I have an older Towmotor 30,000 lbs forklift.

It does have power steering where a hydraulic cylinder provides
assistance. It has a power steering gearbox of unknown (to me)
construction.

The problem that it has developed is that power steering works great
when I turn steering wheel to the left, and it does not work when I
attempt to turn it right. Instead, turning right requires an enormous
effort.

What could the problem be here, thanks. Maybe there are some valves in
the power steering gearbox that malfunction?

i

On Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:03:18 -0500, Ignoramus16252
wrote:

I have an older Towmotor 30,000 lbs forklift.

It does have power steering where a hydraulic cylinder provides
assistance. It has a power steering gearbox of unknown (to me)
construction.

The problem that it has developed is that power steering works great
when I turn steering wheel to the left, and it does not work when I
attempt to turn it right. Instead, turning right requires an enormous
effort.

What could the problem be here, thanks. Maybe there are some valves in
the power steering gearbox that malfunction?

i
The steering valve is malfunctioning (or shot)

On Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:03:18 -0500, Ignoramus16252
wrote:

I have an older Towmotor 30,000 lbs forklift.

It does have power steering where a hydraulic cylinder provides
assistance. It has a power steering gearbox of unknown (to me)
construction.

The problem that it has developed is that power steering works great
when I turn steering wheel to the left, and it does not work when I
attempt to turn it right. Instead, turning right requires an enormous
effort.

What could the problem be here, thanks. Maybe there are some valves in
the power steering gearbox that malfunction?

i
That unit will LIKELY use a manual box with a linkage mounted valve
like on a '63 Ford Galaxy etc -

On Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:03:18 -0500, Ignoramus16252 wrote:

I have an older Towmotor 30,000 lbs forklift.

It does have power steering where a hydraulic cylinder provides
assistance. It has a power steering gearbox of unknown (to me)
construction.

The problem that it has developed is that power steering works great
when I turn steering wheel to the left, and it does not work when I
attempt to turn it right. Instead, turning right requires an enormous
effort.

What could the problem be here, thanks. Maybe there are some valves in
the power steering gearbox that malfunction?

i

AFAIK, power steering works by having the force transmitted through a set
of valves, that make the thing torque one way or the other depending on
how it's being pushed.

If the valve is clogged, or stuck, it would cause what you see.

--

Tim Wescott
Wescott Design Services
http://www.wescottdesign.com

On 09/03/2014 4:28 PM, Tim Wescott wrote:
....

AFAIK, power steering works by having the force transmitted through a set
of valves, that make the thing torque one way or the other depending on
how it's being pushed.

If the valve is clogged, or stuck, it would cause what you see.

Or the linkage broke...

--

On Wed, 03 Sep 2014 17:06:38 -0500, dpb wrote:

On 09/03/2014 4:28 PM, Tim Wescott wrote:
...

AFAIK, power steering works by having the force transmitted through a set
of valves, that make the thing torque one way or the other depending on
how it's being pushed.

If the valve is clogged, or stuck, it would cause what you see.

Or the linkage broke...
Or the cyl is bypassing in one direction (or one cyl is bypassing on
a dual cyl system (vs dual acting cyl)

On Wed, 03 Sep 2014 21:50:45 -0400, wrote:

On Wed, 03 Sep 2014 17:06:38 -0500, dpb wrote:

On 09/03/2014 4:28 PM, Tim Wescott wrote:
...

AFAIK, power steering works by having the force transmitted through a set
of valves, that make the thing torque one way or the other depending on
how it's being pushed.

Right. They use a center-normal spool valve and strong springs on
either side. When you turn the steering wheel, it puts force on the
valve, opening an orifice for power (hyd) assist. When the force is
lower, it allows the spring to close the valve, removing the assist.
But I don't have to tell _you_ that. This is for the others.

If the valve is clogged, or stuck, it would cause what you see.

It sounds like the assist valve sat under water, according to Ig's
description of the replacement scenario.


