float position w/ grapple

platinumaa · Feb 19, 2012

hello again all.. i think since my last post i have finally purchased the r4041.. and just recently got a 72" root rake grapple w/ dual cylinders.. reading up online how to properly use one i came across "float", and i think my LS has float capability.. question is, exactly what is "Float" and what is the advantage of using it when using the grapple to clear debris/roots (if it even helps w/ the root rake)?

appreciate the knowledge!
thanks

ozley · Feb 20, 2012

To get the loader to float raise it up a few feet then push the loader stick forward with a little push put fast. I would be careful with the grapple if the teeth pointed in down position I could see them digging in and bending.

LittleBlueTractor · Feb 21, 2012

ozley said:
To get the loader to float raise it up a few feet then push the loader stick forward with a little push put fast. I would be careful with the grapple if the teeth pointed in down position I could see them digging in and bending.

I've never used the float on mine. How fast does it fall?

Short Game · Feb 21, 2012

Doesn't the Float position just allow the booms to fall, but not exert downward pressure, and so can be freely pushed up, say if the ground rises?

MtnViewRanch · Feb 21, 2012

Float position lets the loader move up and down freely. There is no pressure on the hydraulic lift cylinders. You can put the loader in float mode at any position, it does not need to be at any certain level. Push the loader control lever all the way forward, there is a detent that will keep the loader lever forward and the valve in float mode. You could try this with the loader, say a foot or so up so that you can see at what rate the loader moves when in the float mode.

Very common to use float when back dragging with the loader bucket. That way the loader bucket is free to move with the ground and yet the tractor will still have all 4 tires on the ground. Lots of different techniques that will work for many different goals to be achieved.

LittleBlueTractor · Feb 21, 2012

MtnViewRanch said:
You could try this with the loader, say a foot or so up so that you can see at what rate the loader moves when in the float mode.

Thanks Brian,

I kinda knew how to do it, and why to do it, but an uncontrolled drop sounded kinda dangerous. It already drops pretty fast sometimes when I'm not being careful; even without putting it into float mode.

ozley · Feb 21, 2012

Short Game said:
Doesn't the Float position just allow the booms to fall, but not exert downward pressure, and so can be freely pushed up, say if the ground rises?

Yes but if the grapple tooth is pointed down toward the ground I can and bet it would dig in and bend something. If you move forward not back blade. The op asked about grapple and float.

Willl · Feb 21, 2012

Personally, I find 'float' to be useless when working with my grapple.

ozley · Feb 21, 2012

Willl said:
Personally, I find 'float' to be useless when working with my grapple.

That was my thought.

MtnViewRanch · Feb 21, 2012

You guys need to think outside the box, A grapple actually grades very well, much better than a bucket IMO. I have leveled and smoothed out many an acre with my grapple.

As far as using float mode to actual grapple material, can't say that I have ever done that. Not to say that you couldn't, just that circumstances would need to be just right for it to be beneficial.