Ford 1700 - 770 loader - float position

[nsmithnd]

Curious how the float position is expected to act on a 770 loader.

I've noticed when using the loader that raising and lowering it is a bit scary because the float position can easily be reached and causes the bucket to jump or drop quickly if I'm not careful.

Should the float position be easy to get to or should it take some force? I've got an old Bolens garden tractor and I have to hit the lever pretty hard to "pop" it into the float position.

 

[mostly_gas]

Is there a float position on the two lever control?

 

[J_J]

The float position on many spools have a detent in the spools where the little steel balls drop into and lock.

Perhaps there is crud and rust buildup on the detent ..

You might be able to rotate the spool 180 for another part of the detent.

Remove the can on the bottom and inspect and clean and replace anything necessary.

 

[wyeguy]

Please pardon me for going off track a bit. Would someone please explain what "float position" means; what it does? Thank you.

 

[J_J]

Float position is a detented position used for grading , back blading, otherwise the bucket follows the conture of the ground.

All ports on that spool are open to tank.

Not all tractors have it .

If you should go to float inadvertently, it could cause problems.

 

[mostly_gas]

The reason I ask is that I have a 770 loader (no A or B suffix) and the manual does not mention a float position on the controls.

 

[nsmithnd]

I went out and checked it again. Can barely feel the detent position, but it is definitely there. Guess I've always worn gloves when using the loader so might explain why I haven't "felt" it while using it.

Thanks for the info J_J, I'll pull the cap and check things out (and spin the spool if needed).

mostly_gas, the diagram in the first post is the control valve I have. The left (boom) lever has a longer cap on it than the bucket lever. It also has more forward lever movement than the right. If both sides have a short cap on them, then probably no float position(?).

Thanks
-Neil

 

[csangster]

I just bought a Ford 1910 with the 770 loader on it. I know it has the float position because the previous owner showed me and I used it for the first week.

Problem is, now the float position doesn't work anymore. I noticed that when I parked the tractor last, that I left the loader in float position. Was that a bad thing to do?

What kind of troubleshooting do I need to go through to figure out the problem. All other functionality of the loader works fine (as far as I can tell).

Caveat: I'm new to loaders, so my previous statement may not mean much.

thanks for the help

Chris

 

[wyeguy]

Chris,
I am by no means an expert. I will look at the owner's manual for the loader and let you know tomorrow what it says.

Searching for loader float position on TBN or elsewhere might give you some ideas. I'll do that, too.

I'd make sure the hydraulic fluid is full. And maybe GENTLY tap on the loader control housing while operating the loader controls.

I have no idea if it is bad to leave the control in the float position. I'll get back to you tomorrow with whatever I find.

Bob

 

[Btown]

I just bought a Ford 1910 with the 770 loader on it. I know it has the float position because the previous owner showed me and I used it for the first week. Problem is, now the float position doesn't work anymore. I noticed that when I parked the tractor last, that I left the loader in float position. Was that a bad thing to do? What kind of troubleshooting do I need to go through to figure out the problem. All other functionality of the loader works fine (as far as I can tell). Caveat: I'm new to loaders, so my previous statement may not mean much. thanks for the help Chris

Are you sure you pushed the lever past the detent. On my 1700 it was very hard to get past it and back. It should not hurt it to leave it in float.

 

[csangster]

I'm positive I left in float

 

[wyeguy]

Chris,
My loader is a 768 model. I'm guessing very similar to yours. I don't see anything in the owner's manual about maintenance or troubleshooting the float function.

What I've seen doing a little looking today is that the control valves and float detent can get gunked up or rusted. Might need taken apart, cleaned up and lubed. I didn't even know it wasn't lubed by the hydraulic system.

Over the years I've sent a bunch of guys a copy of the loader manual. If you'd like it for a reference, PM me your email address or get it to me somehow. I can't attach it to a TBN message thread.

Bob

 

[topstoy]

Curious how the float position is expected to act on a 770 loader.

I've noticed when using the loader that raising and lowering it is a bit scary because the float position can easily be reached and causes the bucket to jump or drop quickly if I'm not careful.

Should the float position be easy to get to or should it take some force? I've got an old Bolens garden tractor and I have to hit the lever pretty hard to "pop" it into the float position.

View attachment 295489

If this works, here is a link to the parts breakdown for that controller. You should feel a definite notch when you put it into float.
Official New Holland Online Parts Store and Online Parts Catalog for New Holland and Ford Tractors.

 

[wyeguy]

On my 768, it's not easy to accidently go to float. Not difficult, either, just takes a conscious effort.

 

[CDennyRun]

With my last tractor (NH TZ24DA), I shoved it into float all the time, when trying to get downward pressure from the main rams. It was kind of a pain in the rear. If you're worried about dropping the bucket on your truck bed when dumping a load of dirt or something, I wouldn't worry about that. With the weight in the bucket assisting the drop, you would have to do something really dumb to force it into the float position.

Chris

 

[Eagleview]

Curious how the float position is expected to act on a 770 loader.

I've noticed when using the loader that raising and lowering it is a bit scary because the float position can easily be reached and causes the bucket to jump or drop quickly if I'm not careful.

Should the float position be easy to get to or should it take some force? I've got an old Bolens garden tractor and I have to hit the lever pretty hard to "pop" it into the float position.

View attachment 295489

Broken/weak detent spring in the valve , or stuck detent ball ? Maybe the ball got stuck/rusted in the bore when you left it parked in float ?