Or the linkage broke...
Or the cyl is bypassing in one direction (or one cyl is bypassing on
a dual cyl system (vs dual acting cyl)

Ayup, 2 more possibles on the descending order of probability.
Lack of maintenance is highest on the list for stuck valve causes.

--
Let no man imagine that he has no influence. Whoever he may be, and
wherever he may be placed, the man who thinks becomes a light and a power.
-- Henry George

On 2014-09-03, Tim Wescott wrote:
On Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:03:18 -0500, Ignoramus16252 wrote:

I have an older Towmotor 30,000 lbs forklift.

It does have power steering where a hydraulic cylinder provides
assistance. It has a power steering gearbox of unknown (to me)
construction.

The problem that it has developed is that power steering works great
when I turn steering wheel to the left, and it does not work when I
attempt to turn it right. Instead, turning right requires an enormous
effort.

What could the problem be here, thanks. Maybe there are some valves in
the power steering gearbox that malfunction?

i

AFAIK, power steering works by having the force transmitted through a set
of valves, that make the thing torque one way or the other depending on
how it's being pushed.

If the valve is clogged, or stuck, it would cause what you see.


I bought an all-hydraulic replacement for this system today. It was at
some point damaged by water and rust and was beyond repair.

Ignoramus16243 wrote:

On 2014-09-03, Tim Wescott wrote:
On Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:03:18 -0500, Ignoramus16252 wrote:

I have an older Towmotor 30,000 lbs forklift.

It does have power steering where a hydraulic cylinder provides
assistance. It has a power steering gearbox of unknown (to me)
construction.

The problem that it has developed is that power steering works great
when I turn steering wheel to the left, and it does not work when I
attempt to turn it right. Instead, turning right requires an enormous
effort.

What could the problem be here, thanks. Maybe there are some valves in
the power steering gearbox that malfunction?

i

AFAIK, power steering works by having the force transmitted through a set
of valves, that make the thing torque one way or the other depending on
how it's being pushed.

If the valve is clogged, or stuck, it would cause what you see.


I bought an all-hydraulic replacement for this system today. It was at
some point damaged by water and rust and was beyond repair.

Just be careful to check your hydraulic pressures, the hydraulic
steering systems often don't operate at the same pressure as the
hydraulics for the rest of the system, i.e. the mast.

On 2014-09-04, Pete C. wrote:

Ignoramus16243 wrote:

On 2014-09-03, Tim Wescott wrote:
On Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:03:18 -0500, Ignoramus16252 wrote:

I have an older Towmotor 30,000 lbs forklift.

It does have power steering where a hydraulic cylinder provides
assistance. It has a power steering gearbox of unknown (to me)
construction.

The problem that it has developed is that power steering works great
when I turn steering wheel to the left, and it does not work when I
attempt to turn it right. Instead, turning right requires an enormous
effort.

What could the problem be here, thanks. Maybe there are some valves in
the power steering gearbox that malfunction?

i

AFAIK, power steering works by having the force transmitted through a set
of valves, that make the thing torque one way or the other depending on
how it's being pushed.

If the valve is clogged, or stuck, it would cause what you see.


I bought an all-hydraulic replacement for this system today. It was at
some point damaged by water and rust and was beyond repair.

Just be careful to check your hydraulic pressures, the hydraulic
steering systems often don't operate at the same pressure as the
hydraulics for the rest of the system, i.e. the mast.

Pete, as far as I understand, the power steering hydraulic system is
completely separate from the hydraulics on the forklift lifting
system.

i

Ignoramus18095 wrote:

On 2014-09-04, Pete C. wrote:

Ignoramus16243 wrote:

On 2014-09-03, Tim Wescott wrote:
On Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:03:18 -0500, Ignoramus16252 wrote:

I have an older Towmotor 30,000 lbs forklift.

