New Guy

NELS

New member

Equipment
b7200 g5200
Oct 25, 2012
17
0
0
Watertown CT. USA
Hi All, Been lurking since Oct. getting lots of answers to my questions. I have a B7200 HST loader backhoe with a problem or just a question I haven't seen addressed . I understand the fel is supposed to have a float option but when I push mine all the way forward there isn't a noticable indent or restriction indicating the float is in operation although it seems to work if I hold it in that position but dosen't lock in. I'm assuming there should be a spring and ball indent in the shaft and maybe a broken spring? Appreciate any and all input before I start yanking things apart when I really don't know what I'm looking for.
Awesome site , thanks for
looking!
 

lemontwist

New member

Equipment
L3200
Dec 31, 2012
10
0
0
Bitterroot Valley, MT
The lever should stay all the way forward when it is in float mode otherwise it returns to center. It sounds as if the detent may not be working properly if float works but the lever won't stay there on it's own.
 

hodge

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
John Deere 790 John Deere 310 backhoe Bobcat 743
Nov 19, 2010
2,949
513
113
Love, VA
Hi All, Been lurking since Oct. getting lots of answers to my questions. I have a B7200 HST loader backhoe with a problem or just a question I haven't seen addressed . I understand the fel is supposed to have a float option but when I push mine all the way forward there isn't a noticable indent or restriction indicating the float is in operation although it seems to work if I hold it in that position but dosen't lock in. I'm assuming there should be a spring and ball indent in the shaft and maybe a broken spring? Appreciate any and all input before I start yanking things apart when I really don't know what I'm looking for.
Awesome site , thanks for
looking!
Welcome to OTT!
It should have a spring and ball- the ball could have fallen out and is loose in there, or the detent is real worn. Obviously the float still works; the lever staying in position doesn't. You should pull it apart and see what's happening, before some metal travels where you don't want it to.
 

Lil Foot

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
1979 B7100DT Gear, Nissan Hanix N150-2 Excavator
May 19, 2011
7,858
3,090
113
Peoria, AZ
Since I got it, my B219 FEL would go into float position, but was almost impossible to get back out. Then suddenly it went in & out relatively easy, but would not stay engaged as you describe. A tear down revealed that a previous owner had painted over a vent on the float detent assembly, trapping moisture that rusted the detent parts. There are 2 steel balls with a spring between them in the spool shaft, and a recessed groove in the spool cap. The two balls had rusted to the point they were pushed into their recesses in the spool shaft & would not extend under spring pressure, which produced the problem like you described. I have replaced the balls & spring, cleaned up the recessed groove, and I'm awaiting seals before reassembly.
 

NELS

New member

Equipment
b7200 g5200
Oct 25, 2012
17
0
0
Watertown CT. USA
Hi and thanks for the replys. Guess I'll be taking the valve assy apart when the weather gets better. Kinda thought there was a spring and ball in there but wasn't sure.
37 days till spring and I'm working outside until next year when hopefully I'll have a garage for the Bota. Thanks again.
 

NELS

New member

Equipment
b7200 g5200
Oct 25, 2012
17
0
0
Watertown CT. USA
Since I got it, my B219 FEL would go into float position, but was almost impossible to get back out. Then suddenly it went in & out relatively easy, but would not stay engaged as you describe. A tear down revealed that a previous owner had painted over a vent on the float detent assembly, trapping moisture that rusted the detent parts. There are 2 steel balls with a spring between them in the spool shaft, and a recessed groove in the spool cap. The two balls had rusted to the point they were pushed into their recesses in the spool shaft & would not extend under spring pressure, which produced the problem like you described. I have replaced the balls & spring, cleaned up the recessed groove, and I'm awaiting seals before reassembly.
Well the same thing happened to me today.I was removing the 3ft. of snow we got over the weekend and the lever for the up and down motion just flopped sending the bucket upwards. I can control the unit but after looking at the valve assy and seeing the privious owner gooped something up on the forward side and not having the float working I've decided to buy a new valve if I can find one. Mine is a B1640 and I hope I have luck locating an assembly.
Thanks Lil Foot , big help!