The steering system is completely hydraulic. The oil required, supplied by the pump (2) driven by the motor (1), is sent to the priority valve (4) which functions by Load Sensing, and sends the necessary quantity of oil to the steering system (6), even when other oleodynamic components supplied by the same circuit are in operation. The oil passes from this group (6) into the steering cylinders (9) and (10). The solenoid valve group (8) can switch the oil flow to provide three types of steering:
- 2-wheels steering Steering condition in which the rear axle is excluded.
- 2-wheels steering and 2 wheels countersteering Steering condition in which rear steering is activated and the direction of the rear wheels is contrary to that of the front wheels.
- 4-wheels steering in the same direction Steering condition in which rear axle steering is activated and the direction of the rear wheels agrees with that of the front wheels.
The hydraulic power supplied by the pump (2) is transferred to cylinders (9) and (10) and transformed into mechanical steering power.
Komatsu STEERING TO THE RIGHT
Turning the steering wheel (7) clockwise causes rotation of the steering metering group (6) and prepares the control valve (port R) to send oil through line e directly into chamber b of the cylinder (9); the pressurized oil moves the piston which then steers the wheels. The oil in chamber a of cylinder (9) is impelled into line f to solenoid valve group and thence into line g which is coupled to the control valve of the steering group (6) (port L); from the control valve the oil passes out of Port T and drains into the tank (3).
Komastu STEERING TO THE LEFT
Turning the steering wheel (7) anti-clockwise causes rotation of the steering metering group (6) and prepares the control valve (port L) to send oil through line g to solenoid valve group and thence through line f, into chamber a of the cylinder (9); the pressurized oil moves the piston which then steers the wheels. The oil in chamber b of cylinder (9) is impelled into line e which is coupled to the control valve of the steering group (5) (port R); from the control valve the oil passes out of Port T and drains into the tank (3).