A loading implement and method of operating a loading implement for the adjustment of a floating condition of a boom of the loading implement. The loading implement includes a hydraulic arrangement for the lifting and lowering of the boom, a hydraulic conveying device, a hydraulic fluid tank, a hydraulic cylinder, a control implement connected to hydraulic supply lines for the control of the hydraulic cylinder, a first and a second hydraulic line connecting the hydraulic cylinder with the fluid tank and equipped with a first and a second selector valve, a lifting side load holding valve and a control unit for switching of the selector valves. In order to permit the activation of a floating condition without the boom being lowered uncontrollably, a sensor signals the position of the boom or the hydraulic cylinder to the control unit, which is configured to cause lowering of the boom and/or the switching into the floating condition as a function of the signal delivered by the sensor.