loader float

[fred saas]

eKretz, please let me know how to set the float on my NH 445C loader. I can't get the bucket out of the mud. Would it damage anything if I just forced it with my 20-ton bottle jack? Should the control linkage be in a certain location? Fred

 

[big bubba]

can you provide an image?

 

[Tx Jim]

Most spool valves for front end loader boom control were designed to push control valve spool fully forward to engage float position. I would think with tractor engine operating one could use tractors hyd system to raise bucket out of the mud.

 

[joecdeere]

Push the loader all the way forward as to lift the front of the tractor, then push the lever forward a bit more, you should feel the lever go into a detent that is the float position

 

[scootr]

The 445c Does have the bucket float function when the lever is pushed past the down position. Access float in any bucket position with a quick jab of the lever forward to drop the bucket.

 

[eKretz]

Fred, on my 555D, it's just as the usual and as these guys have described. Push the lever fully forward until it hits the detent and stays there. Pull it back to get back out. If the lever won't go forward into float position, don't force it or you may bend or break the linkage. You may need to take the valve apart and do some cleaning.

BTW, are you saying it won't go *into* float? Or that it won't come back out? By your description of bucket stuck in the mud, I'm thinking the latter.

 

[fred saas]

My problem may be severe. The loader doesn't work at all. The transmission bumps into fwd or reverse but the clutch won't engage the wheels. I didn't do it! A mechanic helped. At my age it wouldn't be worth a confrontation.
Do you know if I can adjust the clutch? I have the electronic clutch pedal.

 

[eKretz]

My problem may be severe. The loader doesn't work at all. The transmission bumps into fwd or reverse but the clutch won't engage the wheels. I didn't do it! A mechanic helped. At my age it wouldn't be worth a confrontation.
Do you know if I can adjust the clutch? I have the electronic clutch pedal.

Sounds like you may have a hydraulic pressure issue. What did the mechanic do? The electric clutch disengagement is only going to be on or off like a light switch. It just cuts off or turns on the voltage to the solenoid that activates the hydraulic clutch in the transmission. If the loader is completely not working, it sounds like it's unrelated to the clutch, and something to do with lack of correct hydraulic pressure.

@TractorTech

 

[TractorTech]

Fred, I answered you Friday on another post about loader float from you:

"Hi Fred, you should be able to push the joystick forward as if to lower the loader, beyond the lowering position into a detent. If you loader is up, push it forward and it will float down.
If it doesn't, you either have broken parts or rust in the lift spool cap."

The "clutch" is just a pedal that activates a switch or microswitch. When you push on the clutch, it interrupts power to the controller basically shutting it off. You wouldn't have a "bump" forward or reverse. It just won't move.

Not sure what is going on other than the transmission is low on oil or the torque converter flex plate may have broken, but only guessing with the information you provided.

 

[fred saas]

Ted, I so glad I'm finally getting back to you! foolishly I allowed an experienced (???) tractor guy try to get the 445C out of the mud. (I'm 90, can't walk and went back to house) Found loader into the clay mud. engine turn over but struggled to start. loader no response. I jacked up loader and engine improved. The higher the better the engine. I put it in forward slight clunk revved it up and wheels didn't react. might be clutch. Is there an adjustment I can try? I live on the 1st floor, so jumping out of the window won't help!

 

[TractorTech]

Fred, DON'T JUMP!
There is no clutch adjustment, it's just a switch. When clutch is depressed, it shuts the controller off. If the pedal is out of adjustment, there is no connection to the transmission.

Like I said, not sure what is going on other than the transmission is low on oil or the torque converter flex plate may have broken, which would make a clunk, but only guessing

 

[fred saas]

Most spool valves for front end loader boom control were designed to push control valve spool fully forward to engage float position. I would think with tractor engine operating one could use tractors hyd system to raise bucket out of the mud.

Loader hydraulic not working! suggestions?

 

[fred saas]

Fred, DON'T JUMP!
There is no clutch adjustment, it's just a switch. When clutch is depressed, it shuts the controller off. If the pedal is out of adjustment, there is no connection to the transmission.

Like I said, not sure what is going on other than the transmission is low on oil or the torque converter flex plate may have broken, which would make a clunk, but only guessing

Actually there is no clunk just the normal gentle bump. It goes into gear but does not respond to rpms. also no response whatever from the loader controls. I attached a chain from the loader, over the roll over to the backhoe to no avail chain is a tight as a pipe --- nothing. I don't want to break something else.
PS I budge the backhoe controls with a ten-foot pole.

 

[eKretz]

I take it you've already checked the hydraulic oil level to be sure you didn't spring a leak and pump it all out into the mud? Is the backhoe working normally? Or also dead?

 

[fred saas]

I take it you've already checked the hydraulic oil level to be sure you didn't spring a leak and pump it all out into the mud? Is the backhoe working normally? Or also dead?

Eric this is what I wrote to Ted, Actually there is no clunk just the normal gentle bump. It goes into gear but does not respond to rpms. also, no response whatever from the loader controls. I attached a chain from the loader, over the roll over to the backhoe to no avail chain is a tight as a pipe --- nothing. I don't want to break something else.
PS I budge the backhoe controls with a ten-foot pole.)
Fluids are topped off.

 

[TractorTech]

Fred, when you chained the backhoe to the loader and activated the backhoe, I assume the backhoe moved, was working.

Did you move the loader lift valve at the same time you were trying to pick the loader up with the backhoe so that the loader cylinders could transfer oil out of the top of the cylinders?

 

[TractorTech]

What is the backhoe on your 445C and how is it powered? Is it tied onto the tractor hydraulics or is it PTO driven

 

[fred saas]

Fred, when you chained the backhoe to the loader and activated the backhoe, I assume the backhoe moved, was working.

Did you move the loader lift valve at the same time you were trying to pick the loader up with the backhoe so that the loader cylinders could transfer oil out of the top of the cylinders?

I have the loader on float. I dont move anything on loader while operating backhoe. I operate the backhoe remotely with along pole. A couple lesser chains snaped. The backhoe is a ford series 764

 

[eKretz]

Ohhh, that's not mud anymore. You're buried. The front bucket not working with a full oil reservoir is a little puzzling if the backhoe is working and running from the same hydraulic system. Maybe you've got some crud in the loader valve? Are you certain that you're not just hitting the relief? But then again, you said the wheels aren't spinning when you're in gear, which leads me back to a probable hydraulic pressure issue. In first gear you should be able to spin the wheels easily unless something is wrong with hydraulic pressure or shift solenoid activation. Does the backhoe have a good, normal power level or is it sluggish?

 

[TractorTech]

What Erik said plus the chain is not going to do much at that angle. I would try to lift the back end out of the mud with the backhoe and try to drag it backwards with the loader bucket in curl (use a bungee to hold ot in curl) and the loader lift in float. Solve one problem at a time.

Also, loader detent may be sticking valve. Can you verify if the loader stick is actually moving the valve spools?