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2038R w/ OEM 3rd function & PB.
The 3rd function is powering top & tilt cylinders. Works great, except I don’t think my float function is working.
To test, I picked up my rotary cutter and retracted the top cylinder, lifting the back end with the wheel into the air (see picture).
I push the number II lever all the way forward and can clearly feel the lever go into the detent position… I would expect the cylinder, in float mode, to extend and lower the back of the mower to the ground? Instead, it seems to freeze the cylinder in it’s current position, won’t move at all. Any ideas?

 

[Festus]

Below is the description.. sounds like the cylinder does not allow it.

 

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Yes, it came from the Netherlands.
Thanks Kenny for your tip on the check valve in the cylinder. Didn’t grow up or work in a field with hydraulics.. learning as I go.

 

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Are the check valves contained in the rectangular block that is plumbed parallel to the cylinder?
If so, can I remove this section at the banjo bolts, and run my hoses directly into the sides of cylinder, enabling the float?

 

[Festus]

Like you ridesdirt, I like OEM, but I didn't see a JD top/tilt kit offered for my 2038 when I bought it. Maybe I could have used 3-series parts numbers and it would have worked fine, but I ended up ordering cylinders on my own and having a local hydraulic shop make the hoses/fittings I needed.

After further thought, I think I'm just going to stick with what I have, for a few reasons:
1. I'd only use the float on two of my implements.. a rotary cutter and land plane. For everything else I'd prefer it doesn't bleed down. My tilt cylinder bleeds and every half hour I have to give it a little bump to bring my ballast box back to level. I've been using a rotary cutter for a few years now on my very un-even property, and have gotten the hang of it, so I don't really NEED the float at this point. And for the land plane, I can just put a chain in the place of the top link, so it can float but still be lifted when I need to turn around.
2. I hadn't considered the safety aspect of the implement dropping in the case of a hose failure. I like the idea of it not falling to the ground (or on me) if pressure is lost.

If I decide in the future that I just have to have the float function, I'll purchase a new top cylinder without the check valves installed, so I still have the option to go back with a simple swap.