BX 24 Front Loader Question

[DickS]

On page 20 of the BX 24 owners manual, under the section 'REMOVING AIR FROM THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM', there is a bulleted note,

IMPORTANT
*Do not move the control lever into float position when
the bucket is off the ground.

What is the reason for this? Does this practice induce air into the system or is it a safety issue?

 

[Bob_Young]

Probably because the bucket will drop like a rock if you put it in float. It's something I try to avoid in normal operation to reduce shock stress to the loader mechanism. If the bucket's just a inch or so off the ground, it's not a big deal.
Bob

 

[Pks]

FWIW:

Remember the context of where that bulleted note was written..."Removing Air..." If there is air in the load arm cylinders and the float position is selected while the bucket is several feet off the ground, it is likely the bucket will drop immediately/suddenly (especially if there is a heavy load in the bucket).

That sudden motion could present a safety problem for the operator and/or the loader frame components. It could also pose a problem for the hydraulic system if hydraulic control valve were moved to the hold position while the bucket was dropping suddenly. This could cause the bucket to bounce on the air pressure in the lines and possibly cause a line or seal somewhere in the system to rupture.

Bouncing hydraulics is usually considered a bad thing.

Again, keep in mind the context of this issue (air in the hydraulic system). It's been my experience that air in hydraulic systems containing small tubes (like our tractors have) is not a big deal. The air usually breaks up into many (millions) small bubbles while the hydraulics are being used. These bubbles work their way to the tank during normal usage thus not presenting a problem.