ML-10X Series Loader Float Adjustment

knute_m · Dec 19, 2008

When I first got my little 2015 with ML-104 loader, the loader float position seemed to work just like I would have expected. Starting sometime late last winter, the float position started pushing my front wheels off the ground much of the time. If I release it, and re-engage it, it will work properly for a bit. Then, my front wheels come back off the ground.

I'm not sure when this actually started happening. A hose ruptured on my backhoe due to rubbing on a cotter pin on the underside of the accelerator pedal. I lost about half of my hydraulic fluid. I changed the filter, and I replaced all of the hydraulic fluid. That was my second complete hydraulic fluid and filter change. I changed the fluid and filter at 50 hours, and the rupture occurred at about 175 hours.

I don't really remember if I had this FEL float problem before the backhoe hose rupture.

Do I have a problem of some kind? Is there an adjustment somewhere?

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Knute

knute_m · Dec 25, 2008

After six days of no comments, does this mean that nobody knows if there is a float adjustment for the ML-104/106 backhoe?

Thanks,
Knute

rback33 · Dec 30, 2008

Hmmm... There is no adjustment that I know of.... Not sure what is different now than it was before......

dirtworksequip · Dec 30, 2008

Sounds like the loader lever is simply coming out of the float position. Do you have to push the lever back past the detent to get it in float again?
Sometimes hitting a bump with cause the lever to come out of float.
Sincerely, Dirt

knute_m · Dec 30, 2008

Thanks rback and dirt.

At least if rback doesn't know of an adjustment, I guess I didn't miss it in the manual.

It definitely doesn't seem to be moving out of the detent. My guess is that if I just put it in the float position and did not move the tractor, it would not lift off the ground.

It even happens if I am dragging backwards with the bottom of the bucket flat on the ground, but not as quickly as when going forward.

I don't use the float position much, so it really isn't much of an issue. But, with snow season here, there are times when the loader is easier than using the rear blade.

Thanks,
Knute

dirtworksequip · Dec 31, 2008

Just keep your hand on the lever when its in float and then if it kicks out you can quickly push it forward back into float.

Sincerely, Dirt

skipmarcy · Jan 1, 2009

The float detent on my loader valve went several years ago, I simply removed the 2 screws from the cap and found that the spring and ball had rusted away and disintegrated from lack of lube. I have a large selection of springs and steel balls from my carburetor rebuilding days and was able to replace the two and put some grease in there. The float now works some but will still pop out - the groove in the spool that the steel ball engages is worn a little from the rusty old ball and will not hold like it did when new. I just have to hold it in float to use it - inconvenient but useable. Just a tiny dab of grease from the factory would have avoided this problem, now it will cost me a new loader valve because they were too chincy.

LAWALLSTRACTOR · Jan 1, 2009

skipmarcy said:
The float detent on my loader valve went several years ago, I simply removed the 2 screws from the cap and found that the spring and ball had rusted away and disintegrated from lack of lube. I have a large selection of springs and steel balls from my carburetor rebuilding days and was able to replace the two and put some grease in there. The float now works some but will still pop out - the groove in the spool that the steel ball engages is worn a little from the rusty old ball and will not hold like it did when new. I just have to hold it in float to use it - inconvenient but useable. Just a tiny dab of grease from the factory would have avoided this problem, now it will cost me a new loader valve because they were too chincy.

Skip,
Through the years I have found that if I lubricated the detent it would not hold or at lease intermittently, even if it were new.

skipmarcy · Jan 2, 2009

LAWALLSTRACTOR said:
Skip,
Through the years I have found that if I lubricated the detent it would not hold or at lease intermittently, even if it were new.

Maybe I should degrease it and see if holds better for me, would be nice to have it work properly again. I have an almost limitless supply of the balls and springs aren't hard to come by, just replace them when they crap-out. I'll give it a try.