FEL pops out of float

[Rustywreck]

After snow blowing my driveway I usually make a few passes with the FEL to clean up and scrape it. I have the FEL set to just scrape the top of the packed snow and ice when doing this.

My problem/annoyance is the FEL frequently pops out of float. It is not hitting anything hard or abrupt, like edges of ice. Is this normal, or is there some adjustment that can be made to reduce or prevent it from happening?

(new holland t1520, 35hp, 7308 loader)

 

[whistlepig]

I don't know about New Holland but on my Kubota it stays in float no matter what. The joystick has a detent that holds it in float. Could your joystick be getting bounced out of the float position?

 

[4gone]

I have a 2002 TC30 with a 7308 loader and mine pops out too, always has, never thought much about it to be honest. There is no "lock" for the float position on mine, just push it all the way forward.

 

[Egon]

or is there some adjustment that can be made to reduce or prevent it from happening?

Look at the mechanical connections on the joystick. There may be a possibility for adjustment.

Does it stay in float if you hold your hand on the lever?

 

[Travelover]

On my B7100 Kubota I discovered that the float position is held by two spring loaded ball bearings that slide perpendicularly along a shaft with a wide spot, where it locks. On mine the wide spot on the shaft had worn away.

Yours may just need the ball and springs freed up.

 

[Happyman]

My Kubota 3940 FEL does not lock in "float". You must hold it in that position.

 

[roamerr]

I purchased a used BX23 and the "two spring loaded ball bearings" called detent balls had been removed by the previous owner. Luckily carver Equipment caught this and replaced the two spring loaded ball bearings for no charge. Pretty simple way that it holds in float but I can see it wearing over time if used alot.

 

[390GT]

FWIW, My NH valve pops out of float, I notice this the most when pushing snow with the blade. Good idea on checking to see if the detent balls need freeing up or may be worn down. Thanks Greg

 

[Tommyboy]

Mine did the same thing, as new. the detent spings are a little weak. take em out and stretch them a bit. problem solved. don't over stretch though.

 

[boutym]

Old thread, but I just bought a Massey Ferguson GC2610 FEL and it pops out of float frequently. Dealer says they'll check it out when they take it in for some other warranty work, but at the moment they are attributing it to technique. Not much technique to it as far as I can tell though.

 

[kenmac]

welcome. Mine will pop out of float from time to time

 

[boutym]

welcome. Mine will pop out of float from time to time

I could live with 'from time to time', but this one is constantly popping out. Yesterday it was driving me nuts for the couple of hours I was back dragging top soil. From what I've been reading you can adjust the pressure on the balls for the detent, but I haven't looked at this yet. I'll let the dealer take a look when they fix the other stuff before I go messing with it.

 

[Travelover]

On mine I found the spindle that the balls lock into had two grooves worn in it. I bought a new spindle for $50, but when I installed it, I realized that by inserting a thin washer under the base of the spindle, it would rotate it enough so the balls would ride on a brand new surface. Woulda saved me $50.

 

[boutym]

Dealer took the valve apart and ended up shimming the thing to put a little more pressure on the balls. From what they tell me Massey knows they have a problem with the float and haven't found a workable solution. Seems shimming would be a workable solution if it fixed mine.

 

[J_J]

What keeps the spool in float is the balls and springs.

You could perhaps remove the cap on the bottom of the valve and remove the float section and clean and or replace the springs and balls if needed.

If water has been in there, you may have some rust.

Clean out the groove. It should be straight edge, and not rounded..

Lube well with grease, and make sure the hole on the can is at the bottom to let any water drain.

 

[Guesseral]

Man i'll trade you I hate my float function wish I didn't have it!

 

[J_J]

Guesseral

That is easy to fix, just remove the balls and springs.

Remove the bottom cap from the valve and unscrew the float assembly.

Save all the parts in case you want to re-install.

 

[Guesseral]

Guesseral

That is easy to fix, just remove the balls and springs.

Remove the bottom cap from the valve and unscrew the float assembly.

Save all the parts in case you want re-install.

Ok I didn't know that, but it makes sense. I just haven't ever found a reason that I wanted the loader to float over things.

 

[johnk]

I find float the most useful part of the joystick. Especially when back dragging with the loader.