Advice on bucket hooks

[JerryK]

As a side note... I put bucket hooks on my FEL bucket and one on my hoe. The only one I have ever used is the hoe one, I think twice. If I want to move or lift something, I just put my forks on. Chains or straps work great on the forks, too. OK, back to your bucket hook discussion......

 

[ovrszd]

Chains pulled to the breaking point do not just drop, they fly too. You should never pull with anything that doesn't have something else attached to it to keep it from flying. Use a slacked rope to tie down a pulling chain or use a slacked chain to weigh down a pulling rope, this keeps things from flying...

A favored method in my 4 wheeling world is to throw a jacket over the winch line when pulling.

 

[ovrszd]

This is just my opinion but without upgraded cylinders...I would not use the loader on any compact tractor for anything other than it's intended purpose...Not sure about this but in some cases modifying a FEL in any form could void a warranty...

I understand the point you are wanting to make. But I'd reword it just a bit. Change "I would not use" to "I would not abuse".

But then again, I guess we have to determine what the FEL's "intended purpose" is first?

 

[texasjohn]

I bet you have a grinder and wheel don't you?

How did you know!! It's on my list, but for some reason something else keeps jumping to the top:confused3:

 

[/pine]

I understand the point you are wanting to make. But I'd reword it just a bit. Change "I would not use" to "I would not abuse".

But then again, I guess we have to determine what the FEL's "intended purpose" is first?

Good point about use/abuse...

As for a loader's intended purpose...see the operators manual...

 

[oldpilgrim]

I've been tractoring for over 25 years and have never had a need for a tow hook. Chain hooks, all the time, but never one of the big c shaped hooks.

 

[dragoneggs]

A favored method in my 4 wheeling world is to throw a jacket over the winch line when pulling.

Great advice! Probably doing this every time might teach others that are watching about tensioning lines.

 

[ovrszd]

Good point about use/abuse...

As for a loader's intended purpose...see the operators manual...

If it's uses are limited to what is stated in the operators manual 95% of the users on TBN "abuse" theirs. My manuals say nothing about Grapples, Tree Puller, Forks, Shears, Post Hole Augers, on, and on.

 

[ovrszd]

I've been tractoring for over 25 years and have never had a need for a tow hook. Chain hooks, all the time, but never one of the big c shaped hooks.

It's always interesting to compares uses. I on the other hand use the C shaped hook as much as I do the link hooks.

 

[JIGBUILDER]

I prefer bolted on D rings as I lift/pull with chains/straps and steel cables of various sizes. The tractor is a Farmtrac 60 (50 hp) with the 5320 loader.

These are 3/4" grade 8 bolts and nuts with 1/4" and 5/16" plates on the inside and outside to keep from bending the bucket around the bolt holes. The D rings are 11k-15k rated .....and were free.

 

[MESSMAKER]

Awesome advice, thanks! These are the hooks I was looking at using. Sorry for the link as my phone won't let me add pics for some reason. If I sandwiched the bucket between two 1/4" steel plates and put the hook on top of the top plate, would that be sufficient or would I have to weld on the plates for them to be effective? I'm only a novice welder so welding on a brand new bucket makes me a bit nervous haha.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001G...=Tow+hooks&dpPl=1&dpID=41k0SOv79dL&ref=plSrch

These work fine. Harbor Freight has them for about $6 each from time to time.Take about 5 min to install. I have one on each side of the loader and a 2" receiver in the middle . The receiver lets you put in a tow ball,clevis or even another hook. A 3 foot piece of 2 inch with a hook in the end is handy for lighter stuff as it gives you more reach and forms a short boom.

 

[chim]

I welded a piece of angle across the top of the loader bucket to reinforce the bucket and to give a sturdy flat surface to weld on a pair of grab hooks.
I WISH I WOULD HAVE FLIPPED THE ANGLE and slotted it! Grab hooks only grab one way, and that has been a problem a couple of times.

Slotted angle just makes so much sense, Standard issue on logging winches to tie in a hitch.
Rings and loops and all sorts of "extras" can be accommodated with short lengths of chain that terminate in the appropriate fitting.

Like I wrote, I wish I would have done the slotted angle. I feel it is the most versatile.

Slotted angle has worked for me on two tractors starting back in '02. They withstand any stress I can impose on them. The deck being moved is a 6' Landpride RFM. The Ford wouldn't start, so I hooked it up and lifted the front end. Then I picked it up and brought it up the garage like a two-wheeled wheelbarrow. Chains can get hooked front or back. A HD loadbinder is what holds the forks on. Extra chain can be draped over the bucket by dropping them into extra slots.

 

[timster2]

I installed three grab hooks two shackle mounts and a receiver on my bucket. Best mod for the tractor. With the addition of the big receiver mounted hook I can move three point implements around without getting off and on the tractor. I use the center receiver mounted hook all the time. It stays mounted most of the time and does not interfere with loader work.