Ford 735 FEL Float Control

Apache_58 · Feb 4, 2019

I do not have the manual for my loader, but I have read on the Internet that the loader should have a compensating valve with float control. The tag says 19-541

Couple questions.
What kind of level indicator did these loaders come with?
How do I utilize the float position use the float position?

Two control levers one for lift the other curl.

Thanks!

Andy Wickiser · Feb 5, 2019

They didn't all have the same valve. The valves ranged from simple
without float to valve with float to compensating (self-leveling).
To get a good idea of differences and operation cut and paste the
following title into Google and download the PDF "Ford Series 730
Loader - Operator's Manual.pdf". I know you have a 735 and the
manual is for a 730 but they are very similar (735 heavier and fit
heavier tractors). The manual doesn't mention anything about a
level indicator. Also the link below for the parts breakdown will
give you an idea of the different valves used with the 735.
Series 735 loader parts

BigDanT · Feb 5, 2019

If you have float control, you push the "lift" lever all the forward and it will lock into float mode. May take a little force to do that. Usually use it while back dragging, when done you just pull lever back towards you and it will lift. Mine did not come with a level indicator and does not self level.

Jim.ME · Feb 6, 2019

Level indicator was a sliding rod assembly. Here is the parts catalog page.

Andy Wickiser · Feb 6, 2019

I stand corrected, the level indicator was mentioned in the 730
operator's manual I referred to in my previous post, but only as an
attachment. It has the same part number as the one pointed out in
your parts snapshot. Since it was an attachment probably most 730s
and 735s don't have them.

Apache_58 · Feb 6, 2019

That looks like something that could be built.
I’m thinking along the lines that when the indicator lines up and you just lower the lift, the bucket will be level when it reaches the ground.

I’ll look today and see which valve body I have.

Jim.ME · Feb 6, 2019

I believe what you are thinking of is the self leveling system. Some loaders are set up such that they will hold a bucket pitch where the operator sets it, as the loader arms go up or down; i.e., self leveling.

For the indicator you lower the bucket to the ground and set the roll of it to level or slightly pitched to cut, then adjust the indicator rod to show that point. You can see the indicator pointer from the seat and use it to return the bucket to your chosen pitch by using the valve to keep adjusting the bucket roll as it is lowering. On most if you were to set the indicator to where it points to level say 8 feet in the air, the bucket won't be level when it reaches the ground. Linkage geometry usually changes as it goes up and down, unless it has a self leveling set up to compensate for those changes. That's been my experience with various loaders.

Apache_58 · Feb 6, 2019

I looked at the control valves. And it doesn’t appear to be any of the ones shown on the Messicks website.

Am I confused?

Jim.ME · Feb 7, 2019

See what you can find for numbers or letters cast into the valve sections. It looks similar to a Vickers CM series. It could be a replacement valve. It appears to be a basic loader valve, not self leveling, with float on one spool (lift).

Looking at the second photo in your post it looks like your valve should have float on the right spool. The cap on the right at the bottom (as shown) of the valve is longer than the other. That is usual for a valve spool that has a float position rather than just spring centering, the short cap.

When you push the lever for that spool forward (assuming the valve has two lever control) you should feel spring resistance as it goes forward. You should encounter a detent as you push it further. If you push it fully forward, through that detent, it should "lock" there so you can let go of the lever and it won't return to center until you pull it the lever back to move the valve out of the detent. That is the float position. Both valves should return to center by springs when you let go of the handles, unless the lift is in float.

Apache_58 · Feb 7, 2019

Thanks, I will give it a try.

Apache_58 · Feb 7, 2019

Ok so tonight I figured out the control valve does feature a float mode. I can feel the detent but it does not stay in float, you have to hold the lever forward. Little PIA when your trying to look backwards while making a long back blade pass.

How easy is that detent to remove/replace?
Is it worth messing with?

Jim.ME · Feb 7, 2019

They are not to complicated to fix. It is a sectional valve. If you can identify the manufacturer there is likely detailed info on the web about repairing that detent. Search loader valve float detent repair and you should find some videos and other info to give you an idea of what to expect. You can look at the 735 parts page for the self leveling valve. I expect the lift spool and detent set up for your valve is the same as that one. Sometimes it is as simple as the detent stud backs out of the spool of a spring breaks. You only need to remove the end cap to see/work on it. Use care taking the cap off as it appears to have some small steel balls in it you don't want to lose. You should not lose any oil by just removing the cap.

Ford 735 FEL Float Control

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