Utilizing the float on an FEL?

[yekrut]

This may sound like a dumb question but I haven'[t figured out how to engage the float feature on the FEL of my L39. It's my understanding this should let the bucket "float" on the surface. Is this correct? If so, the controls indicate on the little sticker thing that you push it all the way forward to float. I must be reading this wrong cuz all that seems to do is push the FEL into the ground and lift the front end. I'm sure there is something I've overlooked here but haven't been able to figure it out yet.

Thanks.

 

[Rockyridge]

Push it further. You should feel a little resistance and then when you go past that you should be in float. Do it quickly and you won’t hardly notice it lifting the front at all.

 

[johnk]

To know you engaged it have some down pressure on the bucket then give it a quick sharp push forward and you should feel the down pressure release. It's very simple and very useful once you know what you are doing. Let us know how you make out.

 

[texasjohn]

Yep, put bucket on ground somewhat gently, then "jam" the lever forward sharply. It'll feel like you broke something... never fear... it just snapped into the floating position where it will stay... with the FEL bucket floating on the ground and no hands on the joystick... until you "jerk" backwards on the joystick and pull it out of this state.

This question comes up every so often..... I had to worry with it myself to figure it out... didn't want to break anything, so was afraid to push forward too fast/hard... thus, simply lifted the front of the tractor off the ground.

 

[MarkV]

This may sound like a dumb question but I haven'[t figured out how to engage the float feature on the FEL of my L39. It's my understanding this should let the bucket "float" on the surface. Is this correct? If so, the controls indicate on the little sticker thing that you push it all the way forward to float. I must be reading this wrong cuz all that seems to do is push the FEL into the ground and lift the front end. I'm sure there is something I've overlooked here but haven't been able to figure it out yet.

Thanks.

What the others have said is the way it should work. There is also a possibility that the FEL control is not engaging or holding the valve body in the float position. I bring this up because my L39 has just recently lost its ability to go into a float position after 11/2 years of working correctly. Knowing yours is a new tractor you could have a warranty issue. I haven’t had the time to take a look at mine yet so let me know if you find out about a problem and/or fix with yours.

By the way you will find the float position most effective when back dragging with the rear of the bucket. It can be used going forward but the bucket has to be angled just right not to dig in or skid over the top of the ground.

MarkV

 

[Botabill]

Pushing the FEL lever all the way forward, as others have said puts my tractor FEL into float mode. Be aware that float doesn't mean it will float unless you are going backwards or have the FEL aimed up going forward. If you have the FEL aimed down you WILL dig into the ground and lift your front wheels as you describe.

 

[yekrut]

Alright. That did it. Thanks Guys!

 

[yekrut]

What the others have said is the way it should work. There is also a possibility that the FEL control is not engaging or holding the valve body in the float position. I bring this up because my L39 has just recently lost its ability to go into a float position after 11/2 years of working correctly. Knowing yours is a new tractor you could have a warranty issue. I haven’t had the time to take a look at mine yet so let me know if you find out about a problem and/or fix with yours.

By the way you will find the float position most effective when back dragging with the rear of the bucket. It can be used going forward but the bucket has to be angled just right not to dig in or skid over the top of the ground.

MarkV

Seems to be working correctly now that I know how to engage it. I use it back dragging and it was just what I was looking for. I have 70hrs on it in about a month but have yet to need it. I was clean an area up and went use it that's when I figured better throw a post up. Thanks for the tips.

 

[The Gardener]

yekrut,

Could you please describe the front forks that are pictured on your tractor: brand and size.

Many Thanks!
The Gardener

 

[yekrut]

Gardener,

I think you are referring to the grapple bucket. Kinda tough to tell that's what it is in the profile pic. It's a Millonzi 48" Light duty grapple bucket. I got it for $700 ( no shipping - I pick it up - 1 hr drive). Really like it. Have used it quite a bit. Haven't posted any project updates yet (been too busy playin') but I've got plenty of pictures if you'd like to see more. The first included here is at the factor. Took it with my cell to send to the dealer along with pics of the Hyd. Line ends so they knew what couplers they needed. The 2nd pic is the first day testing the controls out. Let me know if you wnat to know more. May want to check out IslandTractor's post.