Float on BX

[dodge man]

I was clearing snow from my driveway this weekend and discovered something. This is probably something an experienced user knows but I didn't, you don't have to hold the FEL lever forward to keep it in float. It will stay there without you having to push it forward. I assume its suppose to be that way. When your zipping up and down the driveway trying to scrape that last little bit of snow off, its kind of nice since you don't have to hold your hand up the entire time.

 

[KeithInSpace]

That's affirmative.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

For those that don't know it has to be pushed all the way into the float detent. If it's not floating, you don't have it pushed in all the way. I had one that was so stiff to get it in float that I thought it didn't have it. It's useful also when back dragging doing ground work, leveling.

 

[nh DRAGON]

Ahh yes, Back dragging. That is actually its main purpose. This is why they put it on bulldozers! I only use the float in forward if I am scraping ice or another hard surface.

 

[oldballs]

It is great to have this source for learning. Thanks to the Site and the Participants. Now, it's suppose to snow again tonight and I'll check that float position on my BX2660...it's just straight up top dead center isn't it? I'll try that test you suggested.

 

[redharley]

Once you get use to the position sometime's it will remind you how useful it is when you go over something and it bounce's out of float and the next thing you know there in front of you is a blade full of gravel.

 

[Chilly807]

Yes, straight through the "lower" position.. sometimes takes a little "snap" to get it in there. Mine stays in float most times, but if I hit a bump it'll drop back. I usually keep a hand on it to be sure.

Chilly

 

[timswi]

Yup, I just discovered the float on mine this past summer after 5 years...Guess that's what I get for skipping the "operating" section of the manual.

 

[Paul Wise]

OK, not to sound like a total newb, but what does the float do? What is it's purpose?

 

[TripleR]

OK, not to sound like a total newb, but what does the float do? What is it's purpose?

It essentially deactivates the hydraulic pressure letting the FEL bucket to "float" over the surface with the only downward pressure being the weight of the FEL arms and bucket or blade. I use mine quite a bit leveling rock and dirt.

You can still use the curl while in float.

 

[fish6942]

There is also a special function on the curl if you move the stick way to the right. Not sure if it's a float or regenerative function as I never use it. The stick does not lock in this position.

 

[oldballs]

It essentially deactivates the hydraulic pressure letting the FEL bucket to "float" over the surface with the only downward pressure being the weight of the FEL arms and bucket or blade. I use mine quite a bit leveling rock and dirt.

You can still use the curl while in float.

Okay,.....what's "the curl" ? Another....Newbie...on line....geeze!

 

[TripleR]

Okay,.....what's "the curl" ? Another....Newbie...on line....geeze!

When you rotate your bucket only, like to load or dump it; at least that is the term I use.

 

[C6rider]

Yep, think of curl like you were lifting weights. Not curling like they do in Canada.

 

[tshep]

OK - back to float....

BX23

I too had a problem this week while clearing snow - I had read of this and tried it a few times with no success - but it sounded very useful. Being new to this, I only tried about the same 'push' that had activated curl and lift - just tried for more shaft distance or a space for it to fit into - like an old manual shifter.

Is there a trick, or just how much extra force (2x,3x), any kind of detent to the shaft (up, down, twist)? How would one confirm a failure rather an operator problem?

THX

 

[TripleR]

OK - back to float....

BX23

I too had a problem this week while clearing snow - I had read of this and tried it a few times with no success - but it sounded very useful. Being new to this, I only tried about the same 'push' that had activated curl and lift - just tried for more shaft distance or a space for it to fit into - like an old manual shifter.

Is there a trick, or just how much extra force (2x,3x), any kind of detent to the shaft (up, down, twist)? How would one confirm a failure rather an operator problem?

THX

On the BX, the float position is all the way forward, but works the same as in this You Tube video. There will be some resistance, but not a great deal, I usually just "snap" it into place.

YouTube - How to Float your Kubota's Front End Loader

YouTube - How to Clear Snow with your Kubota Front End Loader

 

[EE_Bota]

Sometimes I need to know for sure I am in float, so I push forward on the lever until it the loader starts to lift up on the tractor a bit and then immediately push more forward making sure it drops the tractor back down again. Then I know I am in float, which essentially means that the tractor will not be trying to gouge my concrete.

I really appreciate the link about clearing snow with a loader. I am always looking for ways to do things better, smoother, easier, and sometimes quicker even matters to me.

 

[Chilly807]

OK - back to float....

BX23

I too had a problem this week while clearing snow - I had read of this and tried it a few times with no success - but it sounded very useful. Being new to this, I only tried about the same 'push' that had activated curl and lift - just tried for more shaft distance or a space for it to fit into - like an old manual shifter.

Is there a trick, or just how much extra force (2x,3x), any kind of detent to the shaft (up, down, twist)? How would one confirm a failure rather an operator problem?

THX

I don't know if the BX23 has the same valve the 3400 does. If it does, you push the lever straight forward until it's almost starting to lower the loader arms and pick the tractor front end off the ground, then quickly give it a shove further. It'll pass through the "lower" position and through the detent and stay in the full forward position.

If you're unsure and don't want to bounce the tractor up and down trying, simply shut it off. I think the valve will still go into float mode whether you have hydraulic pressure or not. Instead of having that "spring centered" feeling it'll feel more solid forward, but will still have spring resistance left and right for bucket curl. Any back or downward pull will pull it back through the detent and it'll snap back into the center.

I have heard of the float mode not working because of not being used for a long time, but rarely.

Chilly

 

[TripleR]

Sometimes I need to know for sure I am in float, so I push forward on the lever until it the loader starts to lift up on the tractor a bit and then immediately push more forward making sure it drops the tractor back down again. Then I know I am in float, which essentially means that the tractor will not be trying to gouge my concrete.

I really appreciate the link about clearing snow with a loader. I am always looking for ways to do things better, smoother, easier, and sometimes quicker even matters to me.

I have begun to engage float by lowering my FEL until just before it touches down and put it in float to let it drop so I know it has engaged; got that from another member, but your method would work as well.

I have float on my CX80 and have used a FEL for years, but I am still learning and always looking for tips.

I am still perfecting my skills with snow removal and have quite a way to go.

 

[bp fick]

Yup, I just discovered the float on mine this past summer after 5 years...Guess that's what I get for skipping the "operating" section of the manual.

I am glad everyone is getting familiar with the float feature. It does give me pause to wonder why the dealer did not familiarize buyers about these features. When I took delivery of my BX, the delivery guy spent a ton of time going over everything again. He didn't just rely on my having remembered everything from the showroom explanation. He even had a check list, as I recall, on which he had me sign saying I was satisfied with his orientation instruction.

I was so sick the day of delivery. I was bloated and facing surgery, running a fever and all. Still, I think he did such a good job, I remembered everything, even following the surgery and anesthesia.

Frankly, I considered this very deliberate orientation a sign of a good dealer.