Float for curl function

[LD1]

I would still be worried about damaging something.

If you catch something with the plow, and there is no resistance in the curl cylinders, I see it pushing the loader or front of the tractor up in the air, kinda like you driving up over your plow...

I also have my doubts as to its effectiveness. IT seems that when you are plowing and it does "better" when you take it out of float and bump it up a tad, that you have way more than just the weight of the loader arms on the front axle. You are actually lifting a little weight off the plow. And if you make curl float, the only weight you are keeping is the loader arms, which I think would be minimal. But I could be wrong.

And its hard to tell in the picture, but is the a-frame welded to the QA plate?? or is it bolted on with those 4 bolts??

If it is bolted, It dont look like it would be that hard to make it pin on with just one larger bolt (or pin) and make it pivot there, and then use a chain. (like a truck mounted plow)

 

[Xfaxman]

I would still be worried about damaging something.

If you catch something with the plow, and there is no resistance in the curl cylinders, I see it pushing the loader or front of the tractor up in the air, kinda like you driving up over your plow...

I also have my doubts as to its effectiveness. IT seems that when you are plowing and it does "better" when you take it out of float and bump it up a tad, that you have way more than just the weight of the loader arms on the front axle. You are actually lifting a little weight off the plow. And if you make curl float, the only weight you are keeping is the loader arms, which I think would be minimal. But I could be wrong.

And its hard to tell in the picture, but is the a-frame welded to the QA plate?? or is it bolted on with those 4 bolts??

If it is bolted, It dont look like it would be that hard to make it pin on with just one larger bolt (or pin) and make it pivot there, and then use a chain. (like a truck mounted plow)

I thought of that also, but Roger said he didn't want to modify it, would sell it and get a truck mount instead.

Cut a slot where the front bolts are and put a big pivot pin at the back, like this.

 

[94BULLITT]

thanks for the replies. At this time I am not sure what I am going to do.

 

[Arc weld]

I've been kind of following along and one thing that has always been clearly pointed on any machine that comes with float position is that you don't use float while going forward. Whether it's on a loader or a dozer, float is used is used in reverse for back blading. Going forward there is nothing to stop the bucket or blade from turning under itself if it catches on something. That would sure dig up gravel. I think some wide adjustable gauge wheels would be a better option. The other problem is the cylinders could slam against the end and break or bend the rods. A lot of times on gravel it's best to let a layer of snow get packed down first before you start clearing it.

 

[npalen]

Another option that might be considered is the use of an accumulator in series with the FEL lift cylinders to provide a float function. Grain harvesting combines, for example, use an accumulator in the lift system for the header to allow it to float over rough terrain. The header can still be raised and lowered as usual but the accumulator provides a cushion and keeps some weight on the drive wheels of the combine. Here's some examples of accumulator uses: hydraulic accumulator - Google Search

 

[npalen]

Here's some info related to accumulators on front end loaders. I didn't realize until doing a little research that accumulators are fairly common on FEL's.
Loader suspension system (LSS)
Front end loaders - ZETOR NORTH AMERICA (See "optional pressure accumulator near bottom of page)
LS implements Front Loader overview | LS Tractor Official Site See "accumulator" under "features"
JCB SRS - YouTube Video showing "ride control accumulator" on an FEL.

 

[94BULLITT]

I've been kind of following along and one thing that has always been clearly pointed on any machine that comes with float position is that you don't use float while going forward. Whether it's on a loader or a dozer, float is used is used in reverse for back blading. Going forward there is nothing to stop the bucket or blade from turning under itself if it catches on something. That would sure dig up gravel. I think some wide adjustable gauge wheels would be a better option. The other problem is the cylinders could slam against the end and break or bend the rods. A lot of times on gravel it's best to let a layer of snow get packed down first before you start clearing it.

The blade has a spring trip on it. I have thought about guage wheels but the tractor would perform best with the weight of the loader on the tractor and not the blade.

Another option that might be considered is the use of an accumulator in series with the FEL lift cylinders to provide a float function. Grain harvesting combines, for example, use an accumulator in the lift system for the header to allow it to float over rough terrain. The header can still be raised and lowered as usual but the accumulator provides a cushion and keeps some weight on the drive wheels of the combine. Here's some examples of accumulator uses: hydraulic accumulator - Google Search

Thanks, I'll read up on accumulators. Right now I am think the best thing may be to find it a new home. Then i would get a truck plow and do a similar setup like this one.

 

[LD1]

If I ever did a loader plow, thats how it would be.:thumbsup:

But who am I kidding, I have a truck plow that pushes almost 10' (with the wings), and the comfort of heat and radio:thumbsup:

I do occasionally plow it with the tractor, if I am too lazy to hook up the truck, but a 7' rear blade and FEL make quick work as is.

 

[94BULLITT]

I don't know why there are not many commercially available plows setup like that. I asked around and looked on here before I got this blade. Every seems to like this style of mine. Then I get it and it digs up the gravel and everyone is like I have that problem tooullinghair:

 

[bandaidmd]

kind of off topic but here goes,
Are loader mounted plows really supposed to be used?
i was under the impression that lateral loads were a no no for a FEL. opinions?