I originally had plan to put two hooks on the back of the bucket, between the cylinders, more to tie onto than to lift with and I still plan to attach a clevis inside the bucket. I think I'm going to have a tab welded, inside, then I can take the loop off, if I am doing dirt or rock work, like this. Except, mine will be a little further back, due to bucket contour.:
I also want to have a plate of steel on the top center of the bucket, that chain can be held in, like this. Mine will be welded, though, not bolted.:
First, we removed the battery. Then, we cut off the level indicator.
Then, we did some rough fitting and marking. I had a friend weld it, as he has a more powerful welder than I do.
He used a Millermatic 185.
The way we attached the two hooks, was to take two approximate 4"x 4" squares of .25" steel and some 4" x height of the front lip, to stop the lip or the hook mount from getting smashed. The only bad thing about this is it will be hard to paint the backside and we were only able to weld one side. I'm not too concerned about its strength, in real life, I just like to have stuff overbuilt. After we got the plates on, he welded the hooks to the plates.
Here's some of the action shots:
Cut off the level indicator and getting it flat:
Fitting:
Welding the first support bracket in place:
Here's the first one nearly done. I went with 3/8" hooks, so I could use any size chain:
Both the hooks on, but one or two more welds to be put on:
Some close-ups, of the mounts and hooks:
We then got the level indicator back level and mounted. Unfortunately, the heat messed up the sticker, on the edges and it got flipped over:
What it looks like, with what's done, thus far. It still needs cleaned and painted:
Here's the inside of the bucket. It got pretty hot:
I'm still considering what else I am going to put on the FEL bucket, before I paint. I am also thinking about putting a hook or another clevis tab, on the BH bucket. Right now, I'm leaning toward the clevis tab, on the BH bucket.
Any tips on painting? I bought the Kubota Orange II, in the rattle can, from the dealer.
I also want to have a plate of steel on the top center of the bucket, that chain can be held in, like this. Mine will be welded, though, not bolted.:
First, we removed the battery. Then, we cut off the level indicator.
Then, we did some rough fitting and marking. I had a friend weld it, as he has a more powerful welder than I do.
He used a Millermatic 185.
The way we attached the two hooks, was to take two approximate 4"x 4" squares of .25" steel and some 4" x height of the front lip, to stop the lip or the hook mount from getting smashed. The only bad thing about this is it will be hard to paint the backside and we were only able to weld one side. I'm not too concerned about its strength, in real life, I just like to have stuff overbuilt. After we got the plates on, he welded the hooks to the plates.
Here's some of the action shots:
Cut off the level indicator and getting it flat:
Fitting:
Welding the first support bracket in place:
Here's the first one nearly done. I went with 3/8" hooks, so I could use any size chain:
Both the hooks on, but one or two more welds to be put on:
Some close-ups, of the mounts and hooks:
We then got the level indicator back level and mounted. Unfortunately, the heat messed up the sticker, on the edges and it got flipped over:
What it looks like, with what's done, thus far. It still needs cleaned and painted:
Here's the inside of the bucket. It got pretty hot:
I'm still considering what else I am going to put on the FEL bucket, before I paint. I am also thinking about putting a hook or another clevis tab, on the BH bucket. Right now, I'm leaning toward the clevis tab, on the BH bucket.
Any tips on painting? I bought the Kubota Orange II, in the rattle can, from the dealer.
