7308 front hook modification

[KrisHansen]

Adding to the previous thread about adjusting the front hooks, yesterday I finally got around to modifying my front hooks. The first pic shows how I added a piece of steel pipe to create a spacer, and to bridge the gap to the end of the front mount, to keep the arm from sliding side to side.

The next pic shows how it will fit when mounted..

Then, I bolted it all together, and welded the hooks to the horizontal arms.

I can say that it feels MUCH more solid than it did before, especially pushing into piles of material, and manuvering around, the assembly doesn't twist as much, if at all.

 

[Mrwurm]

Kris, I like your work, but I am wondering about the reattachment issue. The 'side to side' movement that you have eliminated with the pipe allowed you to reattach the loader while the tractor is off center to the loader by an inch or two either way. Now, when you approach the loader, you must be perfectly 'dead center' to line up with you modified mounts.

 

[KrisHansen]

Jerry, Thanks for the comments. As far as I can tell, it shouldnt be too hard to get it centered. I have not taken it off yet, though I only have 26 hours on the tractor. The only time I figure it will be removed is during the 50 and subsequent major services. Further, it's pretty easy (for me, being 260 +/- pounds) to 'scooch' the assembly side to side a little with no load in the bucket.

I guess if it ever stops raining here, I can take it off and see how hard it might be to get back on..