Does my Mahindra 2538 have float function?

[CoachEarl]

I have searched and cannot find an answer to my particular tractor. I have the FEL and controller from the factory. No extra bells and whistles. Do I have float function? Thanks in advance!

 

[RNeumann]

Most floats are for raise/lower only. The feature typically involves pushing the joystick forward until it stops. But after the stop,with some extra force, it will lock forward giving it the float feature-the joystick goes into a detent.

I’m not sure if the 2538 has this. But it would only take a few seconds to try it. The machine doesn’t have to be on.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Don't all 3PH's have some built-in "float"? IOW even if you have the implement raised to a certain height, a couple of strongmen can manually lift the implement another couple of inches? I read this was to protect the 3PH from damage when you hit a rock or some such thing. Allows the implement to bounce up a little. Power up, gravity down, it makes sense.

I read if you get hydraulic links, float is optional. But would you still have that built-in float?

Seems this is one of those topics that continues to cause a wee bit of confusion, maybe because different models have different designs.

 

[RNeumann]

Don't all 3PH's have some built-in "float"? IOW even if you have the implement raised to a certain height, a couple of strongmen can manually lift the implement another couple of inches? I read this was to protect the 3PH from damage when you hit a rock or some such thing. Allows the implement to bounce up a little. Power up, gravity down, it makes sense.

I read if you get hydraulic links, float is optional. But would you still have that built-in float?

Seems this is one of those topics that continues to cause a wee bit of confusion, maybe because different models have different designs.

I think the OP is talking FEL instead of the 3pt.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Don't all 3PH's have some built-in "float"? IOW even if you have the implement raised to a certain height, a couple of strongmen can manually lift the implement another couple of inches? I read this was to protect the 3PH from damage when you hit a rock or some such thing. Allows the implement to bounce up a little. Power up, gravity down, it makes sense.

I read if you get hydraulic links, float is optional. But would you still have that built-in float?

Seems this is one of those topics that continues to cause a wee bit of confusion, maybe because different models have different designs.

For the most part, (99%) of all 3pt hitches will ALWAYS float up. Position control sets how far down from the upper lift limits the hitch lowers.

When top & tilt cylinders are talked about with float, that is pertaining to each cylinder's control valve having or not having the float feature. This does not affect the 3pt hitch capacity to always float up from the 3pt hitch setting at all. The float feature simply allows for the individual links to move independently of each other.

Depending on what exactly the task at hand is if this is beneficial or not. But it is ALWAYS nice to be able to have the capability if the need arises. :thumbsup:

 

[duffer]

Yes you do, and it works great. However, the float function only affects the vertical movement of the FEL. It does NOT affect the tilt of the bucket. You still have to set that as you go, but the leveling guide (on the right hand side of the super-structure arm) helps me a lot to get the "angle of the dangle" the way I want it. After you use it several times, you'll get the feel for how far the bucket adjustment can go, based on the load on the engine, and the spinning of your tires if angled too far downward.

To engage the float function, push up on the FEL stick, and then push it again. When implemented it should be at a 50-60* angle, facing upward.

 

[Navasot]

All their loader will come with float

 

[CoachEarl]

Float function works beautifully. Finally got to my tractor this weekend. Covered a large trench and back drug it.

 

[mikeman1]

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

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Works very well for leveling, or any time you need to follow the ground. Assume all SCUTS and CUTS have this?

 

[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.