4720 SCV Float mode?

Karl2 · Nov 25, 2008

Hi, new guy here

A month ago I purchased a 2005 4720 with 600 hours for snow removal purposes, used it to this effect for the first time today. I have a question about the float mode, the manual says that pushing the SCV full forward will engage float mode however when I do that the bucket maintains pressure against the ground, I mean it's straining to lift the front wheels off the ground. Now that don't feel like no float mode to me, and I have to inch down the bucket and keep adjusting height as I move along which is impractical to put it mildly, slows work down to a crawl. Am I doing something wrong or could there be a problem with hydraulics?

kennyd · Nov 25, 2008

Welcome to TBN

Getting the SCV into float mode takes a little practice...Here is how to do it:

Start with the bucket at about 4' off the ground to prevent wheelies, then with a sharp-fast-and hard motion push the joystick forward and it should "snap" into the float detent and remain there. The first few times you try it you will probably not push it hard enough for fear of breaking it but fear not-it will go. To release the float just pull back the stick slightly and all will be normal.

After a little practice it becomes second nature and you can do it with the bucket on the ground.

GoodGuy · Nov 25, 2008

When you push forward you need to snap it hard to get past the detent. Once you do this the first time you'll see how easy it is. Everything should be good.

RogerH · Nov 25, 2008

To engage float you have to move the valve spool past a catch (called a "detent" in hydraulics terminology) at the end of the loader lower spool movement. To do this, push the joystick forward to lower the loader to the ground, then give the joystick a quick hard snap further forward. It should then stick in that position by itself until you pull it back. You will then be in float mode.

You can practice this with the tractor off and the loader on the ground to get the feel of it.

Karl2 · Nov 25, 2008

Wow, talk about fast service!

Really appreciate the tips, gonna practice "floats" tomorrow first thing. I suspected I was doing something wrong, or that maybe I had inadvertently engaged some little-known locking feature that prevented float. It's my first JD

And thanks for the warm welcome!

JB4310 · Nov 25, 2008

Karl,
The float question comes up a few times a year, very common.
The trick is like kenny said have the bucket up off the ground (unless your practicing with the engine off like Roger mentioned) cause as you found out with the bucket on the ground while your passing the forward motion on the stick your pushing down the bucket and raising the front, then if you do get it in float the front end comes crashing down hard which might further discourage beginners.

I've found the only use for float is snow removal, which is a big part of what I do with my tractor and I use it constantly during that task.

The first time I used my tractor in the snow I had a terrible time as I to didn't know how to use the float feature, dug up mounds of gravel and grass.

Good luck and Welcome, JB.

jgrreed · Nov 26, 2008

Does the 3rd SCV have a float detent as well??

-J.

kennyd · Nov 26, 2008

jgrreed said:
Does the 3rd SCV have a float detent as well??

-J.

No, it does not...

Spudland_Dave · Nov 26, 2008

jgrreed said:
Does the 3rd SCV have a float detent as well??

Kenny, Yes the 3rd SCV Does have a float, I know I use it often with my HTL...

I was also gonna mention to Karl...I see you have a cab model, IF you find you cant get your loader into the Float Mode, check the cables, they need to be adjusted properly....
Same goes for the 3rd SCV, in the instructions (at least on the cab models) it clearly stated how to adjust the cable & lever so the 3rd scv would hit the Float Detent...

This has been discussed many times in other threads dealing with Blending of the loader functions, the general consensus is that the Cab models have a Valve Bank which has blending/float on the 3rd scv, etc...Karl, I suspect your cables might not be adjusted, my cabbed machine and another one I've used go into float mode very easily...nothing like what was described.