It does have power steering where a hydraulic cylinder provides
assistance. It has a power steering gearbox of unknown (to me)
construction.

The problem that it has developed is that power steering works great
when I turn steering wheel to the left, and it does not work when I
attempt to turn it right. Instead, turning right requires an enormous
effort.

What could the problem be here, thanks. Maybe there are some valves in
the power steering gearbox that malfunction?

i

AFAIK, power steering works by having the force transmitted through a set
of valves, that make the thing torque one way or the other depending on
how it's being pushed.

If the valve is clogged, or stuck, it would cause what you see.


I bought an all-hydraulic replacement for this system today. It was at
some point damaged by water and rust and was beyond repair.

Just be careful to check your hydraulic pressures, the hydraulic
steering systems often don't operate at the same pressure as the
hydraulics for the rest of the system, i.e. the mast.

Pete, as far as I understand, the power steering hydraulic system is
completely separate from the hydraulics on the forklift lifting
system.

i

Good, if I recall the last hydraulic steering machine I worked on used
pressure from the charge pump to operate the steering and brakes, about
1/10 the pressure of the main hydraulics.

I bought an all-hydraulic replacement for this system today. It was at
some point damaged by water and rust and was beyond repair.

glad you can find parts.

i have an old hyster, no parts available. When it breaks, its scrap.

Got a DEAL on an international backhoe. Found out i couldn't get parts
so i sent it on down the road before i got caught with it.

I'm surprised you can get anything for a tow motor.

Karl

On 2014-09-04, Karl Townsend wrote:

I bought an all-hydraulic replacement for this system today. It was at
some point damaged by water and rust and was beyond repair.

glad you can find parts.

i have an old hyster, no parts available. When it breaks, its scrap.

Got a DEAL on an international backhoe. Found out i couldn't get parts
so i sent it on down the road before i got caught with it.

I'm surprised you can get anything for a tow motor.

This is my second towmotor. I can get some parts. This hydraulic
steering replacement is a very universal item.

i

Ignoramus18095 wrote:

On 2014-09-04, Karl Townsend wrote:

I bought an all-hydraulic replacement for this system today. It was at
some point damaged by water and rust and was beyond repair.

glad you can find parts.

i have an old hyster, no parts available. When it breaks, its scrap.

Got a DEAL on an international backhoe. Found out i couldn't get parts
so i sent it on down the road before i got caught with it.

I'm surprised you can get anything for a tow motor.

This is my second towmotor. I can get some parts. This hydraulic
steering replacement is a very universal item.

i

Exactly, for much of these type of machines if you don't mind
fabricating a few brackets and whatnot you can retrofit off the shelf
modern parts into them and keep going. The hydraulic steering stuff is
readily available from SurplusCenter and others.

On Thu, 04 Sep 2014 14:21:28 -0500, Ignoramus18095
wrote:

On 2014-09-04, Karl Townsend wrote:

I bought an all-hydraulic replacement for this system today. It was at
some point damaged by water and rust and was beyond repair.

glad you can find parts.

i have an old hyster, no parts available. When it breaks, its scrap.

Got a DEAL on an international backhoe. Found out i couldn't get parts
so i sent it on down the road before i got caught with it.

I'm surprised you can get anything for a tow motor.

This is my second towmotor. I can get some parts. This hydraulic
steering replacement is a very universal item.

Likely fits an early Ford car or pickup truck too.
i

On 9/4/2014 12:04 PM, Karl Townsend wrote:

I bought an all-hydraulic replacement for this system today. It was at
some point damaged by water and rust and was beyond repair.

glad you can find parts.

i have an old hyster, no parts available. When it breaks, i
Got a DEAL on an international backhoe. Found out i couldn't get parts
so i sent it on down the road before i got caught with it.

I'm surprised you can get anything for a tow motor.

Karl

In th elate 1960's I was designing and programming a certified payroll
system for a major construction company in Salem, Oregon. We were using
an IBM 1440 computer system at West Coast Grocery headquarters.

