FEL Float

[hunterridgefarm]

I have a Woods 1012 FEL. When I put it in the float position and start forward it raises the front of the tractor just enough to limit steering. If setting still no downward pressure exist is only when I start moving forward.

I thought the float position would do exactly that "float".

Is there an adjustment or should I just curl the bucket slightly to prevent it from digging in?

 

[KubotaSteve]

If you tilt the bucket back slightly, the edge of the FEL won't meet the ground trying to dig in thus stopping the FEL while your tractor is still moving forward which raises the front end of the tractor. When using the float, you may have to keep adjusting the curl to keep it from digging in but also to say close to the ground.

 

[Dmace]

I always thought the "float" position was for reverse back-blading. It works great for that. Whenever I put it in float and drive forward it digs down, but curling it up a bit makes sense. I will try that next time I am "working" on the tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[dfkrug]

The float position is for operating the loader forward on pavement. Doing so on dirt can easily cause the cutting edge to dig in.

 

[3RRL]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The float position is for operating the loader forward on pavement. Doing so on dirt can easily cause the cutting edge to dig in. )</font>

So exactly what and how does the float position work? I have one on my Koyker 195 FEL but have only used it to back blade. What other instances would you use it for?

 

[MadReferee]

When the valve spool is in the float position, high pressure fluid that would normally go to one side of the cylinder is redirected to the tank, along with the opposite side of the cylinder. This allows the cylinder to operate freely without any load (ie. it floats), permitting the loader to move either up or down following the contour of the terrain.

 

[skipmarcy]

The only time I use my float going forward is when I've just dumped a bucket of fill up close to a barrier of some sort - like forming boards or foundation and want to push the pile into it close. I curl the bucket back fully and shove ahead with it. I only do this when I'm filling along something in tight quarters and it's too time consuming to turn the tractor around every time and use the boxblade. After I've shoved it ahead to the barrier, I'll tilt the bucket forward, mash it down a little, then back-drag in float to smooth it out.

 

[thcri]

The float will allow your loader arms to go up or down. It just opens the system up so fluid can flow both ways. I use my float a lot for plowing snow on a hard surface. This keeps the loader on the ground all the time even though the surface may not be level. You can use the float on dirt but you must have the bucket level or maybe up some otherwise it will dig in like you said. I don't think I have ever seen anyone use float on dirt unless they are backing up. But on my concrete or black top driveway it works great.

murph

 

[The_Other_Mike]

I usually use the float position when scooping a load from the bottom of a pile of material (rock/top soil/ etc.). Either off of a paved surface or even grass. I can avoid tearing up an area of lawn when moving material more easily than without using the float setting. Took a few times to get accustomed to it but it's pretty easy now. You just need to know your bucket pitch.

 

[hunterridgefarm]

I have not used the float on a hard surface, just on the ground. I thought it would float with the contour of the ground. I will try adjusting the tilt of the bucket.

Thanks for the replies.
David