Fluid control system with float capability

A fluid control system, comprising:

• a double-acting actuator having a first actuating chamber, a second actuating chamber, and an actuating member disposed for movement therebetween;
• a first pilot signal operated check valve connected to the first actuating chamber and operable for controlling fluid flow therefrom;
• a second pilot signal operated check valve connected to the second actuating chamber and operable for controlling fluid flow therefrom;
• a pilot signal operated, three position directional control valve having a first port connected to the first pilot signal operated check valve, a second port connected to the second pilot signal operated check valve, a tank port and a pump port, the directional control valve and the check valves being cooperatively operable under a first pilot signal condition of an initial pressure magnitude to allow fluid flow from the first actuating chamber to the tank port and fluid flow from the pump port to the second actuating chamber, and the directional control valve and the check valves being cooperatively operable under a second pilot signal condition to allow fluid flow between the actuating chambers to allow pressure conditions therein to equalize such that the actuating member is allowed to float;
• and
• a valve arrangement connected to the check valves and the directional control valve for producing the first and second pilot signal conditions thereon, the valve arrangement including a pilot signal control valve operable for directing the first pilot signal condition to the second pilot signal condition when the pressure magnitude of the first pilot signal condition exceeds the initial pressure magnitude.