Front end loader Float?

[BufordBoone]

I read a lot about "set it in float". I assume that means the loader will rise and fall with the pressure of the ground it is in contact with. Is that correct?

If so, HOW do you set it that way?

I have a Kubota L5740 with an LA854 Loader. The manual says "Move the lever to the "float" position and it will be held there by the detent mechanism". The diagram shows "Float" to be all the way forward.

I've read the manual and, it appears, that float will allow you to set the bucket down and move forward without digging into the ground. I've had no success trying that.

Is it possible that my setup is not correct and I don't have "float"?

What type of test would you conduct to determine if your system has "float"?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[cat fever]

On mine, I just push the joystick forward (beyond normally lowering the loader) until it clicks and holds in place.

 

[rd_macgregor]

I don't know if all tractors behave this way, but on my Kioti DK45 (with the 451 loader), if the loader bucket is aimed down, even in float it will still dig in. I seldom use float mode... most often for smoothing in reverse (gentle backdragging).

 

[mcfarmall]

The lip of your bucket has to be pointed up slightly above horizontal or it will dig in regardless of whether the loader is in float or not. Uneven terrain can cause digging in while in float also. You may have push pretty hard forward on that joystick to get it to pop into detent. My FIL's loader on the JD 3038E requires a fair amount of force to get into the detent.

You might need to just push harder.

 

[RjCorazza]

Your 5740 indeed has a float position activated as cat fever describes. Floating the bucket in dirt will require precise leveling of the cutting edge otherwise the bucket will either dig in, or ride up. I keep the loader out of float mode when leveling or moving dirt. Back dragging to smooth out and area is a good time to float the bucket. On the rare occasion I use the bucket for snow plowing, I do float the loader with the bucket slightly angled down to scrape snow down to the pavement.

 

[TheMadOne]

Even in float the loader takes time to adjust, speed isn't your friend, at least when plowing snow, as you'll either ride up until you loose steering or dig in and make a hole as the ground changes.

 

[LD1]

Don't use float going forward unless the bucket is rolled back some.

Float will indeed float the hydraulics, but no guarantee the loader will actually float. What I mean by that is the tractor is trying to drive up over the loader. That results in alot of downward pressure.

It's all in the geometry of the loader. And as you raise, the loader is moving away from the tractor. Driving forward tries to push the loader back into the tractor, and as a result, it goes downward and digs deeper.

I assume the issue you are actually experiencing ends with the front wheels in the air and the loader bottomed all the way out.

 

[Texasmark]

Heavy FEL and soft ground basically useless. If scooping poop up off concrete to clean out your barn, priceless. As stated if you have the float function, it's all the way forward on your joy stick and when you get there your loader will just drift down till it hits the ground and stop.

 

[FatTire]

I was trying to think if I've ever successfully used float mode for anything other than backdragging/smoothing in reverse. Nope.

 

[Thomas]

never had much luck using float forward,but backwards very seldom need a rake.

 

[nybirdman]

I have the same 854 Loader;you need to get the stick in the neutral position and push forward sharply to engage float.Only time I use it is for back dragging;about useless going forward.

 

[sriddle1]

I read a lot about "set it in float". I assume that means the loader will rise and fall with the pressure of the ground it is in contact with. Is that correct?

If so, HOW do you set it that way?

BufordBoone, I have an older John Deere 790CUT with a front end loader control valve "Float" position. Move the joystick (pushing it forward) to lower the FEL then push the joystick to right where it will lock into position. I only use it when pushing my Front Mount Snowblower that rides on skids or with a Ratchet Rake attached to the FEL and dragging it backwards, works like a charm, just the weight of the bucket, rides the surface with no hydraulic pressures.

 

[TripleR]

I have the same tractor and the others pretty much summered it up; go forward with loader control until you meet resistance, then pop past that. I mostly use in reverse or as other on hard surfaces in snow. The key on ground is a hard surface and the angle of the bucket.

 

[AxleHub]

I don't have a knots, I have a Sub-Compact Massey. And the 1st 9 months of ownership I had trouble getting float to work even once. Now I use it very often for plowing forward and I use it often for back dragging and forward smoothing. I discovered 2 secrets to get to this point.

1. When a manual says to either get to the datent, it typically always means snapping it over the stop. Pushing isn't the description. . . It's quickly snapping it that engages it.

2. Float mode is all about raise and lower. Think of it as a lack of raise lower control by the operator. But a fel also has curl up and down mode and this is not effected or controlled by float mode. So if your bucket or blade is not tilted properly. . You can tilt/curl adjust while moving or standing still while still staying in float mode. But I have not seen a manual yet that tells you this. But doing this is not in any way harmful because it's just gravity control on vertical movement and it takes the guessing out of using the float mode, both for forward and reverse use. Using tiltxcurl while in float mode greatly increased float mode use and benefit.

Again, I assume many/most tractors have these same capabilities. . But mine is a sub compact Massey.

 

[BufordBoone]

I ask the question at 6:42. Get the right answer at 6:45. Then get lots more support.

I've not answered as I went to the farm and you all are right. I never knew I had to push it further forward.

Thanks to all of you. Now I'll spend some time working with it to see if it improves my back dragging.

 

[MossRoad]

I ask the question at 6:42. Get the right answer at 6:45. Then get lots more support.

I've not answered as I went to the farm and you all are right. I never knew I had to push it further forward.

Thanks to all of you. Now I'll spend some time working with it to see if it improves my back dragging.

I spent more time in line at the grocery store today.... :laughing:

I use my bucket in float to move large piles of leaves across the lawn. I just curl the bucket back an inch past level, push the stick all the way forward past the detent to put it in float, and slowly drive forward. The bucket floats on the bottom skids and slides across the grass, pushing most of the leaves along.

I also use float with my snowplow.... you may not have a need for that down there.... :laughing:

 

[rd_macgregor]

I spent more time in line at the grocery store today.... :laughing:

I use my bucket in float to move large piles of leaves across the lawn. I just curl the bucket back an inch past level, push the stick all the way forward past the detent to put it in float, and slowly drive forward. The bucket floats on the bottom skids and slides across the grass, pushing most of the leaves along.

Believe me, the first time you do that leaf-pushing job and forget to angle the bucket up, you will hear about it from somebody who cares about the appearance of your lawn.

 

[RjCorazza]

Believe me, the first time you do that leaf-pushing job and forget to angle the bucket up, you will hear about it from somebody who cares about the appearance of your lawn.

No doubt, but since we're talking about grass.... I bought a set of clamp on edge tamers that do a fantastic job of keeping the loader edge out of the gravel, grass, or dirt. I highly recommend them!

 

[MossRoad]

Believe me, the first time you do that leaf-pushing job and forget to angle the bucket up, you will hear about it from somebody who cares about the appearance of your lawn.

Been doing it since 2002.... only a few chuckholes so far.

 

[Semper Paratus]

Ok guys. I have a 99 New Holland 3930 MFWD with a quickie 310 loader and utility bucket. First does the 310 have a float position in the controls? Second is there a float position for the 3PH and if there is how do you set it? Bought the beast used with virtually no documentation.