My solution for 3PT float on my GC1700

[npalen]

Nice mod utilizing the 3D printer!
It seems odd that the manufacturers wouldn't provide a float retainer of some sort considering how effective it is.

 

[Xfaxman]

When I saw this thread, I was a little confused because I had the idea that my 3-pt, on the GC2410, didn't have a down-pressure, just hydraulic lift. I kept quiet b/c perhaps I had missed something about my machine. I re-read the manual, which does not refer to a down-pressure, and then today, I went out to use the machine to move some fuel around and tried the 3-pt to apply down pressure and there is none.

So, to my thinking, the "float" is simply the weight of the attachment maintaining down pressure, with the hydraulics only able to provide up pressure. The attachment can float with the terrain... no?

Yes, that is correct.

Am I missing something?

No, you got it right and you can prove it when nothing is hooked onto the 3 point, you can reach down, grab the lift arm and raise it up.

 

[Dmacleo]

When I saw this thread, I was a little confused because I had the idea that my 3-pt, on the GC2410, didn't have a down-pressure, just hydraulic lift. I kept quiet b/c perhaps I had missed something about my machine. I re-read the manual, which does not refer to a down-pressure, and then today, I went out to use the machine to move some fuel around and tried the 3-pt to apply down pressure and there is none.

So, to my thinking, the "float" is simply the weight of the attachment maintaining down pressure, with the hydraulics only able to provide up pressure. The attachment can float with the terrain... no?

Am I missing something?

you are correct, in my case only 3pt float mode i use is with the mid mount mower.
BUT the lever can vibrate off float. if that happens when deck is lifted upwards a touch due to ground it won't float back down. very little difference in height, just an irritant.

 

[mgstevens]

Irv: No confusion here about the front joystick float. I was wondering how/why we would need a mod to maintain "float" on the 3-pt when there is no two-way pressure applied to the attachment by the hydraulics. My front end float works a charm (tractor only has 480hrs..) but I still don't understand the device this whole thread is based on. Why would we need a position holder for the 3-pt lever when any "floating" done by an attachment on the 3-pt is solely based on the weight of the attachment applying any down pressure?

 

[Xfaxman]

Irv: No confusion here about the front joystick float. I was wondering how/why we would need a mod to maintain "float" on the 3-pt when there is no two-way pressure applied to the attachment by the hydraulics. My front end float works a charm (tractor only has 480hrs..) but I still don't understand the device this whole thread is based on. Why would we need a position holder for the 3-pt lever when any "floating" done by an attachment on the 3-pt is solely based on the weight of the attachment applying any down pressure?

I felt the same - here is the reason from LS Tractor Owner in post # 26:

The small SCUTS have position control 3 point. The lever is spring loaded to "hold" the 3 point at its last setting. They don't have levers that allow "full down" or "full up" and the range in between. You have to hold the lever either up or down to the position that you want the 3 point to be at. It will " float up", but only from the last position that it was set at.

The little "holder" keeps the lever in the full down position so that the 3 point will go further down, allowing for full range of "float"

 

[mgstevens]

So, if I am understanding the idea: it is that the position "set" when the 3-pt lever is returned to detent is in fact a "bottom stop" position, meaning the attachment will not go below this height, regardless of changes in the terrain that would see the attachment drop lower to maintain contact, but it cannot because the set position of the three point prevents it. The attachment will "float" up, but not below the "set" position.

The 3-D printed mod lets the attachment parallel the terrain by never allowing a bottom stop to be set?

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

So, if I am understanding the idea: it is that the position "set" when the 3-pt lever is returned to detent is in fact a "bottom stop" position, meaning the attachment will not go below this height, regardless of changes in the terrain that would see the attachment drop lower to maintain contact, but it cannot because the set position of the three point prevents it. The attachment will "float" up, but not below the "set" position.

The 3-D printed mod lets the attachment parallel the terrain by never allowing a bottom stop to be set?

Yes. The mod " holds" the lever all the way down, allowing the implement to drop the full range that is mechanically permitted.

 

[mgstevens]

OK. Now that that makes sense: are there any potential downsides, say to the hydraulic system, by creating a defeat device?

Is our need for this ability on a SCUT due to a lesser-featured 3-pt system? Do larger tractors enjoy this ground float feature routinely? If this was not part of the design spec for this system, what effect will implementing a DIY solution out of design create beyond the desired effect?

I mean, being able to maintain steady ground contact seems to be an essential feature of many 3-pt tools. I think of my box blade. Why would they design a system that would make my box blade lose contact with the terrain and miss dips entirely? When we users want this ability?

Still having trouble with some of this. I agree the system, for example with my ballast box, works exactly as described. I bring it to a height and it stays there. Presumably it could rise if it scraped the ground, but does not go below where I set it.

Brings me right back to where I started this post: Great idea! What are the chances it messes something up while solving one other thing?

 

[Dmacleo]

OK. Now that that makes sense: are there any potential downsides, say to the hydraulic system, by creating a defeat device?

Is our need for this ability on a SCUT due to a lesser-featured 3-pt system? Do larger tractors enjoy this ground float feature routinely? If this was not part of the design spec for this system, what effect will implementing a DIY solution out of design create beyond the desired effect?

I mean, being able to maintain steady ground contact seems to be an essential feature of many 3-pt tools. I think of my box blade. Why would they design a system that would make my box blade lose contact with the terrain and miss dips entirely? When we users want this ability?

Still having trouble with some of this. I agree the system, for example with my ballast box, works exactly as described. I bring it to a height and it stays there. Presumably it could rise if it scraped the ground, but does not go below where I set it.

Brings me right back to where I started this post: Great idea! What are the chances it messes something up while solving one other thing?

how could it mess anything up? system is designed to stay in float BUT it doesn't especially on units with wear/tear on them.
all this does is hold the lever in a position its MEANT to be held in.
you're over thinking it.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Not sure if it would do any long term damage, probably not. You are not applying any pressure to go down, basically just releasing the fluid in the 3 point system. That is why the 3 point is ALWAYS the last item in the hydraulic loop, it drains directly to the tank.

yes, other tractors are different.... My LS 3025 has "1/4 inching" on the 3 point. My 3 point lever is not spring loaded... where you move the lever is where it stays. There are adjustable stops on the lever so you can set them and repeatedly raise and lower to the same heights. With the lever all the way down, the implement will drop (float) as far as it can.

The "mod" being talked about accomplishes the same thing as if I move the lever all the way down.