GC2300 - Got Float?

[thing181]

No plastic cover, just a rubber boot that is starting to deteriorate. I plan on removing the rubber boot tonight just to confirm there isn't anything interfering underneath it. Currently even if I hold the joystick forward manually it just lifts the front of the tractor. It never releases pressure..
Thanks for all the help!

 

[thing181]

Took the rubber boot off last night. No big surprises, everything seemed to be working just fine. I did find a nameplate on the control but it was a bit faded. I emailed the manufacturer and should have the whole story shortly. For those who are curious I have a Nimco Control. I believe it is model # 10151, but the label is faded really bad and that may not be the right number. I will post everything I find out from the manufacturer.

 

[thing181]

Response from Nimco:
Thanks for contacting Nimco Controls.
We manufacture the valve identified below for Massey-Ferguson, one of the AGCO group of companies.
Per our contract with them, all the service parts and technical support is provided through the AGCO dealer network.
Contact your local AGCO dealer and they should be able to help out.
There is a dealer locator on their website: AGCO Corporation
For reference, the AGCO part number is 71515688 for the Nimco 10151 assembly.
This assembly does include float on the boom spool (spool nearest pump inlet port); there is a “feel” position prior to float that you need to push past.



Sounds like my control is either broken or not hooked up correctly....

 

[MadReferee]

Typical response from a manufacturer who makes valves to a customers specs. Husco gives the same answer when anybody inquires about one of their loader valves used on Kubotas.

Sounds like my control is either broken or not hooked up correctly....

If the loader lifts and lowers correctly your valve and hoses are connected properly. The problem is probably in the valve's lift/lower spool. The repair will require some disassembly but maybe not a complete valve removal from the tractor.

 

[JerryG]

If float isn't used for an extended time, it can get gummed up, rusted etc. The part that causes the float is in the end cap on the opposite end of the valve from the joystick. If you can't push hard on the joystick so that it will engage, then the cap will need to be taken off and cleaned. Don't push so hard to break something, but give it reasonably good push.

 

[DMW]

I had a similar problem, losing the float at 10 hrs, and lifting the font of the tractor if I tried to use it. The dealer came out, removed the end cap off the lift spool, tightened up the end of the spool which had come loose. The bolt? on the end of the spool had loosened off and extended out so that the lever could not push the spool forward enough to engage the float. It was hitting on the the end of the cover.
My spool cover is held on by 2 4mm hex key bolts. A 7/32 will work, but can slip when tightening. Remove the 2 bolts, the cover will come free, be careful not to drop anything. Check inside the cap, you'll see a metal ring inside a groove, that's the detent. Make sure that it is intact and moves freely in the groove.Check the bolt? on the end of the spool to ensure that it is tight as well. 4mm again I think.
The bolts are on tight, a little penetrating will help.
I added a couple pictures showing the valve body and the end of the spool. You can see the paint chipped off the lift spool cover.
It also could just be dirt inside the cover stopping things from moving.
Get rid of any hydraulic pressure before doing any work!

 

[thing181]

Thanks for the help and advice everyone. I think the end cap may be the culprit here. I will inspect it as soon as I get home tonight.
I have only had the tractor a couple weeks, but from what I can tell the previous owner just used it to mow his yard. The backhoe bucket didn’t have a scratch on it until it was in my yard and the FEL doesn’t look like it has seen much use either. Maybe it is just from lack of use why the float is not working. Either way I will post my findings as they unravel...

 

[thing181]

I have float! Thanks to DMW and the others who responded I was able to find the problem with my FEL control and now my bucket actually floats. If it had not been for this forum I would have probably never thought the FEL could float.
The end cap was completely filled with junk and the spring was really corroded. Will probably have to replace the spring eventually, but after a good cleaning and greasing it seems to be working good enough for the time being.
Thanks again for all the help!!

 

[GaryS]

Very interesting discussion.

I own a MF1428v and this post was the first I heard of "float". Sure enough I found my FEL had float but I had no idea what float was. I played around with it a bit today and see how handy that would have been when I was putting in my yard this last spring. It's a good day when you learn something new.

 

[JerryG]

I have float! Thanks to DMW and the others who responded I was able to find the problem with my FEL control and now my bucket actually floats. If it had not been for this forum I would have probably never thought the FEL could float.
The end cap was completely filled with junk and the spring was really corroded. Will probably have to replace the spring eventually, but after a good cleaning and greasing it seems to be working good enough for the time being.
Thanks again for all the help!!

Get you a generic spring from the hardware. To get the right strength, you may have to stretch or cut it. I rewound one to fit. If you get the parts from Massey / AGCO you will have a heart attack from the price and Nimco won't even talk to you about parts. Hopefully you won't need any other parts. I know that mine looked almost as bad as yours and it cleaned up pretty well. I put Mobil One synthetic grease on everything under the cap to prevent it from happing again.