Grading WR long 4n1 - "float" mode?

[joea99]

Got a Kubota B21 with a WR long HJ2L bucket on it. Wondering about "float mode"?

I was told that is a function of the valve, which in this case is only "open" or "closed".

Not sure what that means. Can someone enlighten me?

 

[teg]

Got a Kubota B21 with a WR long HJ2L bucket on it. Wondering about "float mode"?

I was told that is a function of the valve, which in this case is only "open" or "closed".

Not sure what that means. Can someone enlighten me?

So if you lower the bucket, the spool usually can be push beyond a "ball lock" and click into "float mode" which lets hydraulic fluid flow in and out (Not really, but an easy explanation.) With the tractor turn off, you can test it.

Hydraulic systems are "open" or "closed" Kubota is usually an open system. It's a function of how the hydraulic system is Plumbed.

 

[joea99]

So if you lower the bucket, the spool usually can be push beyond a "ball lock" and click into "float mode" which lets hydraulic fluid flow in and out (Not really, but an easy explanation.) With the tractor turn off, you can test it.

Hydraulic systems are "open" or "closed" Kubota is usually an open system. It's a function of how the hydraulic system is Plumbed.

So, if I raise (or lower) the bucket to a few inches off the ground and stop the engine, if I push it beyond the normal lower position and it "floats" to the ground,
then I know?

 

[IslandTractor]

So, if I raise (or lower) the bucket to a few inches off the ground and stop the engine, if I push it beyond the normal lower position and it "floats" to the ground,
then I know?

No, the bucket will drop regardless of engine status. I would check simply by running engine, dropping bucket and continuing to "drop" bucket so it starts to lift the front of the tractor (you can feel the front wheels being unloaded). Then just firmly and quickly push the joystick all the way forward. The tractor should not raise up anymore but instead should drop back down to flat position with weight distributed normally. You should be able to feel the FEL lever move into the float position. Once you've recognized that feeling it is easy to know.

 

[meos1]

Float only permits the implement to "float" right above the surface of the ground. This is excellent for back dragging. Your valve may support this feature. You will feel a detent of the handle when pressed forward. The FEL will come down and "float" above the ground.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Don't most joysticks have a decal some where close by that shows all of the joystick functions??? I come across this question all the time and most of the time the answer is right in front of the person asking the question.

In this case I think that the OP is thinking that the float function is in the 3rd function valve which it is not. It should be in the main loader control lift-lower circuit as already described by others.

 

[joea99]

Don't most joysticks have a decal some where close by that shows all of the joystick functions??? I come across this question all the time and most of the time the answer is right in front of the person asking the question.

In this case I think that the OP is thinking that the float function is in the 3rd function valve which it is not. It should be in the main loader control lift-lower circuit as already described by others.

No, I do expect it will be in the main "up and down" control, as in normal loaders, most of which work just as described, just a quick flick of the lever, beyond the normal down position.

I can get the front end to lift if I keep the bucket pushing down, and it will "relax" if if give the lever a quick extra "flick". But I got muddled when I got the reply from a fellow, who should know, that it only has an "open/closed" position. Maybe he was talking about the "jaw" function and not the bucket up and down business. When I pressed the issue, he ignored that part of my last question and I decided to quit there before I wore out my welcome.

I bought this used with no 4n1 experience so am feeling my way. Pardon the pun.

Used it a couple times to to do some driveway repair and can see a difference. in operation. If I don't "flick" it, then when back dragging, I can hit some patches where I lose steering control when it seem to raise the front end a bit. If I flick it it seems to lower the wheels and I get steering control back.

I guess that means it does have a "float". I guess I can look into the hydraulics and see if the bucket up/down/curl is stock Kubota and if only the bucket jaws are aftermarket. Not that I would know without another B21 to compare to. Not sure I remember seeing the circuits in the owners manuals.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

It sounds to me that you are all set. You just need to get familiar with everything, but it sounds like everything is there and working. :thumbsup:

Just a tip, but when closing the 4n1, have the loader in the float mode. Makes for a lot cleaner pick up. All things that you will learn as you go along.

 

[joea99]

It sounds to me that you are all set. You just need to get familiar with everything, but it sounds like everything is there and working. :thumbsup:

Just a tip, but when closing the 4n1, have the loader in the float mode. Makes for a lot cleaner pick up. All things that you will learn as you go along.

Thanks. I am also in the market for seal kits as both jaw cylinders have started weeping a bit.

 

[IslandTractor]

I agree with MtnViewRanch. I own a WRLong 4n1 too. Practice makes perfect and while you are practicing just make sure to go slowly. Remember that a 4n1 is a Swiss Army Knife and not ideal for any particular job. It is for example a perfectly adequate bucket but very heavy compared to standard, it is only a fair to middling grapple because it is hinged at the top and importantly as a tractor is not a bulldozer, one needs to be prudent in 'dozing. Still, as a single implement it is certainly versatile and works particularly well in conjunction with a backhoe for construction and landscaping tasks. Good luck.