Gear reduction steering

[bitten 134]

I have seen the gear reduction steering go for really good money and am wondering if it really makes that big of a difference. Does it help with heavy equipment on the front or just make the turning radius easier? It just seems to me that if it was all that great there would be more of them. I know that people like to add accessory's to there stuff and was thinking that that might be the reason for the big money.

[Jim_M 178]

It makes a huge difference and it's a "must have" if you put a loader on a 520-H.

Ever drive and old pick up truck without power steering?

[TT-(Moderator) 1,131]

Basically, it reduces the effort by increasing the ratio.

It's great if you have a front end loader (especially since the "Easy-Steer" 520 models all had the wider swept-forward front axle which increased stability) but it makes maneuvering around obstacles a real pain since you have to turn the steering wheel "twice as much" to get the same results as standard steering.

The now-huge prices of the parts required to perform the complete swap are hysterical.

In some cases, for a few hundred dollars more, you could pick up a complete (operating) 1991 or newer 520H tractor already equipped with the reduction steering.

Adding power steering would be the way to go - and might even be easier on the wallet. B)

[Kelly 1,029]

Yes demand/want drives up prices, I priced all new stuff from Toro, and it topped out at about $425, and some of the ones you see sell need parts replaced, and could add a few hundred to what was paid for a used unit. shop smart.

[bitten 134]

So conclusion is that unless you have a heavy attachment on the front then it isnt a desirable option because you have to turn the steering wheel more times to get the same effect as a standard steering set up. Is this correct?

[rickv1957 72]

Yes,that is correct,Rick