Loader John Deere 300x

[491ton]

Hi, I have a question, Is there any way to lock out the float feature? on a 300x jd? Thanks.

 

[RoyJackson]

No way that I know of...just don't push the stick past the detents.

 

[dieselcrawler]

On mine the detent is noticeable enough that I rarely go into float unintended.

 

[Xfaxman]

Hi, I have a question, Is there any way to lock out the float feature? on a 300x jd? Thanks.

Why do you want to lock it out?

 

[491ton]

When digging the uprights have to swing back to the stop before you can put any power to it. Any help is appreciated, As I said I'm a newbe

 

[4570Man]

I'm confused. What does digging the uprights mean? Float is a pretty useful feature. I would hate to lock it out.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'm confused. What does digging the uprights mean? Float is a pretty useful feature. I would hate to lock it out.

I think he's writing about the loader masts (uprights the bolted on mounts on the tractor). They'd have to be mighty loose to interfere with the loader functions.

 

[Xfaxman]

When digging the uprights have to swing back to the stop before you can put any power to it. Any help is appreciated, As I said I'm a newbe

Are you digging with a bucket on the front end loader?

Pictures would help us understand what you are talking about.

 

[491ton]

I mean when digging, The upright mounting frame has to spring back to the stop before it starts digging and you can apply power.

 

[RaydaKub]

I mean when digging, The upright mounting frame has to spring back to the stop before it starts digging and you can apply power.

I'm with the rest of the guys. Give us a picture. The words you've put together here are very confusing.

 

[4570Man]

A video would be helpful. I have used a 200X John deer loader and I wasn't impressed. It didn't seem to work right. It didn't seem to hold down pressure when trying to backdrag. It acted like it was in float. Also the tractor it was on only produced 2.5 GPM and it was painfully slow.

 

[Xfaxman]

I mean when digging, The upright mounting frame has to spring back to the stop before it starts digging and you can apply power.

Digging with what?

I don't know what a JD 300x is, so I did an image search. Is this what you have?

 

[491ton]

I am talking about the loader masts,Are they supposed to rock backwards and forwards as you are using the loader for digging or pushing.

 

[491ton]

Yes, the masts, That has the 300x decal on them rock back and forth when using, I guess there supposed to.

 

[Oldtink]

MAYBE the parking latch cap screw needs adjusted. Located at the top of each mast is an assembly that limits the mast movement. It does need adjustment from time to time.
Raise the front wheels off the ground with the loader bucket or lift arms and look at the gap between the head of the cap screw and the pad on the mast. You want the cap screw to JUST touch the mast pad but still allows it to freely rotate Check both masts.

 

[RoyJackson]

I am talking about the loader masts,Are they supposed to rock backwards and forwards as you are using the loader for digging or pushing.

Yes, the masts, That has the 300x decal on them rock back and forth when using, I guess there supposed to.

I've had 4 Deere tractors since 1999. All had loaders and all the masts moved to a degree. I believe the 300x loader has bolts at the top of the masts that you can tighten against the masts to tighten them up. I know the 400x loader does (that's what is on my 4520). Mine takes a 15/16th's wrench...I expect yours may too.

Oldtink's picture shows the bolts I'm referring to...

 

[491ton]

I'll check them, But my loader with bucket won't lift the front wheels. By the time the masts rock back I think i'm at the end of the cylinder travel

 

[RoyJackson]

I'll check them, But my loader with bucket won't lift the front wheels. By the time the masts rock back I think i'm at the end of the cylinder travel

Are you using the bucket dump to lift the front end? Put the loader bucket flat on the ground, then use the dump function. That should easily lift your 3520's front end.
If it doesn't and your masts are moving that much, I don't think your loader was installed properly. Could be a number of things...mounting brackets not installed properly, or the bolts hold the brackets to the tractor are loose...that would be the first thing I'd look at. It would be easier to check this if you can remove your loader.
There could be other issues...have you had this tractor since new? Do you have the manuals that go with the tractor and loader? If you don't have the loader manual, here's a link to the online manual: OMW54458

BTW, also ensure the locks are tight...these are described in the manual I linked to and are shown in the picture Oldtink posted.

 

[491ton]

Roy, I'll try lifting with the bucket flat. And see if that will lift the tractor. Thanks for all the help

 

[RoyJackson]

Roy, I'll try lifting with the bucket flat. And see if that will lift the tractor. Thanks for all the help

Once the bucket is on the ground, use the bucket dump.
But, before you do this, do check those mounts and all other hardware. If your masts are moving as much as you describe, the loader attachment bolts may be loose. It could even come off the tractor.