Chain hooks on Kubota LA463 FEL

ABolt · Oct 4, 2006

Thanks all.

I ended up going with the angle-iron approach too - getting two 12" pieces welded on my bucket lip to form a box. I then got the hooks welded onto these pieces of angle iron.

I've just now gotten around to getting a can of Kubota orange touch-up paint and will try to post pics when it looks a little more 'presentable'.

The hooks and chain have been one of the most used features of the tractor. Now all I need are some FEL usage lessons since I can't seem to pick-up more than 2-3 teaspoons of dirt at a time... Anyway, that's a story for another time.

Thanks again.

Dargo · Oct 4, 2006

westbrooklawn said:
Dargo -

A lot has to do with the tractor operator and how the hooks are used.

I understand. I'm still learning; really. I only have about 8000 hours on about a hundred different types of tractors and dozers.

westbrooklawn said:
Regardless of how you could attach a chain to a FEL bucket it should never be used to "yank" things... that is a sure way to mess up your bucket and/or loader arms.

Dang. Again, I've been doing things wrong all these thousands of hours and that darn Kubota engineer from the plant in GA that manufacturers the loaders doesn't know what he's talking about. Thanks for setting me straight.

westbrooklawn · Oct 5, 2006

Dargo -

Not sure what I said to deserve your sarcastic replies. Re-read what I said... how can you possibly read into my comments any question regarding your experience or expertise... as I mentioned "points well taken". In fact I always read your posts and comments with interest and respect... you usually provide very good input. A sincere apology if I offended you in any way... not my intent.

I will stand by my statement that hooking a chain on an LA463 bucket and using it to "yank" on things is a bad idea no matter where the hook is located or how it is attached.

Having said that... TRUCE... and handshake!!! There is way too much good fellowship on this site to let differences of opinion get in the way of sharing.

Dargo · Oct 5, 2006

westbrooklawn said:
Having said that... TRUCE... and handshake!!! There is way too much good fellowship on this site to let differences of opinion get in the way of sharing.

Truce = fine. The apology is mine. Due to battling employees all day long, sometimes I come across a bit more bark than bite. Shh, don't tell that though.

I can't have everybody know that fact.

pashworth · Oct 5, 2006

Here's my setup. 2"x2"x1/4" thick steel angle stich welded every 4" with a 4" weld. I got the hooks from AW Direct. Here is the link. AWDirect.com - ID3 Towing Grab Hooks
And since the top of the bucket is reinforeced, I have bent the bottom edge of the bucket picking up rocks that just fit inside the bucket, forcing the bottom edge to bow out. Just hooked up a come a long and pulled it back into shape.

ovrszd · Oct 7, 2006

pashworth said:
Here's my setup. 2"x2"x1/4" thick steel angle stich welded every 4" with a 4" weld. I got the hooks from AW Direct. Here is the link. AWDirect.com - ID3 Towing Grab Hooks
And since the top of the bucket is reinforeced, I have bent the bottom edge of the bucket picking up rocks that just fit inside the bucket, forcing the bottom edge to bow out. Just hooked up a come a long and pulled it back into shape.

And I must say,,,,, without seeming too bold,,,,, those are some of the prettiest welds I have ever saw!!!! Wow!!! I can weld pretty good but those are awesome!!!

Also like the heavy angle iron idea. Some tabs could be added to attach a grapple for quick removal. Great job pashworth!!!