Float mode... to use or not?

[Vidiot]

I searched but didn't find what I was looking for. Here's the scenario:

I have about 6 acres to bush hog and it's really tall stuff in a field I haven't mowed before (unkempt hay field). Normally, I would keep the loader on (BX2680) with the bucket low but have so far only done that with shorter stuff.
The thought occurred to me: Curl the bucket back all the way and put the loader in float mode while driving forward. If I hit something there won't be a jarring stop, just seeing the loader rise up would be a visual indicator of an obstruction. I'd be in 4x low range so not breaking any speed records.

Is this a good idea, a bad idea and why on either? Not breaking anything is kinda sorta high on the list!

Thank you for any insight.

 

[Fordtech86]

Is it all grass,or is there brush mixed in? I personally wouldn’t float it but leave it pretty low with the hydraulic pressure on it. If the grass is thick/tall enough then it could push the bucket up high enough to miss something. I don’t ever float mine mowing in unknown ground.

 

[rademamj]

For new fields that have never been rotary cut before, I just usually do a quick walk through, looking for any barbed wire, steel fence posts, dumped trash, stumps and large rocks. Just flag anything you see dangerous to the rotary cutter; or even better yet, just remove with the loader to a collection area. Then Bush Hog to your delight and with confidence.

I think putting the front loader into float mode to detect any field debris is a very risky method. If your rotary cutter uses shear bolts, have a good supply available.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[bambam31]

I recently mowed some unknown ground. I curled my bucket up and kept it as low as I could with the hydraulics engaged. I did not use float mode. I did locate a few stumps with my bucket and saved my cutter. Make sure to keep your speed low.

 

[Vidiot]

It's a pasture that has been mowed before, just not by me and not in the last year.

Thanks all, I'll skip the floating.

 

[Fastdonzi]

I was Bush Hogging once and on my 2nd pass was wondering what a small pile a trash was that I didn't see on my first pass, Well is was my Wallet Lol, Credit Cards and all cut up into fine pieces....

 

[D2Cat]

I was Bush Hogging once and on my 2nd pass was wondering what a small pile a trash was that I didn't see on my first pass, Well is was my Wallet Lol, Credit Cards and all cut up into fine pieces....

There's a lesson there! When I'm using a tractor, or any digging equipment, I leave such valuables in my truck.

I once had a camouflage baseball cap that I had gotten from a tractor dealer that had his phone number on it. I made sure to use it when working the hay field so if I had trouble and needed parts I could just call and have it sent.

It was hot and I had a canopy so I took my cap and hung it on the loader levers. This is when I was baling. When I stopped for a break I couldn't find my cap.

The cows found it that winter !!

 

[sdk1968]

i wouldnt float mode it for that....

dont like the idea of catching the bottom of the arms with the bucket curled up & those arms on the ground.

bucket is cheap compared with working on those.

 

[Jchonline]

I only have a few hours on mine and already lost a water bottle. I can see why everyone wants a tool box!