Snow Equipment Owning/Operating First time using Float position

[topstoy]

I have a JD 2520 CUT that I just put on a Snow plow attachment on the FEL (CX200). I am suppose to keep the implement level and use float. I am finding that in the float position if I lightly snag anything or try to plow over loose gravel that the blade will stop and the front tires will lift way off the ground. if I stop, I will eventually drift back to ground with the tires but very slow. The question is, being that I had never used the float feature, is this typical with new and as the more I use it the less powerful it will be? At this point it really isn't floating. After an hour or so it did seem to be a bit better but when I went up a slight grade my front end would lift again and I would have to back up to lower. Almost a bind that I am getting in where the float won't protect me. I just spent 2,000 on this new attachment and at this point I hate it and did a better job using my bucket and dumping frequently. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Parkanzky]

I have a JD 2032R and used it to clear a couple inches of slush off the drive yesterday and then used the front-mount snowblower to clear the drive this afternoon. I used float in both situations and mine doesn't act like that at all. If I lower the bucket until it is lifting the front tires off the ground and then kick it into float, the tractor will drop down onto the tires in a second or so. If I drive in float, even at full-speed in low range into the steep part of our drive, the bucket will follow the contours of the drive with no problem.

If yours isn't acting like that, there's probably a restriction in the valve or some other issue.

 

[s219]

Doesn't the plow have a trip mechanism??? Be sure it is unlocked and allowed to trip. The plow should trip forward when encountering obstacles, to avoid exactly the situation you describe. Some plows give the option to lock the trip for use when grading soft dirt, but you don't want it locked for plowing snow.

 

[s219]

BTW, Re: using a front bucket: float or not, if you angle a front bucket so that the edge digs in, it can certainly stop the tractor and lift the front wheels. The trick to using a front bucket with float is to curl to keep that front cutting edge off the ground slightly, letting the heel of the bucket ride on the ground. There is no such option with a snow plow other than setting the skid shoes real high and hoping for the best, which is why a trip mechanism is so critical.

 

[topstoy]

Doesn't the plow have a trip mechanism??? Be sure it is unlocked and allowed to trip. The plow should trip forward when encountering obstacles, to avoid exactly the situation you describe. Some plows give the option to lock the trip for use when grading soft dirt, but you don't want it locked for plowing snow.

Yes I have it unlocked and actually hung up one time and the blade pivoted all the way forward, as it should. Big springs on it stretched out all the way. But this float thing just doesn't seem right. I will plow again in the morning and see if it loosens up some. Thanks for the reply!

 

[topstoy]

I have a JD 2032R and used it to clear a couple inches of slush off the drive yesterday and then used the front-mount snowblower to clear the drive this afternoon. I used float in both situations and mine doesn't act like that at all. If I lower the bucket until it is lifting the front tires off the ground and then kick it into float, the tractor will drop down onto the tires in a second or so. If I drive in float, even at full-speed in low range into the steep part of our drive, the bucket will follow the contours of the drive with no problem.

If yours isn't acting like that, there's probably a restriction in the valve or some other issue.

That's kind of what I was thinking!

 

[s219]

Yes I have it unlocked and actually hung up one time and the blade pivoted all the way forward, as it should. Big springs on it stretched out all the way. But this float thing just doesn't seem right. I will plow again in the morning and see if it loosens up some. Thanks for the reply!

I guess the only other thing I can suggest is to make sure the loader curl angle is set right. If set too far back, I can see how that would make things worse. Good luck!

 

[tcreeley]

My plow does that. I get around it by tipping the plow forward. Then plow slides over the ground more than it wants to hook on something. I don't bother with my float. I scrape the ground clean this way.

 

[topstoy]

I will try some different angles in the morning. Thanks Guys!

 

[Notforhire]

I had a similar experience with rigid mounted snow plows using float. For that reason I prefer the plow to be suspended by a chain, like it is when mounted on a truck. You adjust the loader arms until you have the angle you want, and leave slack in the chain. The plow is free to follow the contour of the ground.
Here is a friends plow rig under construction. When completed the chain was hung on hooks at the top of the SS attachment plate.