welding chain links on bucket and loader arms

   / welding chain links on bucket and loader arms #1  

stevef

Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2004
Messages
25
Location
Boerne, TEXAS
Tractor
Kubota M9000 4wd with loader and Hyd shuttle
I have got a new m9000 on order and the only thing still left to be complete is a BTR grapple rake which the dealer claims is backordered due to all the shipments to Florida and the east coast for cleanup from the hurricanes.
My question is rather than welding grab hooks to the bucket I'm thinking about having 3 links of 1\2" grade 43 logging chain (one welded and two hanging loose) to the bucket on either end and the same welded to the bottom of the loader arms close to the bucket pins for heavier lifts or pulls. Has anyone done this and if so do you like it or am I better off doing the conventional welded hooks on bucket. My reasoning is doing it this way I can attach clevis type grab hooks, clevis type slip hooks or just pass 3/4 nylon rope through the chain for light pulling or attach a nylon strap. The only drawback I can think of is I'll have to tie the chain links up when I'm not using them or I'll sound like Christmas is coming early with the chains bouncing around.
 
   / welding chain links on bucket and loader arms #2  
Whatever works for you, but definitely not something I'd do. I'd go with the hooks.
 
   / welding chain links on bucket and loader arms #3  
I'm with Bird on this one. I put the hooks on, the chain slapping would scare the field mice away /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Mine were welded on with the opening upwards so the chain would not fall out when it was hooked up. Joe
 
   / welding chain links on bucket and loader arms #4  
well I dont like that because you would always have to a chain with hooks to use and you couldn't adjust the length of chain, also a 3/8 hook wouldnt work but 1/2 and 3/8 chain work with a 1/2 hook.

nothing wrong with avoiding the paradigms but i dont see it being better.
 
   / welding chain links on bucket and loader arms #5  
Whatever works for you, but I'd see the hooks being a lot more flexable.

When it comes down to doing it, we don't fool around with swapping hooks, or a clevis, or wiring things up. We look around & make it go, now now now - with whatever is there. A hook is handy to have - slap your chain in the hook in the right place & go. Two links of loose chain wired up is a pita to fiddle with, find the clevis hook in the toolbox, argh.

--->Paul
 
   / welding chain links on bucket and loader arms #6  
Try it, if you don't like them you can always change it later.
 
   / welding chain links on bucket and loader arms #7  
Why not just drill 1/2" holes on the ends of the bucket, and directly pin a 3/8 or 1/2" grab hook to each? If the cheeks of your bucket are flimsy, you could weld or bolt a doubler to make it 1/2" thick. The hooks could quickly be removed with little hitch pins. Keep them handy in your tool box or something.
 
   / welding chain links on bucket and loader arms
  • Thread Starter
#8  
I have looked at all the info in the threads and I understand what ya'll are saying my problem other than never owning a tractor before is the bucket is'nt flat where most of you have your hooks mounted it is rolled like a pipe and light weight and the arms and the flat part of the bucket are recessed from the round edge so without attaching plates to even up to the top edge my only option is to attach to the cheeks which are flat and 1/2" or so and I planned on using the 1/2" chain to have more to weld to in hopes that it helps not to deform the bucket and for any really heavy lifting do it directly from the loader arms so that the cylinders would be curled closed as they are strongest when closed instead of full open as would be the case with the bucket curled down to avoid the chain cutting into the pipe top. I believe that even though this is Kubota's heavy duty 84" bucket the pipe at the top would get caved in quickly if you had much of a load going over the pipe top and down to the lifted object. I realize this is a tool but I'm investing a lot of $$$ and I'd like to keep it looking like I'm not a complete Jackass at least while the paint is still in the bucket. Not that I don't already look that way but theres no sense in compounding the problem.
 
   / welding chain links on bucket and loader arms #9  
If you have the power to lift heavy stuff, you need a doubler for anything welded to bucket or arms. I ripped a hole in my bucket. before figuring that out. I also have a pintel hook on top that's handy for rope and straps.
 
   / welding chain links on bucket and loader arms #10  
SteveF,

I don't recall if you said you are doing the welding yourself or not...

Before I forget to say it...I am with the "weld the hooks on crowd"... Much more useful I think, from my experience anyway...

If you are doing it yourself, you certainly could weld some reinforcement on the bucket top, and weld hooks to that. It would make the bucket even more heavy duty. But you would have to paint you work and it might not end up being a perfect match.

Also consider a toothbar that adds strenght to the bottom lip. There are different designs. Mine ( much smaller tractor, but still the principle works on any size bucket) is made like a V that slips over the lower lip, and has the teeth welded to it. VERY strong design...

There have been other threads on bucket hooks and toothbars. You might want to do a search and read a bit. Many good ideas.

Attached is a picture of my bucket. Again, smaller, but things would work the same on a larger bucket/tractor. I welded 2x2x.25 inch angle across the top and this resulted in a really strong upper lip.
 

Attachments

  • 516962-hooks.JPG
    516962-hooks.JPG
    68.5 KB · Views: 960
 
 
Top