On-demand electro-hydraulic steering system

A method of steering a work machine with a hydraulic steering system, comprising:

• providing a first steering actuator having a first and a second chamber;
• providing a second steering actuator having a third and a fourth chamber;
• directing fluid through a low power position on a multi-position directional valve to only to the first chamber during a low power turn;
• and
• directing fluid through a high power position on the multi-position directional valve to the first chamber and the third chamber during a high power turn.

A method of steering a vehicle with a hydraulic steering system, comprising:

• sending a first control signal to a pilot valve;
• operating the pilot valve to direct pilot fluid to a main valve in response to the first control signal;
• opening the main valve to a first position in response to the pilot fluid;
• directing fluid through the main valve to a first actuator;
• detecting resistance to actuation of the first actuator;
• comparing the detected resistance to a threshold resistance;
• sending a second control signal to the pilot valve when the detected resistance exceeds the threshold resistance;
• operating the pilot valve to direct pilot fluid to the main valve in response to the second control signal;
• opening the main valve to a second position in response to the pilot fluid;
• and
• directing fluid through the main valve to the first actuator and a second actuator.