"Float" position for FEL

[J_J]

To test the FEL for float, push the levers forward and raise the front wheels off the ground, and then push the levers all the way forward and see if the front wheels will fall back to ground. If so, you have a float mode, and should lock in float. I believe in float mode, all ports for that valve is open to tank, and therefore the cylinders will float.

 

[bill in ny]

gw, you're loaders should lock in float position. or something is wrong with the valve.

 

[NSBound]

This TBN is a wonderful thing . I never knew what 'float" was and my dealer of course never mentioned it when I took delivery 4 months ago, and I didn't see it in the Owner's Manual, so after reading this thread I went and checked and INDEEDY my new tractor does have a float position! Now I'll be able to try THAT out when we get a good snowfall!

 

[gwdixon]

gw, you're loaders should lock in float position. or something is wrong with the valve.

Hmmm...now you all have me thinking. It may be my technique since I hold the float position so the bucket can be slightly curled or dumped to change the angle of attack and still remain in float. Actually, the technique is done in reverse for smoothing gravel or dirt. Not much snow in California's Central Valley.

When it gets light I'll have to check it out. Thank for the input and as NSBound said, "TBN is a wonderful thing."

 

[bill in ny]

gw, raise your bucket a couple of feet off of the ground. you should be able to push your joystick forward into float position and let go of the joystick. the bucket will slowly drop to the ground. (float position)

 

[bill in ny]

when it's in float, you can still grab the joystick and curl or dump the bucket, then let go of the joystick again. you don't have to keep your hand on the joystick when in float position.

 

[JTPass]

Anyone know if Kubota's LA504 FEL has a float option?

I have a B3200 with a LA 504 Loader and it most certainly does have a float position. Push the control hard forward and it will lock into float until you pull it back and release the detent.

Jim in NH

 

[NewClimber]

Excellent information...thank you...

After reading and looking at my setup, I do definitely have a float position but my control valve will not lock into float. If I push the level up (towards the bucket down position), part way, it will push the bucket down until it lift the front wheel off the ground. Then if I push a little further it will drop the front wheel back down...but again, there is no position between down and float....This is also why I having problems digging with my loader...I usually just push all the way to the down position, but this really is the float position...

So my question now, can I fix the control valve???? If I can't and need to purchase a new valve, how do I know which valve to get?? All my manual says is "Valve, 2-spool, 1000PSI....part number KU10445.

Reading some of the other posts it seems I would need to know the vol of flow though the valve...maybe in GPM.....

Any suggestions or either repairing it or replacing it??

 

[kennyd]

Some Kubota's had a problem with water getting in the detent portion of the valve-it's the long cap looking thing bolted to the end of the valve opposite the joystick. There a balls in there that get rusty causing the "lack of float" problems you are having. Drilling a drain hole and packing with grease is the solution.

 

[bigdad]

Excellent information...thank you...

After reading and looking at my setup, I do definitely have a float position but my control valve will not lock into float. If I push the level up (towards the bucket down position), part way, it will push the bucket down until it lift the front wheel off the ground. Then if I push a little further it will drop the front wheel back down...but again, there is no position between down and float....This is also why I having problems digging with my loader...I usually just push all the way to the down position, but this really is the float position...

So my question now, can I fix the control valve???? If I can't and need to purchase a new valve, how do I know which valve to get?? All my manual says is "Valve, 2-spool, 1000PSI....part number KU10445.

Reading some of the other posts it seems I would need to know the vol of flow though the valve...maybe in GPM.....

Any suggestions or either repairing it or replacing it??

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Kennyd Nailed it right there.