What is Float with the FEL?

[k0ua]

i place the loader on the ground and then just give the lever a quick motion forward to engage the detent.if you try to engage the detent with the loader in the air,it will slam to the ground.it relieves all hydraulic pressure to enable it to float.never tried to use the curl or dump feature when in float position,but i imagine they would still work.not necessary to use those when you are grading anyway.

Does the JD loaders really slam to the ground? my Kubota does not. It would take 2 to 2.5 seconds to go to ground from full height. (why you would do that I dont know) but on the video I posted you can see I float the loader while still traveling forward and it takes a fraction of a second for it to hit the ground. You can hear the oil moving thru the valve as a "hissing sound"

James K0UA

 

[whistlepig]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/97710-how-do-you-engage-front.html

 

[ragkar]

In this respect, I think that your 2520 is just like my 2320. Unlike the 3ph which lifts but does not apply down pressure, the fel will apply both up and down pressure. When your are parking, engine off, it's a good idea to float the front bucket as it will zero out any hydraulic pressure in your lines. That hydraulic pressure is bad for the seals and may cause leaks.
As others have said, just push the joy stick forwards until you go over the detent. You don't have to level the bucket, Some people like to have the bucket tilted forwards so rain water doesn't collect in it. Just push past the detent and the bucket will sink to the ground.
It's important to float if you are using the bucket to clear snow. Otherwise the lip will gouge out irregularities in your asphalt or gravel. If you are using the plow attachment with a rubber edge for snow, you have to use float to prevent excessive wear on the rubber lip. It costs $70 to replace.

 

[KubotaEd]

When pushing snow on gravel you really need to use the "float" position and I also tilt the bucket up just a very little bit, that way it does not dig into the gravel, and yet it gets nearly all the snow.

 

[whistlepig]

Does the JD loaders really slam to the ground? my Kubota does not. It would take 2 to 2.5 seconds to go to ground from full height. (why you would do that I dont know) but on the video I posted you can see I float the loader while still traveling forward and it takes a fraction of a second for it to hit the ground. You can hear the oil moving thru the valve as a "hissing sound"

James K0UA

Have you tried this with a full bucket of dirt?

 

[pdp11]

When the tractor was new, it almost felt like I was breaking something in the SCV when I pushed it forward to the float position. After using it a while, it felt more like a detent, and became easier and smoother to operate.

 

[Gobblin Tom]

When the tractor was new, it almost felt like I was breaking something in the SCV when I pushed it forward to the float position. After using it a while, it felt more like a detent, and became easier and smoother to operate.

So mine should have it on the 2520, I am going to give it a try tomorrow!!!!

 

[k0ua]

Have you tried this with a full bucket of dirt?

Oh without a doubt it would hit the ground hard and fast loaded. No I have never tried it with anything in the bucket. I have always used it empty either for backdragging or pushing snow.

James K0UA

 

[whistlepig]

Oh without a doubt it would hit the ground hard and fast loaded. No I have never tried it with anything in the bucket. I have always used it empty either for backdragging or pushing snow.

James K0UA

I am concerned that the OP doesn't know this. Not knowing the float feature could be a concern if he accidentally hits the float with a full bucket and the loader fully raised.

 

[k0ua]

I am concerned that the OP doesn't know this. Not knowing the float feature could be a concern if he accidentally hits the float with a full bucket and the loader fully raised.

Ah-ha..got it.

James K0UA