Float mode... to use or not?

Vidiot

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BX2680 & several implements
Apr 28, 2017
59
8
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Purcellville, VA, USA
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

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L3200
Aug 7, 2018
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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

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Apr 9, 2017
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Waco, Texas, USA
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

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Equipment
L3800HST 4x4,R1,FEL, 6'disc, 5'bush hog,piranhaTB,6'grader,6'rake, 48"forks
Apr 3, 2014
315
26
23
Mobile, AL
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

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BX2680 & several implements
Apr 28, 2017
59
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Purcellville, VA, USA
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

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New Grand L3560
Dec 4, 2015
64
1
6
East Tn
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

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L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
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40 miles south of Kansas City
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

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Oct 19, 2016
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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

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Kubota L6060, KX040-4, M7060, RTV X1100C, M62 (sold)
Oct 28, 2018
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Red Feather Lakes, CO
I only have a few hours on mine and already lost a water bottle. I can see why everyone wants a tool box!