The grocery co. also did all the computer work for Towmotor. I remember
many trays of punched cards (aperture cards!) with windows in one half
of the cards. A microfilm of a drawing of a Towmotor part was glued into
the aperture card.

That is the only time I ever saw such cards in use.

Paul

On Thu, 04 Sep 2014 14:04:07 -0500, Karl Townsend
wrote:


I bought an all-hydraulic replacement for this system today. It was at
some point damaged by water and rust and was beyond repair.

glad you can find parts.

i have an old hyster, no parts available. When it breaks, its scrap.

Got a DEAL on an international backhoe. Found out i couldn't get parts
so i sent it on down the road before i got caught with it.

I'm surprised you can get anything for a tow motor.

Karl
A lot of their parts were "generic" or sourced from another standard
manufacturer. It was an "assembled" machine with virtually all of the
mechanicals sourced from other manufacturers and only the "Heavies"
actually made by "tow-motor"

Unlike Hyster and International and other "integrated" manufacturers
who made virtually every bolt and nut.

I'm surprised you can get anything for a tow motor.

Karl
A lot of their parts were "generic" or sourced from another standard
manufacturer. It was an "assembled" machine with virtually all of the
mechanicals sourced from other manufacturers and only the "Heavies"
actually made by "tow-motor"

Unlike Hyster and International and other "integrated" manufacturers
who made virtually every bolt and nut.

that's good to know. I'm sort of watching to replace my hyster with a
bad clutch. They don't sell parts for it.

Might even be a better situation than my old Ford tractors. The
collectors have got in the act and parts prices went through the roof.

At least when i go to the state fair and look at antique tractos, i
can say i still farm with that one.

karl

On 9/2/2014 10:03 PM, Ignoramus16252 wrote:
I have an older Towmotor 30,000 lbs forklift.

It does have power steering where a hydraulic cylinder provides
assistance. It has a power steering gearbox of unknown (to me)
construction.

The problem that it has developed is that power steering works great
when I turn steering wheel to the left, and it does not work when I
attempt to turn it right. Instead, turning right requires an enormous
effort.

What could the problem be here, thanks. Maybe there are some valves in
the power steering gearbox that malfunction?

i

Sounds to me a hose is pinched or a metal 'hose' is flat.
If you can turn one way, the pump and storage is valid and working.
Turning the other way is a valve, or hose issue.

All I can say - maybe a detachable hose snapped off.

Martin

On Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 5:03:18 AM UTC+2, Ignoramus16252 wrote:
I have an older Towmotor 30,000 lbs forklift.

It does have power steering where a hydraulic cylinder provides
assistance. It has a power steering gearbox of unknown (to me)
construction.

The problem that it has developed is that power steering works great
when I turn steering wheel to the left, and it does not work when I
attempt to turn it right. Instead, turning right requires an enormous
effort.

What could the problem be here, thanks. Maybe there are some valves in
the power steering gearbox that malfunction?

i

Hi All We just restored a 1985 TCM FG 30 Petrol Forklift. Replaced all the hydrualic hoses and repaired the pumps. But the Steering only turns to the Right Side but when we try to turn left the wheels stands still. Any Sugestions to a sulution.

On Mon, 4 Jun 2018 06:47:16 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 5:03:18 AM UTC+2, Ignoramus16252 wrote:
I have an older Towmotor 30,000 lbs forklift.

It does have power steering where a hydraulic cylinder provides
assistance. It has a power steering gearbox of unknown (to me)
construction.

The problem that it has developed is that power steering works great
when I turn steering wheel to the left, and it does not work when I
attempt to turn it right. Instead, turning right requires an enormous
effort.

