Tractor Steering: Know Everything About Steering System of a Tractor

What is the role of steering in a tractor?

The primary role of a steering wheel is to change the direction of the tractor. The process is done through a series of links which converts the wheel rotation into a change of angle of the axis of the steering wheels. The force is applied to the front wheels of the tractor. The other role of a steering wheel is to ensure direction stability. Good steering is one which causes minimum wear to the tyres of a tractor.

What is the tractor steering system?

The function of a steering system is to manage the angular motion in the front wheels of the tractor. The tractor steering system minimises the operator’s load in turning and handling a tractor. In other words, it changes the rotary motion of the steering wheel to change the direction of the tractor. The steering system consists of many components, which are listed below:

• Steering Wheel
• Steering Gear
• Steering Shaft
• Drop Arm (Pitman Arm)
• Steering Arm
• Drag Link
• King Pin
• Tie Rod

How Tractor Steering System Works?

The steering system uses all these components to help the tractor turn at the operator’s convenience. When the driver applies force on the steering wheel, the motion is transferred to the tyre’s angular motion of the drop arm with the help of gears. Then, the angular motion is further transferred to the steering arm from the drop arm with the help of tie rods and drag links. The steering arms are inputted to the king pin. It is an important section of the stub axle on which the wheels of the tractor are installed. In this way, the steering arm movement affects the front wheel movement. In some tractors, the working of the steering system takes place with two drop arms and drag links in place of a tie rod.

Types of Steering in Tractors

In tractors, normally, two types of steering are provided, which are mechanical and power steering. Both steering types have their own advantages and disadvantages. Let us discuss mechanical and power steering in detail.

Mechanical Steering

Mechanical steering is a simple steering system that consists of mechanical linkage. In this tractor steering system, a rack is mounted on the steering wheel. When the operator applies force on the steering wheel, the pressure is transferred from the steering wheel to the steering shaft, then the drop arm and then to the steering arm through the drag link. This steering system works manually and is less complex.

Some popular tractor models with manual steering systems are Mahindra 255 DI Power Plus, Swaraj 717, and Sonalika GT 20.

Advantages of a Mechanical Steering

• The mechanical system in a tractor is more cost-effective compared to the power steering system.
• In this steering system, the operator experiences lesser vibrations while working on uneven lands.
• It has low maintenance since its structure is less complex.

Disadvantages of Power Steering

• Mechanical steering is harder than power steering, which means the operator needs to apply a lot of force to turn the tractor.
• The operator needs more time in this type of steering to turn the tractor on the road; therefore, the risk of accidents is greater. In other words, it offers less safety to the operator.

Power Steering

This type of steering is also known as hydraulic steering. This steering system comes with a power steering pump. In this type of steering system, the power steering pump compresses the hydraulic fluid and ensures the hydraulic fluid reaches the steering system. It further helps the operator steer the tractor’s steering wheel.

This steering system offers controlled power to the steering device so that the operator applies less effort to move the steering wheel while driving at normal speed or in the stationary position. It is the latest type of steering system, and nowadays, most tractors come with a power steering system.

Some popular tractor models with power steering systems are Mahindra Yuvo 475 DI, John Deere 5310 Trem III, and Swaraj 724 XM Orchard.

Advantages of Power Steering

• It is the latest technology steering system that reduces the efforts of the operators.
• It offers more safety compared to the mechanical steering system.
• All the components of the power steering system are serviceable.
• It provides accurate and controlled turning on the roads.
• It offers more stability as well as control of the steering wheels and helps the operator move easily in wet farmlands.
• It is quite effective on hard surfaces and grounds.
• It offers excellent straight-line stability.

Disadvantages of Power Steering

• This tractor steering price is high because it is equipped with different components, such as a steering wheel, shaft, steering pump, steering column, and pitman’s arm.
• The power steering system design is complex.
• The maintenance cost of this steering system is high.
• The different components of power steering take up a lot of space.

Difference between Mechanical Steering and Power Steering

In this section, we will discuss the primary difference between mechanical steering and power steering.

Conclusion

This was all about the tractor steering system. We hope you got all the required information regarding the tractor steering. If you need more information regarding any tractor, its parts, accessories, implements or more, you can explore Tractorkarvan.

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