L3130, LA513 FEL, Float feature question

Theowegian · Dec 19, 2004

Im not really sure how my _float_ feature works. Im trying to scrape up some topsoil. I push the loader lever all the way forward, wait about a second, then quickly bring the lever back to neutral. Then travel forward, scraping up bucket fulls of dirt.

Is this how everyone else uses the float on your FEL?

Im just not sure Im doing it right...any help would be appreciated.

dwight

Henro · Dec 19, 2004

Float only works when the joystick is pushed into the detent position and stays there.

Raise you bucket and push the joystick into float postion and the bucket should drop all the way to the ground, relatively fast. It is good to practice this anyway so if you get in trouble with the bucket up in the air, you can out of reflex just push the contol lever into float, so that the bucket falls relatively fast all the way down to the ground without you having to think about it.

I personally have not have good luck with float in the forward direction. I use it for back dragging and it is great for that. In forward the bucket tends to dig in when I use float, so I don't normally use float when going forward.

Your joystick should stay in the float detent position when you push it all the way forward. If it does not, something is not right.

Hope this helps...

Rick_Morrell · Dec 20, 2004

Theowegian:

Henro's right about using float going forward. You can dig deep before you know it. Float is ideally suited for back-dragging with the heel of the bucket.

Does your topsoil you're trying to scrape include sod? I've had the best luck with site prep if I take the time to scrape the sod off first with a box blade (or, alternately, making some controlled cuts with the loader), but my property consists of about 18" of black dirt covered with dense, well-rooted sod. I need to go at least 6" before I get free of most of the roots. It also helps to go slowly with the tractor until you get the hang of things (found this out the hard way, especially since I traded up from a B2400 to an L3130 - big difference in the damage you can do).

Rick

Theowegian · Dec 20, 2004

Well that explains a lot.

My joystick will NOT remain in the forward detent position. It always pops right out. I guess that its a warranty issue, then.

Come to think of it, when it was new, it did stay in the detent position. I just got used to it popping out.

Thanks.
dwight

Freds · Dec 20, 2004

I see you're from Kansas, it gets cold there right?
The downward float wasn't remaining in the float position and the bucket tilt float (all the way to the right) wasn't going in at all on my same setup. Turns out there was a lot of frozen moisture in the joystick valves that had turned to chunks of ice. It was covered under warranty for them to thaw everything out and hopefully cure the problem.

I use float when pushing snow around and with the bucket edge tilted slightly upward (rolled back) to prevent digging in. When I dug out some sod and dirt for my neighbor's concrete pad, float didn't work. It took a pair of eyes watching the bucket and depth and a lot of regulating on my part, especially when the front wheels drop into what has been dug out already, to get a uniform cut and depth.

Theowegian · Dec 20, 2004

Hi Rick.

Im redoing my gravel driveway. This is what Ive done.

1. Applied Round Up to kill the grass, 6 weeks ago.
2. Rototilled everything about 5" deep.
3. Carefully pealed the loose soil up and dumped in a pile across the yard.
4. Performed final leveling with the box blade.
5. Next, I'll lay some engineering fabric down then
6. Lay down approx 3" of AB3 road gravel.
7. Next year, I'll final coat it with 3/4" crushed rock (limestone).

Do ya think that plan will work?

dwight

Rick_Morrell · Dec 21, 2004

Dwight:

I guess I could have figured you were an engineer without looking at your bio... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

With all the preparation you've done your driveway should last a long time. Your 3/4" rock - CA6 road mix by any chance? If not, I suggest you take a look at it. A little vibratory compactor work, a little sprinkled water, and that stuff will set up like concrete (almost...). I used it to make a base for an asphalt driveway for my last house. Not only that, but it does a nice job of shining up your ground-engaging tools.

Rick

art · Dec 21, 2004

That is dealer service not a warrantee issue. Manufacturers do not pay for that.

Freds · Dec 21, 2004

( Manufacturers do not pay for that )
They weren't the only ones that didn't pay for that /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I'll bring it to my dealer's attention not to tell me that fixing something was covered under warranty if it was covered under dealer service. That's how people using the wrong terminology gets started /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

txdon · Dec 22, 2004

"My joystick will NOT remain in the forward detent position. It always pops right out. I guess that its a warranty issue, then." 

Theowegian, Mine did the same about a week after I bought my Kubota. The detent was just sticking and the joy stick would not stay in the far forward float position. The dealer came out and fixed it. The dealer could have charged a fee for coming out to my place (50 miles) but did not. I like My dealer. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif