Grading Grading with bucket

[kennyd]

What "float" setting are you referring to using the loader? I know what float setting is when speaking of a 3 pt. hitch, just not with the FEL.

Tact, your FEL has a "FLOAT" detent, so that the FEL will basically just follow the ground, when it's engaged the FEL will move freely up and down.

To engage the float, you push the joystick forward, quickly and sharply and you will fell the joystick "SNAP" into the float detent and it will stay forward until you pull it back.

Practice with the bucket about 3' off the ground or you'll be lifting the tires off the ground till you get the hang of it

 

[texasjohn]

I buy and practice what BamaRob said.

Kennyd, I agree with your learning approach, except think that the bucket should be more like 2' 11" off the ground

 

[Rob-D]

OK, I'm guilty!

I back blade with FEL at a negative angle BUT the backhoe is on the machine which balances it better and takes a good portion of the load off the FEL.

The manual doesn't say anything about cylinders AND it doesn't caution about machine damage. The only reference is to the "bending the bucket cutting edge on a solid object".

It seems to me that if it was dangerous to the mechanicals of the machine then they would be very specific about saying so. Not that it's the best thing but I've pushed the FEL with no problems whatsoever. In fact it is the best way to scrape the barn with my 200CX loader.

I think we should get the scoop from a dealer who sees these things everyday.

 

[ttkeeler]

Hi all

Here's what I discovered the other day but I am a bit worried JD would not approve.

Prior to putting down a cement slab I needed to excavate 50 - 100mm from an area measuring 9 meters * 6 meters. I had thought about buying a box blade or grader blade but discovered that if I angle the loader bucket (so that loader bucket edge is a close to tractor as possible (obtuse angle)) and lift off front wheels (only just), I could take nice thin shaves off the ground while reversing the tractor. Almost a bit surgical like. The result was a very impressive flat surface almost ready for laying concrete... but the big question is..... Is this all to much for the loader bucket, hydraulics and assembly? Wot doya all think?

I back blade with my front bucket often but its not digging in, the bucket is usually pretty level with the ground, only smoothing out and filling in the low spots. It works well to smooth and flatten out the 3/4minus crushed rock on the driveway after dumping it from the bucket.

 

[BigD9]

I use a slightly different approach to back dragging my driveway. I tilt the bucket all the way up, then lower it using float, then back up the drive. This way the heal of the bucket does the dragging instead of the blade or edge. It works better at smoothing the loose gravel for me.

Pete
JD 2320, FEL MMM, Box Blade, and a borrowed 5 foot tiller that must weigh more than the tractor!

 

[BamaRob]

That's the technique I use also, BigD9. Works well for me, too.

Later,
BR