Ford A62 loader

[AJS1974]

 

 
Wondering if anyone has any experience with this loader.  The problem that we are having is the steering has no power.  What I mean by this is you can turn the wheel, but the loader dosn't allway turn.  Not sure if it is the steering cylinders, of the steering valve that is acting up, or something else that is wrong.  The whole steering system is dry, so it is not an external leak.
  Wondering if what is the easy way to check this.   Any help would be helpfull.

[giant splinter]

Did you notice any drifting in the steering before you discovered the steering issue?
Is the steering pump making noise or chattering as you turn the wheel?
Does the fluid appear to be in good shape,no burnt smell,not off color and no trace of metal or particulate?
I had a problem with the steering in a Ford A-66 that turned out to be a failing hydraulic cylinder and did not catch it in time to save the ram and barrel.
I think you may have a less serious fix in your case,the steering on your machine is a little different and I am not sure if you have a flexible coupling on the drive input side or if its hooked up by a gear drive off the engine as mine was not the exact same machine that you have so look at your pump drive.
I hope some of this steers you in the right direction,I am trying to get in touch with a mechanic that was good with those Fords and I will run this by him to see if he can share some of his expertise to help get you back in the dirt.

[AJS1974]

Thanks for the info.  I took some more pic's last night.  Somthing I am wondering how the steering cylinder work with only 1 line running to each cylinder.  thier is a valve of some sort that the lines from the steering motor run thru, just wondering what it does.  Thanks

  

  

 

[giant splinter]

I think I recognize the photos as being similar to what I recall mine looked like,the top photo is the steering actuator,the center photo is the hydraulic pump (smaller on the A-62 and larger on my old A-66) but very similar looking and the third photo is your steering ram cylinder.
The actuator has a constant supply of hydraulic oil from the pump so that when the steering wheel is moved the oil under pressure is directed to only one ram at a time while the opposite ram is ( bleeding off ) or returning the fluid through the single hydraulic line while remaining at the ready for its next cycle
BE VERY CAREFUL DOING THE FOLLOWING CHECK !!
The following procedure is dangerous and you do not need to be close proximity of this fitting to make any observation of the oil flow (you will have no problem as oil will be squirting out under high pressure). The first step is to cover the top of the ram with anything that will keep hydraulic fluid from getting up into the underside of your loader,a little protection on the ground to keep oil from ending up where you have to crawl through it. This is best if the equipment is cooled down or has not been operated recently.           

Quick field check for pressure and flow:
Be sure the machine is cooled down and not running,if you are not sure if you have an open or closed center hydraulic system place a heavy rag over the JIC fitting to catch the oil as you loosen the hose fitting a quarter turn or so (do this very slowly in the event that any pressure may be present)        with the hose JIC fitting on the hydraulic ram cylinder cracked or loose fire up the loader give the steering wheel a little nudge and return to center to see if you have flow to the cylinder ram then shut down the loader tighten the fitting back up and evaluate your findings.

[JoeB]

Yea, what Giant Slpinter said. I had a-62 bought off a township @ the jersey shore, had been sunmerged in salt-water after they ran it out off fuel @ low tide. Good running after I got it but could Not keep sheet medal on after it had been submerged in brine. Cheers!

[AJS1974]

Thanks for the info.   Had other projects that have been working on.  I might get a chance tonight
to try that.  Thanks

[Meadows Miller]

Gday

My family had a Ford A-62 loader at the mill It was a bloody good machine from memory but it wasnt too old then either  ;) ;D ;D

Good luck with the repair

Regards Chris

[AJS1974]

Got the old girl fixed.  turns out is was the locking valve that was giving us trouble, the seals were out.  The guy we took the motor to told me that usally when you have problems with the steering not holding is usallly the lock valve and if the steering will not stop turning is is usally the motor.
FYI