CARRYING WITH BUCKET HOOKS

Champy · May 4, 2007

I try to have the least amount of chain hanging free as possible. Push the bucket up close with the lip straight down; hook up the chains; slowly curl the bucket up to a normal position which lifts the item and removes all slack from the chains. Then nothing is swinging or swaying around (hopepfully).

KubotaSteve · May 4, 2007

I've moved implements with bucket hooks but didn't like the way it felt with bucket pretty high and ground not being level. Now I just use my clamp on forks. They work a lot better and the bucket is not nearly as high. The only implement I have trouble with is the 5 foot rotary cutter as it wants to see saw on the forks, but then I run a chain to the bucket hooks and it works like a charm.

radman1 · May 4, 2007

I am like AlanB. Always assume a hook or chain could break. Nobody close to whatever is lifted with loader. I also try to move the load as close as possible to ground. My hand is on the joy stick ready to drop the loader/load if anything starts to fall or tip. Chain as short as possible to whatever you are lifting. Keep load as close to tractor as possible.

browns40 · May 4, 2007

If your hooks were welded properly, don't be shy about using them--I had mine done by a friend who I used to work as a sternman for...

I've watched him work, and he puts it on generously & well--chipped slag away at least four times on each to be sure to get good solid penetration...

I trusted the welds he made that held a ton over my head on & off all day, so I trust the welds that hold my implements against/in front of the loader.

Two of these held a bouncing MX-5, and 800# of swinging logging winch... as mentioned, if yours were done by a pro your loader will fail first!

AlanB · May 5, 2007

mboulais said:
I carry with my bucket hooks a lot. As much as the bucket can lift (1900 lbs). I worry more about bending the top of the bucket than ripping the hook off. If you got good penetration when you welded it on, the weld is stronger than the steel around it.

That is what I guess I was trying to say and did not communicate well.

IE. the bucket steel itself is the weak part of the equation, my welds hold, and the hooks certainly hold, but the 1/8" or 3/16th of the bucket itself is the weak link in my system.

TonyS · May 5, 2007

we carry loads of stuff with the bucket hooks - but a lot more carefully now since a culvert , lifted with chains on the hooks fell back and hit the hood. as the bucket raised the hook angle changed and the chains slipped out.

The lift from FEL is too good to waste but watch the chains and hooks as much as the load

soarkrebel1 · May 7, 2007

I carry implements with mine all the time. It is the most useful thing on the tractor.

Just make sure you feel comfortable. at first you will be uneasy about it but once you know what your doing it will be second nature.

REMEMBER SLOWWWWWWWWWW!!!

Don't get in hurry and feel the load if it feels bad put it down.

When I go to our other place (120 acres) I load implements on the trailer with the FEL.

ToadHill · May 8, 2007

I agree with most. I carry all kinds of stuff with bucket hooks and chains. If I have to lift the bucket higher than eye level, I usually move the item in reverse just for a safer trip.

mjarrels · May 8, 2007

I just noticed a safety label on my loader yesterday that says do not use chains for lifting... yea, I have bucket hooks.

mark

mboulais · May 8, 2007

mjarrels said:
I just noticed a safety label on my loader yesterday that says do not use chains for lifting... yea, I have bucket hooks.

mark

Thats because regular "proof" chain at the local Lowes or Homedepot isn't rated for lifting. You can buy rated chain, but it costs more. Generally no one here is going to lift anything 3/8" "proof" chain can't handle.