Float on 4010

[Anonymous Poster]

Spent the weekend getting the tractor ready for the MN winter. My owners manual refers to the float feature when using the fel. Based on what I have read, when in the float position, the bucket can "ride" along the ground. I noticed that the manual seems to be an "updated" version that was used for the 4100 tractor. Does the 4010 not have the float feature, or am I doing something wrong. When I put the bucket in what I think should be the float position, the bucket is down, but it still seems like there is downward pressure from the hydraulics.

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[hazmat]

Keep in mind that when in float gravity is pulling the loader down (all 400-500# of it) so it will have some "downforce"

Drive backwards over some rough ground with it in float. You should see it move up & down. Then you'll know if float is working.

I'd think you guys in MN would be getting ready for winter in August!/w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hazmat,

I'll give it a try--thanks.

We've got the cold in MN (already driving on some of the northern lakes), just no snow. It's been a relatively mild start to the winter.

 

[sleepyhollow]

Bob_In_MN,

I wondered about the exact same thing with my 4310 and 430 FEL. I ended up putting a couple gouges in my asphault driveway in float position because the bucket weighs so much.

With skid shoes or something equivalent to spread out contact surface area where the bucket touches the ground this problem could be mitigated.

I probably won't bother adding them this season because I use the snowblower attachment to clear snow. In the spring however I'd like to clear some remaining dirt from a dirtpile out of the driveway and you can bet I'll have something on by then. Happy tractoring!
Sleepyhollow

 

[Trev]

<font color=blue>When I put the bucket in what I think should be the float position, the bucket is down, but it still seems like there is downward pressure from the hydraulics.</font color=blue>

I don't know if this will help, but on my 4300 I just push the control all the way forward to engage float.

Try this on a surface you don't mind marking up.. just push the lever all the way forward and let go of it. Maybe you aren't pushing it hard enough? Give it a good shot, within reason. If you're in float, the bucket will just sit on the ground. If you're not, it will lift the front wheels of the tractor up off the ground.

Bob

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Bob,

My 4200 works like Trev's 4300. The one thing I'm not sure anyone has mentioned is that to get to the float position you need to push your SCV lever VERY QUICKLY forward with more than a little force. If you move it slowly it will lower the bucket as it should in the normal forward position. The 'trick' is to quickly force the lever past that point to engage the float position. It takes some practice to get the hang of it but it is a really neat feature. When you get it right you'll actually feel the lever going past a little 'snag' point to get to the float position.

Give it a few tries and you'll know what I mean. Just don't be afraid to hit that lever hard and fast. It's a Deere. You won't break it. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Gary and Trev,

Thanks for the advice. Sounds to me like I am not getting the control into the actual "float" postion. That's what I was referring to in my original post when I said it felt like the hydraulics were still working. I'll give it a try this weekend (never seem to get home from work early enough to do anything during the week.) They are predicting some snow and I want be ready when it comes.

Bob_In_MN

 

[jyoutz]

Bob, does your 4010 have the 410 loader? My 410 loader float operates exactly like Gary described it.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

jyoutz

Yes, I have the 410 loader. I sure I'm just not getting it in the float position--I'm going to try it this weekend. I'll check in if I have any problems.

Thanks

 

[Hoeman00]

When it is in float position the bucket
will still dump.
I use float then roll bucket to get the proper
attack angle for cutting edge.
The loader arms should go up and down w/
bucket and front tires on ground.