Tractor keeps eating steering

[SchaefferUSMC-HT]

It's not my tractor, but my old man's. He bought it last year I think it's an '83 or so 1610D, but I could be wrong. Anyhow, he's on buying his 3rd steering box for this tractor now. Each time they break within a week or so. Bought them from Hoye. I rebuild it one time for him. We've extended the steering limiting bolts on the axle hubs. I can't think of why it keeps eating them up. Everytime it's the same story. Steering goes erratic and bumpy, and upon dissasembly all the ball bearings are busting and coming out of the worm gear box. The first time he bought a whole new steering assy. And each time since has only bought the shaft and wormgear or the bearing kit. Anyone else gone thru someting similar. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. He's at the point now where if it doesn't start working, he's just gonna get rid of her and break down and buy something new. Thanks

SchaefferUSMC

 

[Aaron-HT]

A steering fix should be a one time deal. Does the tractor have a loader on it?

 

[SchaefferUSMC-HT]

Yes its got a loader, but the steering is going out before the loader or tractor for that matter gets any use.

 

[Aaron-HT]

It is not the amount time the steering is used but the type of use. Broken balls & blown out tubes are a sign of excessive stress. There is no other way to get that to happen. He is just working the steering too hard. Steering at a dead stop with a load in the bucket can break them. Hitting a rut or stump where the steering wheel slips out of your hands and spins free until it hits the stops can also break them. You need to follow him when he uses the tractor and see what he is doing.

 

[Norm-HT]

I suspect he is trying to "muscle" the wheel under extreme resistance. Any grown man can can break something under those conditions. These tractors were not designed for loader use.

 

[SchaefferUSMC-HT]

Thanks for the info. It'll be kind of hard for me to follow him around, being on different coasts, but I will relay the message and see what he can do with it. Thanks

SchaefferUSMC

 

[SchaefferUSMC-HT]

Thanks for the reply. I'll just have to relay the message to him. We live on different Coasts. Once again thanks.

SchaefferUSMC

 

[winston-HT]

<QUOTE author="Norm"><s>

</s>I suspect he is trying to "muscle" the wheel under extreme resistance. Any grown man can can break something under those conditions. These tractors were not designed for loader use.<e>

/e></QUOTE>

I thought Yanmar sold some of their tractors with loaders on them. Maybe just the US sold models? Just asking.

 

[Norm-HT]

They did sell them with a re-branded aftermarket loader, but did not beef up the lightweight tractor to accomodate it.

 

[Carey-HT]

These tractors were not designed for loader use.

I agree. Since I use a FEL on a 55hp. JD 5103 and know it's capability's I wouldn't even consider a FEL on my YM 2000. If I didn't have access to it. I would probly replace the ym2000. Of course people have differen't needs or use and a small Compact with a FEL. may be all they need.

 

[winston-HT]

I believe Yanmars decision to put loaders on these tractors indicates Yanmar thought they were capable of handling them. Where the problem comes in is with the user. You can tear up nearly anything with a big enough hammer. Yes there are limits on them. If the loader is rated for 1000# and you pick up 1200# there is a good chance you can break something. My little 2002d does fine with its loader. I have moved yards and yards of dirt with it. I do try not to do things with it that it was not designed for.

 

[Carey-HT]

12 Wooded Acres for me. So a 2000 with a FEL would be just about Useless. Haul fire wood and Esp. since Ive already cleared all I want. The 2000 with a FM,BB and Tiller keeps it busy and pretty much all it can handle. Thats why I bought it. I got Tierd of wearing out Garden Tractors. 4 1/2yrs. so far and with very little problems that were all taken care of in the first yr. I expect to keep it as long as parts are easily available. Esp. since it so easy to repair. And do I wash it "Guilty" <E></E>

 

[winston-HT]

The small 2002d with power steering and loader serves me well. I keep my loader off 80% of the time because it is in the way with close quarter mowing, etc. It is my belief the loader is well suited for the small tractor if operated in the way intended. I chose the smaller tractor because of a lot of tight quarter mowing, one row gardening, tiller, etc. Another reason was because I transport mine on a regular basis and can do it easily on a 16' tandem axle trailer. I guess that is why they make itty bitty tractors all the way up to mighty mite tractors so that everyone can choose what best suits their needs.

I wash mine too. <E></E>

 

[Carey-HT]

Put alot of thought into it and still kind of disapointed as to what I cold do with the JD. and decided if I needed a FEL I'll just rent a Bob Cat If need be with all the Trees Roots Ect.. When I sold the 7m 20' Dove Tail that was such a over kill and decided to take a 14' 3500 Single Axle in on trade. The 2000 Fits perfect on it with the FM. Just Lift the rear wheels and Lock up the Gate and I'm gone. <E></E> Being so small hardly even know it's behind the F-250 SD. <E>:wink:</E>

 

[Aaron-HT]

Knowing the equipment's limit is they key. Front loaders CAN exceed the capability of the tractor if you're not careful. A good operator knows how to keep their equipment out of the shop. Unfortunately, many Yanmar owners are not equipment operators and do not understand their equipment's limit. They have the mindset that something should be engineered to not break. It just does not work that way. There are people (like my dad, for example) that could use a loader made out of paper mache without any problems. He understands the limits of equipment and does not try to meet or exceed them. I have seen other people utterly DESTROY a seemingly indestructible piece of equipment is just a few minutes. <U><s></s>Everything<e></e></U> can be broken.

 

[PaulW-HT]

<QUOTE author="Aaron"><s>

</s>Knowing the equipment's limit is they key. Front loaders CAN exceed the capability of the tractor if you're not careful. A good operator knows how to keep their equipment out of the shop. Unfortunately, many Yanmar owners are not equipment operators and do not understand their equipment's limit. They have the mindset that something should be engineered to not break. It just does not work that way. There are people (like my dad, for example) that could use a loader made out of paper mache without any problems. He understands the limits of equipment and does not try to meet or exceed them. I have seen other people utterly DESTROY a seemingly indestructible piece of equipment is just a few minutes. <U><s></s>Everything<e></e></U> can be broken.<e>

/e></QUOTE>

i agree with this statement. i push mine beyond it's "capabilitys" but not past it's "destruction or break point". i have used it this way for nearly 4 years and knock on wood not broken my steering box or anything else , only 1 set of wheel bearings but they were dry, no grease when it was re-assembled.

 

[donner49-HT]

could be the spindle bearings are frozen to the spindle causing it to turn hard. i had the same problem on a kubota. i changed the steering gearbox twice and then decided to check the bearings on the front. disconnecting the tie rods while wheels were off ground. turned wheels by hand and found the one the would not readily turn. replaced the bearing and seals and runs like had power steering when it don't.