Float feature- how do I know?

[WBWI]

I bought my L3130 used a few weeks ago from a private party. It has a factory FEL and aftermarket rear mounted snow blower. I've seen the term "float" several times in relation to the hydraulics and loader operation. The Kuboa info I've seen says the float feature is optional. How do I know if my tractor has that capability?

 

[lopezian]

On my L3400 the FEL float feature is accessed by throwing the FEL stick all the way up, as if you were trying to lower the FEL all the way. There is a perceptable 'thunk' as the stick drops into a detent. But you have to really throw the control stick all the way up, not just gently move it up.

If your tractor has the float feature then the FEL will drop to the ground without lifting the front end of the tractor up. This is quite different than if you were to simply put the FEL on the ground and keep pushing it down. When floating there is no hydraulic force being applied to the FEL.

 

[ovrszd]

You don't need the tractor running or a hydraulic implement attached. Simply put, a "float" valve is technically a 4 way valve, meaning it has 4 distinct positions.

1. Normal, spring loaded, static position is centered with no hydraulic action.

2. Moving the handle one direction, the handle will move against a spring until it reaches the end of it's stroke where it would cause a cylinder to extend or retract. This position is lost when you remove your hand from the handle at which time it will return to the original static position number 1.

3. Moving the handle the other direction it will come against a spring until it reaches resistance and stops moving where it would cause a cylinder to extend or retract. This position is lost when you remove your hand from the handle at which time it will return to the original static position number 1.

4. Moving the handle in the direction of position number 3 until it reaches resistance, then apply more pressure until the handle "detents" to a further position. This position is retained by the detent even after removing your hand from the handle. This position "floats" the attached cylinder, allowing fluid to freely flow back and forth. This position is used to allow a snow plow to ride over uneven ground or in the case of a loader bucket, you can back drag the bucket, smoothing uneven ground without lifting the front of the tractor or lifting the bucket off the ground because of changes in elevation. To get out of "float" position you simply return the lever to position number 3 and let go. The lever will rest in position number 1.

I'm guessing all marketed loader systems will have the "float" feature controller for the bucket lift circuit.

 

[WBWI]

Thanks for the information. I'll check it when I get home if the severe weather holds off! Big T-storms predicted in the midwest today.

 

[WBWI]

Checked my tractor controls last night and the "detent" was there just as described. Thanks again for the good information!

 

[mswlogo]

Am I correct to a assume a BX24 has the float option?

 

[kennyd]

Am I correct to a assume a BX24 has the float option?

Yes, it does.

 

[hill]

...and so does the B7800, for those who wonder but are afraid to ask.

 

[gerford]

I read that the bx23 has the float feature, but it doesn't seem to have the detent that will hold it in the "float" position. Does the bx23 have the detent? I have to hold the lever up to keep the blade in the float position on my bx23

 

[kennyd]

I have to hold the lever up to keep the blade in the float position on my bx23

Sounds like something wrong to me...

 

[LazyBoy]

My new to me B21 has that feature, but when I tried it the bucket just digs in just like it does in regular down position, and yes it was correctly in the float position. What could the problem be?

 

[kennyd]

My new to me B21 has that feature, but when I tried it the bucket just digs in just like it does in regular down position, and yes it was correctly in the float position. What could the problem be?

Sounds like the bucket was not level and the front edge is digging in.

 

[LazyBoy]

Sounds like the bucket was not level and the front edge is digging in.

Nope, I made sure it was slightly negative angle to prevent that.

 

[kennyd]

Nope, I made sure it was slightly negative angle to prevent that.

 

[TalonDancer]

Nope, I made sure it was slightly negative angle to prevent that.

My manual suggests that the float feature is meant for going foward on hard surfaces (e.g. concrete) or back dragging the bucket on any surface.

FWIW If I float my FEL and go forward on a soft surface (even with the front tip up a little) the bucket will produce enough drag (due to friction) to cause the tractor to raise the front wheels off the ground. Of course that increases the down force and causes the bucket to dig in.

Talon Dancer

 

[kennyd]

FWIW If I float my FEL and go forward on a soft surface (even with the front tip up a little) the bucket will produce enough drag (due to friction) to cause the tractor to raise the front wheels off the ground. Of course that increases the down force and causes the bucket to dig in.

Talon Dancer

Well said TD, great explanation.

 

[gerford]

After reading about the float detent that would hold the front blade or FEL in a floating position, I looked for that feature on my bx23. If my bx23 has the floating detent its clearly not working. The FEL will float, but only while I hold the control straight up. If I let go of the control. the FEL locks in its current location. I removed the FEL and cover for the hydraulics and it appears that the control is working its full range. I can feel the valve changing from "down" to "float", but it won't stay in the "float" position. It sounds like a trip to the dealer to get this handy feature working. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[tommu56]

gerford

Try this with the tractor off and blade on ground
push stick away from from you like lowering bucket till it stops. push harder does it lock in that position and not pop back toward you? that would the float position

tom

 

[Berniep]

It sounds like a trip to the dealer to get this handy feature working. Any suggestions? Thanks

This is a pretty comon problem, on the 23 anyway. Water gets into the springs and causes corrosion and ice and stuff. Several people have fixed this problem themselves. Take the plastic cover off the front of the controls and you will see a couple of cylinders coming off the bottom of the valve. If you unscrew these you can clean them out and lube them, maybe dril some hole to let condensation drain out
Here are a couple of links on the problem
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/77914-float-detent.html?highlight=float+detent

This one is on a 7610 but its the same problem.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/90904-bucket-float.html?highlight=float+detent

 

[gerford]

I'll look at freeing it up this morning. I didn't know the bx23 had a detent to hold it in the float position. I've had to hold it in float since I bought the tractor used and its always been that way. Bring on the snow now! Thanks for the great advice.