Add-On Power Steering For Older Tractors

John Greenlee, Clay Center, Kan., added power steering to his 1946 International M tractor by using the power steering pump, hydraulic steering cylinder and hoses from a junked out Massey Harris 82 self-propelled combine.

"Without power steering I could hardly steer the tractor with both arms. Now I can steer it with one finger," says Green-lee, who uses the tractor mainly to feed big round bales.

The power steering pump is powered by the same fan belt that drives the water pump. Greenlee's son Lynn mounted the power steering pump on the left side of the tractor, in line with the water pump, and installed a longer fan belt to drive both pumps. He also built a mounting bracket for the power steering pump's oil reservoir and bolted it to the tractor frame. He then attached a hydraulic steering cylinder to the steering arm by cutting off part of the steering arm. A control valve, also removed from the combine, attaches to the steering linkage. When Greenlee turns the steering wheel, the steering linkage opens and closes the control valve, which causes the steering cylinder to extend and retract to turn the wheels.