the spinner either. That way, if
the front wheels want to take - no harm.