FEL float

tpaulson · Jan 24, 2003

I have a TC45D with a 17LA loader and last week when I was pushing snow, I noticed the FEL float would not stay engaged. It always popped out of float after about 5 seconds. It even pops out of float when the tractor is not moving. I thought maybe it was just cold, but even after using the tractor for 1hr the float still kicked out of float after about 5 sec.

Usually, the only time I use the float is when I am pushing snow and I am pretty sure it worked last winter.

Is there an adjustment somewhere?
The manual didn't say anything about an adjustment.

I had the tractor in for warranty work a couple of months ago. They replaced an out of spec transmission relief valve which involves removing the entire operating platform including the FEL control. I think maybe something on the FEL control didn't get put back on correctly.

Tim

Hoeman00 · Jan 24, 2003

Make sure u have clearance between handle and
guard or cover, it might not be fully detenting.

tc35dforme · Jan 25, 2003

You beat me Hoeman !!! I'd also look to see if the little detent holding ball and spring are clean and free to move. You should feel a positive 'lock-up' when you put the lever to float. On mine, you kinda have to pull it back to 'normal'. A couple of minutes with the shroud off and some spray cleaner then a good quality, non dust collection lube may do the trick.

Also check for water / ice. A drop of water frozen, makes for a pain sometimes.

jtn · Jan 27, 2003

Remove the rubber boot at the bottom of the handle and make sure all the eye bolts are tight. I had a similar problem and discovered loose hardware in the linkage.

JT

RSeymour · Feb 2, 2003

My TC29D will have the same problem from time to time but only at very cold outside temps (under 20 degrees). Generally the problem goes away after the hyd. system warms up. In warmer temps I've never had a problem.

Kent · Feb 4, 2003

Float and Joystick position

I have a TC40D/16LA (300 hrs), but now have a front-mounted NH snowblower mounted up front. The joystick has NEVER stayed in the float position, regardless of warmup or temp. It says down for a minute or two and then pops back. Grrr. Needless to say, it is really annoying to keep holding the joystick forward to keep it floating.

But a couple of days ago while snowblowing, I was getting the sense that even though the joystick pops out of the float position, that the loader/showblower is, in fact, still floating. As soon as you touch the joystick, though, it "locks up" and is then out of float (this is usually a very rude thing, making the snowblower dig in, raising the front wheels). I was doing some testing on my theory, but then ran out of snow to blow, so I gave up my test for now. I need more snow, I guess.

Call me crazy, but let me know if you find the same thing to be true. Then we can both go nuts together.

tpaulson · Mar 27, 2003

Well there hasn't been much snow this winter so I haven't used the tractor much.

But, per your suggestions I have checked the following:
1. There is plenty of clearance between the handle and guard/cover.
2. The little detent holding ball and spring are clean and free to move. I feel a positive 'lock-up' when putting it into float.
3. No water/ice in the found in the control mechanism. The tractor is stored inside at all times so that helps with water/ice problems.
4. All bolts are tight on the bottom of the handle.
5. When the lever 'pops out' of float it is truely not floating.
6. The problem is definately related to the outside temperature. When it is warm outside(above 40°) it locks into position and stays. When cold(below 20°) it will lock into float but 'pops' back out after a few seconds - even if the tractor isn't running. It doesn't seem to matter if the tractor and hydraulics are warm if the outside temp is still cold.

I think it may be related to the rubber boot. When cold the boot is much stiffer and is forcing the lever back to the center position.

Is there an adjustment to make the float lock - lock more sucurely?

TC18guy · Mar 31, 2003

My TC18 with 7106 loader has a similar problem. It slips out quite a bit, but does not matter what temp. I think its the jarring of the bucket that knocks mine out, but I've never really been too sure. It's pretty anoying. I'll be sure to check the suggestions posted so far.

Boomer33 · Jan 26, 2004

Tim: My 7308 will sometimes refuse to engage the "float" position. Holding it there seems to be fruitless. It seems that it only happens when the temps are 15 or lower. I believe someone addressed this problem in a thread dealing with F200 Hydraulic Oil as an alternative to NH134D. Try searching the archives for F200 and you might find the remedy to the problem. Let us know if you do!