Bobcat CT 235 FEL in Float Position

[Fred Barbour]

I have read a number of threads where folks are happy with using their FEL in the float position for clearing snow. My Owners manual says, and I quote, Note: "Only use the float position when operating the compact tractor in the reverse travel direction" (Bobcat CT 235, Operation & Maintenance Manual page: OI-21)

This is confusing, does anyone know why the manual would say this? Will driving forward do some kind of damage?

Fred

 

[Scrambler82]

"Only use the float position when operating the compact tractor in the reverse travel direction" (Bobcat CT 235, Operation & Maintenance Manual page: OI-21)

Fred

I do not own a Bob Cat Tractor but have been thinking about them; I do own a CCYanmar 2450 and from my experience, the frt bucket will fold up if it hits s bump or a lump of ice that does not come up.
In turn all of the force from the forward motion of the tractor will be applied against the mounting.

IMHO...

 

[rus_geek]

When in float going forward, if the bucket stops, you're going to pick up the front end of the tractor. Do it going fast enough and you're going to bend/break something. As long as you're working at a reasonable rate (not the-wife-is-going-to-be-late-for-work-gotta-finish-plowing-NOW rate) of speed, you should be fine. As with most things the owner's manual tells you not to do, YMMV.

-rus-

 

[VictorW]

As rus-geek advised, your speed when pushing the snow is important. I use the fel to push snow, when the rear blade doesn't fit spots, and I leave it in float to follow my cement driveway. Going slow is the key. If you hit something with the cutting edge while going to fast, you'll know it and all that force is put into the fel mounts and the front will rise. The bucket will work fairly well but I wouldn't use for the main snow pushing. A back blade works good but you end up looking and going backwards sometime. I found a Myers snow blade from a Jeep, 6.5 foot, that I need to make fel mounts for and it has the trip spring setup. If your looking for a front blade set up, Michigan Iron & Equipment: Kioti Dealer makes their own and can ship. They have fel mounted or frame mounted.