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Old 10-03-2012, 10:04   #1
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Big Wheel and Hydraulic Steering

Just drove another Whitby which also had hydraulic steering. It had a big wheel, four feet probably in diameter. Steering was much easier than on our Whitby with a smaller wheel. So the question is: can a larger wheel make steering easier with hydraulics as it does with other steering systems?
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Old 10-03-2012, 10:13   #2
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Re: big wheel and hydraulic steering

Sure can,
it's mechanical advantage, if the pump is sized to move the ram a greater distance per rotation it will be harder to turn the pump. The larger wheel will make it easier to turn the pump.

Some pumps have an adjustment knob underneath that changes the angle of the swash plate, thereby changing the volume of the pump per rotation. If you have this try turning the knob one way or the other and see how it feels.
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Old 10-03-2012, 10:13   #3
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Re: big wheel and hydraulic steering

Yes, as the diameter of the wheel increases so does the mechanical advantage.
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Old 10-03-2012, 10:26   #4
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Re: Big Wheel and Hydraulic Steering

However, the amount of actual work to perform remains the same.
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Old 10-03-2012, 11:14   #5
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Re: Big Wheel and Hydraulic Steering

Thanks to all, I think I was confusing the mechanical advantage with hydraulics. But there is still a mechanical edge before the hydraulics kick in.
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Old 10-03-2012, 13:19   #6
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Re: Big Wheel and Hydraulic Steering

AHH sure the work remains the same, but anytime the lever gets longer the work gets less same same with a larger wheel !! just a thought !!
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