Hi Everyone,
Today I tried to pick up a 2,300 pound outdoor wood boiler using the FEL on my John Deere 3020. I was unable to lift the boiler with the chain attached to one side of the bucket. However, this worked: I attached one end of the chain to the crossbar that runs between the two arms of the loader and which sits behind the bucket. The chain ran from the crossbar over the top of the bucket and then hung down below the front cutting edge on the bucket. I hooked onto the boiler and then curled the bucket upwards and was then able to lift the stove.
However, the links of the chain would hang up on the front cutting edge of the bucket and then would "pop" as they broke loose and slid past the edge. By curling the bucket, I was in affect shortening the chain. By attaching the chain in the center of the bucket I think I made the most affective use of both hydraulic cylinders.
I have to lift the boiler one more time next to set it in place.
What I would like to do is find some kind of steel roller about 8 - 10 inches wide that could be clamped to the cutting edge of the bucket. That way, the chain could roll smoothly over the edge (on top of the roller) as I curl the bucket up. I didn't see any kind of roller on Northern Tools web site that would work. Anyone know where I could find such a thing?
Today I tried to pick up a 2,300 pound outdoor wood boiler using the FEL on my John Deere 3020. I was unable to lift the boiler with the chain attached to one side of the bucket. However, this worked: I attached one end of the chain to the crossbar that runs between the two arms of the loader and which sits behind the bucket. The chain ran from the crossbar over the top of the bucket and then hung down below the front cutting edge on the bucket. I hooked onto the boiler and then curled the bucket upwards and was then able to lift the stove.
However, the links of the chain would hang up on the front cutting edge of the bucket and then would "pop" as they broke loose and slid past the edge. By curling the bucket, I was in affect shortening the chain. By attaching the chain in the center of the bucket I think I made the most affective use of both hydraulic cylinders.
I have to lift the boiler one more time next to set it in place.
What I would like to do is find some kind of steel roller about 8 - 10 inches wide that could be clamped to the cutting edge of the bucket. That way, the chain could roll smoothly over the edge (on top of the roller) as I curl the bucket up. I didn't see any kind of roller on Northern Tools web site that would work. Anyone know where I could find such a thing?