What could the problem be here, thanks. Maybe there are some valves in
the power steering gearbox that malfunction?

i

Hi All We just restored a 1985 TCM FG 30 Petrol Forklift. Replaced all the hydrualic hoses and repaired the pumps. But the Steering only turns to the Right Side but when we try to turn left the wheels stands still. Any Sugestions to a sulution.
either bad control valve or a bypass in the cyl. I'd be betting on
the control valve.

On Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:45:18 -0400, Clare Snyder
wrote:

On Mon, 4 Jun 2018 06:47:16 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 5:03:18 AM UTC+2, Ignoramus16252 wrote:
I have an older Towmotor 30,000 lbs forklift.

It does have power steering where a hydraulic cylinder provides
assistance. It has a power steering gearbox of unknown (to me)
construction.

The problem that it has developed is that power steering works great
when I turn steering wheel to the left, and it does not work when I
attempt to turn it right. Instead, turning right requires an enormous
effort.

What could the problem be here, thanks. Maybe there are some valves in
the power steering gearbox that malfunction?

i

Hi All We just restored a 1985 TCM FG 30 Petrol Forklift. Replaced all the hydrualic hoses and repaired the pumps. But the Steering only turns to the Right Side but when we try to turn left the wheels stands still. Any Sugestions to a sulution.
either bad control valve or a bypass in the cyl. I'd be betting on
the control valve.

Ayup. Doubt a cylinder bypass would do that. Sounds like the control
valve for steering may be connected wrong. Check the In port and the
two Out ports, then check to make sure that you are actually getting
fluid out each out port. Just crack the fitting at the turn cylinder a
smidge and crank right and left. Hummm...could..could be an air
block..and if so..cracking each fitting will bleed it out.


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On 2018-06-05, Clare Snyder wrote:
On Mon, 4 Jun 2018 06:47:16 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 5:03:18 AM UTC+2, Ignoramus16252 wrote:
I have an older Towmotor 30,000 lbs forklift.

It does have power steering where a hydraulic cylinder provides
assistance. It has a power steering gearbox of unknown (to me)
construction.

The problem that it has developed is that power steering works great
when I turn steering wheel to the left, and it does not work when I
attempt to turn it right. Instead, turning right requires an enormous
effort.

What could the problem be here, thanks. Maybe there are some valves in
the power steering gearbox that malfunction?

i

Hi All We just restored a 1985 TCM FG 30 Petrol Forklift. Replaced all the hydrualic hoses and repaired the pumps. But the Steering only turns to the Right Side but when we try to turn left the wheels stands still. Any Sugestions to a sulution.
either bad control valve or a bypass in the cyl. I'd be betting on
the control valve.

My post was from four years ago.

We ended up throwing out the whole power steering system and replaced
it with a Orbitrol PS control, life could not be better after
this. 30,000 forklift can be steered with a pinky finger.

On Tue, 05 Jun 2018 11:18:33 -0500, Ignoramus7645
wrote:

On 2018-06-05, Clare Snyder wrote:
On Mon, 4 Jun 2018 06:47:16 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 5:03:18 AM UTC+2, Ignoramus16252 wrote:
I have an older Towmotor 30,000 lbs forklift.

It does have power steering where a hydraulic cylinder provides
assistance. It has a power steering gearbox of unknown (to me)
construction.

The problem that it has developed is that power steering works great
when I turn steering wheel to the left, and it does not work when I
attempt to turn it right. Instead, turning right requires an enormous
effort.

What could the problem be here, thanks. Maybe there are some valves in
the power steering gearbox that malfunction?

i

Hi All We just restored a 1985 TCM FG 30 Petrol Forklift. Replaced all the hydrualic hoses and repaired the pumps. But the Steering only turns to the Right Side but when we try to turn left the wheels stands still. Any Sugestions to a sulution.
either bad control valve or a bypass in the cyl. I'd be betting on
the control valve.

My post was from four years ago.

We ended up throwing out the whole power steering system and replaced
it with a Orbitrol PS control, life could not be better after
this. 30,000 forklift can be steered with a pinky finger.

Cool!


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