Adding Power Steering
Oliver 77 IndustrialAfter many years of wrestling with the steering wheel on my Oliver with front bucket loader, I decided to add power steering capability. I purchased a Char-Lynn torque generator and priority valve at Surplus Center. I decided to use my existing hydraulic pump (live off the crankshaft) to also provide the hydraulics for the steering. It has a capacity of about 20 gpm so robbing 3 gpm to serve the steering circuit would not be that much of a loss to the front loader. It will work a little slower but I consider that as an acceptable compromise to avoid the installation of a separate, dedicated steering pump. I also purchased some keyed shafting, a couple of universal joints and some hydraulic hose plus miscellaneous hydraulic fittings. I had to fabricate a custom mounting plate out of 1/4" thick steel plate to mount the torque generator. Here's what the installation looks like:
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Oliver 77 Industrial - Power Steering Unit
TG = Char-Lynn Torque Generator
B = Custom Mounting Bracket
G = To Steering Gearbox
W = From Steering Wheel
S = Hydraulic Supply
R = Hydraulic Return (to tank)
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Oliver 77 Industrial - Power Steering Priority Valve
P = Hydraulic Supply From Pump
L = Hydraulic Supply To Rear Hitch/Aux & Loader Control Valves
R = Relief Valve For Steering Circuit
S = Hydraulic Supply To Steering Circuit
T = Relief Valve Discharge To TankThis installation works great, even with a raised, full front bucket. I wish I had done it years ago.
Rod (NH)