Tractor Lifting Up in Float Mode

[stalion]

Since I was enlightened to bucket "float mode" on this forum, I experimented after an ice storm and it worked perfect at scraping the icy crust off my blacktop driveway. In my second try today I went out to tackle 6 inches of snow on top and slush on the bottom.

Float mode worked perfect again - but when I got a considerable slab of this stuff pushing off the driveway I noticed the tractor climbing into the air as if the joystick kicked out of float (and the hydraulics engaged to push the bucket down). But thinking about it I believe the tractor was just straining against the weight of the slab and took the path of least resistance.

I just pulled back on the joystick to lower the tractor, backed up and continued to push with the bucket a couple of inches off the ground (not in float mode). Then I backed up and returned to float mode to get the remainder of the snow/slush mix. Is tractor riding up over the bucket when in float mode a common occurence?

 

[Birdman]

Yes I would say it is common. I do it all the time when I am scooping up gravel from my gravel bar. Adding some weight to the front end should help some.

 

[kennyd]

This is normal when there is a large load in front of the bucket.

 

[jeepinator]

Can someone please direct me to the float mode thread? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[ronjhall]

Here is one thread. Click Here
Another. Click Here

 

[slowzuki]

This is normal when you get a load in the bucket. It can happen with an empty bucket too with the right angle. If you look where the arms of the loader attach you can see the tractor will try to drive under the loader when in float. Popping out of float is one way to stop it, another is to play with the bucket angle.

When it climbs, the cutting edge of the bucket gets angled steeper into the ground and will try to cut deeper, making the climb worse. Flatten it out and you can sometimes bring the front end down again.

Ken

 

[JasonMac]

your front end of the tractor will climb if you have too much of an angle when you are engaged in float mode. Float is meant to be bucket level on the flat surface of the ground.. when peeling snow etc... it only needs a little bit of angle to do the job, and keep the snow peeling without lifting the tractor.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

When scraping I generally do not use float mode. I float it to get close, bet then center it back. It takes some practice feathering the joystick, but it can be much more consistent once mastered.

 

[Jrrcorp]

Float mode on a JD is not exactly what is says.... your tractor can't float! Take the case of a newbie who drove his Kubota onto the ice of his pond to clear the snow off of it so his kids could play hockey. The ice broke, the Kubota sunk, the newbie got wet, the kids could'nt believe that Dad was that stupid because everybody knows that Kubota's don't float. The JD's are no different! Float position does not mean that they will float on water! It also does not mean that is will allow the bucket to float over the surface of the driveway when it exceeds the capacity of the tractor/loader combination. Everyone seems to forget that these machines are Compact Utility Tractors and not Heavy Equipment Construction Loaders. There is a big, very big difference in how the machines are built and thier weight. Don't expect too much from these little machines. They are nice and I love mine but, they have limitations and if you push them past the're limitations you can damage them and you! Be carefull out there!

 

[RalphVa]

Float is just that. There's no resistance to allow the bucket to go up or down. If you hit an object with it, the bucket will stay, but the tractor will want to go forward and therefore "float" up over the bucket. I've had this happen a number of times. On snow or ice, I've often had to use my steering brakes because the bucket wants to submarine, and the brakes give me steering.

Ralph

 

[GalwayBoy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( On snow or ice, I've often had to use my steering brakes because the bucket wants to submarine, and the brakes give me steering.

Ralph )</font>

That's a great tip, Ralph. While I have achieved reasonable steering control by keeping the bucket angled up a bit, I can't remove all of the snow that way. I'll try the steering brakes on the next snowfall, whenever that is..... Currently pouring rain in upstate NY.

FWIW, I have been using the steering brakes extensively in my snowy pastures while snatching up brush with my 4 in 1 bucket. They make it SO much easier to maneuver.

Jon

 

[RoyJackson]

"If you hit an object with it, the bucket will stay, but the tractor will want to go forward and therefore "float" up over the bucket. "

In my usage of float, it's been just the opposite. The bucket will float or lift above any obstacle. If the bucket is in the dump position (cutting edge angled down) and catches on something, the rear tires spin...I can't say I've ever had the tractor lift up....not when it's in float.

 

[JasonMac]

When scraping or peeling snow all it takes to get under the snow and stay under the snow is about a 5 degree angle. This angle wouldn't be enough to spin your tires, or make your loader cylinders retract all the way. Just move along at a good clip and all four tires should stay on the ground, until you build up a huge amount of snow in front of the bucket. I do often use my steering brakes a lot. I especially use them when I have to bear down on packed snow and use all the weight of the front end and my front tires lift. That's why Hydro Models and Turning Brakes work hand in hand. Because it's so eay to use both brakes and the Hydro Pedals... can any kubota users do this? haha... nope... unless of course they were born with a third leg..... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif