How does float mode work with bucket?

[Roknstevo]

Just delivered my L2501 yesterday. Began grading with my box blade. Need to better understand the bucket float mode. Thanks

 

[D2Cat]

You push the hyd. lever just a bit past where you feel resistance when lowering the bucket. The bucket then has no hyd. pressure pushing in down (or up). This allows the bucket (with the bottom flat on the ground) to float. Which allows you to follow the contour with the weight of the steel pushing or dragging material.

 

[Roknstevo]

You push the hyd. lever just a bit past where you feel resistance when lowering the bucket. The bucket then has no hyd. pressure pushing in down (or up). This allows the bucket (with the bottom flat on the ground) to float. Which allows you to follow the contour with the weight of the steel pushing or dragging material.

Thanks….I was having trouble with the bucket digging into the ground.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

also ...in 'float' ,you have to go slow, to allow time for the bucket to follow the contours of the land

 

[D2Cat]

Thanks….I was having trouble with the bucket digging into the ground.

You probably need to turn the nose (cutting edge) of the bucket up just a bit before putting it in float.

 

[My Barn]

It's a learning curve...That you will get better at with time.

 

[85Hokie]

With a toothbar on - I use float a lot to level out gravel in my driveway - the backside edge (under the bucket) is about 1/2" thick and grabs just enough to pull gravel without digging or allowing rears to spin.
Float is an awesome tool for getting just a bit of material to move.

 

[Flintknapper]

With a toothbar on - I use float a lot to level out gravel in my driveway - the backside edge (under the bucket) is about 1/2" thick and grabs just enough to pull gravel without digging or allowing rears to spin.
Float is an awesome tool for getting just a bit of material to move.

Agreed.

Especially useful when I just want to 'smooth' a small section of driveway/other.

I just tilt the bucket over a bit, put the FEL in 'float' mode and back drag. It doesn't pull a lot material that way and will follow any contours of the surface.

 

[Roknstevo]

also ...in 'float' ,you have to go slow, to allow time for the bucket to follow the contours of the land

Do the loader arms float, or just the bucket?

 

[Mowbizz]

I have found using the the bucket float is an excercize in futility trying to get a level cut. More control feathering the bucket than in float. Backdragging is a different story. When using an implement like the rachet rake, float works fin for pulling debris/weeds

 

[Mowbizz]

Do the loader arms float, or just the bucket?

Loader arms and bucket is one unit when in float. Bucket functions still work as normal (dump/curl)

 

[Roknstevo]

Loader arms and bucket is one unit when in float. Bucket functions still work as normal (dump/curl)

Thanks

 

[JimmyJazz]

Check YouTube. There are a few demonstrations there. Its quite a handy feature.

 

[old and tired]

I find it handy to fill the bucket and then use float to back drag (dirt, rocks or gravel in the bucket) adds extra weight to improve back dragging ability!

 

[mikester]

Remember to use float when going in reverse only. Go slow. If you are digging in you might get a nasty expensive surprise.

 

[Mowbizz]

Remember to use float when going in reverse only. Go slow. If you are digging in you might get a nasty expensive surprise.

Yes…I have seen instances of bent hydraulic cylinders/shafts (or whatever the “shiny” parts are called)

 

[Grandad4]

Remember to use float when going in reverse only. Go slow. If you are digging in you might get a nasty expensive surprise.

Yes! Float is very useful, but only going backwards! It only takes a slight snag going forwards to pop the front wheels off the ground. Also nice and slow does best.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

I have found using the the bucket float is an excercize in futility trying to get a level cut. More control feathering the bucket than in float.

I agree.... in my soil conditions only time it works well for me is when moving snow on frozen ground. Otherwise cutting edge digs in and lifts front wheels if being to aggressive. Roll buck lip up so it doesn't dig in and bucket just floats over the ground doing not much.