Does my Mahindra 2538 have float function?

[duffer]

Yeah, i use it often. especially on gravel driveway to back grade.

FWIW...I used my FEL to back grade a long gravel drive for over a year. The other day I noticed that the bucket had split from side to side, on the back "seam" where the bottom of the bucket meets the back side vertical. Split was 18"-24" long. (didn't get a pic, sorry). Based on my other usage, I assume the gravel took it's toll over time and was the cause.

I welded the seam shut (be careful, it's only 1/8" plate for the bucket), then welded on 2 skid plates (~12"x22" under the bottom of the bucket) to add some more strength.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

I thought I read here on TBN that too much back-dragging can put stress on the FEL. Sort of like using a box-blade in reverse puts extra stress on the 3PH.

When I dump some dirt, I often back-drag it *lightly* as I back up, just to smooth it down a little. I try to tilt the bucket down slightly so the tips of the PTB are in contact. Hopefully that's okay.

I can't imagine back-dragging a long gravel driveway! Why not just use some kind of rear implement for that?

 

[mikeman1]

I actually have a rear blade and BB to take down large piles but i prefer the float for the last couple of shots, seems to come out smoother and doesnt dig in like the other implements do.

 

[JerryK]

I thought I read here on TBN that too much back-dragging can put stress on the FEL. Sort of like using a box-blade in reverse puts extra stress on the 3PH.

When I dump some dirt, I often back-drag it *lightly* as I back up, just to smooth it down a little. I try to tilt the bucket down slightly so the tips of the PTB are in contact. Hopefully that's okay.

I can't imagine back-dragging a long gravel driveway! Why not just use some kind of rear implement for that?

Actually works real good if you lay your bucket down flat, then tip up the front just a hair so it sits on the bucket rear edge. Put the FEL in float, then back up at a brisk pace. Does a real nice job of smoothing things out.