Float on BX

Matt_Jr · Feb 3, 2010

Don't remember where I learned this, but I'm sure I read it somewhere. If you're back dragging over dirt to smooth out an area, and need more down pressure, fill the bucket with dirt and let it float. The extra down pressure will smooth stuff out more, and you won't be putting too much strain on the loader arms by using the loader like a dozer goin' backwards.

fish6942 · Feb 4, 2010

Using the float position is a MUST for backdragging/smoothing operations. It also allows you to use a little more aggressive down angle during back dragging with less concern about bending a curl cylinder.

David M · Feb 5, 2010

I don't quite understand the fine points of it. Can you set the FEL say 2 inches above the ground, set it to float, then the FEL will lower itself to the ground and start floating? Or do you have to get it "just right" before you push it into float mode?

Thanks.

Usta · Feb 5, 2010

David M, you can put it in flaot anytime but I strongly sugest having the bucket on the ground. If you put it in float with the bucket in the air, it will SLAM to the ground. Not a good thing. When you lower the bucket, as soon as it is on the ground, simply push the lever farther forward.

TripleR · Feb 5, 2010

Usta said:
David M, you can put it in flaot anytime but I strongly sugest having the bucket on the ground. If you put it in float with the bucket in the air, it will SLAM to the ground. Not a good thing. When you lower the bucket, as soon as it is on the ground, simply push the lever farther forward.

Actually, I often put mine in float while it is in the air and it doesn't slam to the ground, it goes down at the same speed as if you were lowering it with the engine off.

Evil the Weasel · Feb 5, 2010

Yep, mine doesn't slam either.

Chilly807 · Feb 5, 2010

TripleR said:
Actually, I often put mine in float while it is in the air and it doesn't slam to the ground, it goes down at the same speed as if you were lowering it with the engine off.

Mine does too, but faster than I'd like. I usually set it on the ground, then quickly push the lever into float. Occasionally it'll pick up the front of the tractor a bit before it goes in fully, it takes a few tries to get the feel of it.

I'm going to try the 2 inch bit and see how that works for me. Dropping the bucket a couple inches into snow won't hurt anything. I have two "skids" on the bottom of the bucket to keep the cutting edge off the ground.

Chilly

traildust · Feb 6, 2010

Reviewing my LA352 manual has the flowing note:

"Important: Do not move the control lever into float position when the bucket is off the ground."

The manual does not explain why. I have done it accidentally while moving lots of dirt and nothing bad seemed to happen, I just took it out of float.

TripleR · Feb 6, 2010

Chilly807 said:
Mine does too, but faster than I'd like. I usually set it on the ground, then quickly push the lever into float. Occasionally it'll pick up the front of the tractor a bit before it goes in fully, it takes a few tries to get the feel of it.

I'm going to try the 2 inch bit and see how that works for me. Dropping the bucket a couple inches into snow won't hurt anything. I have two "skids" on the bottom of the bucket to keep the cutting edge off the ground.

Chilly

All I know about is the BX, the bigger Kubotas may very well go down quicker. A BX loader really isn't that heavy. I will have to re check my manual to see if my manual says anything, but the best I remember there isn't. I personally find I ca work quicker by putting it in float "on the go" rather than stopping to do so, but that's just me. I sure wouldn't recommend that others do everything I do with a tractor.

The FEL on my CX80 is a Westendorf and doesn't "slam down" either, but that really doesn't prove some won't.