Chain hooks

[sros990]

I will be getting a 300CX loader with my new 990 tractor this Spring and would like to know if chain hooks are a good idea. If so, I would like to know:

1. What kind of hooks should I get?
2. What size hooks?
3. How many hooks?
4. Where on the FEL should they be placed?
5. How should they be attached to the FEL?
6. Should I have the dealer attach the hooks?
7. What can I expect to pay?

In addition to the hooks, what size and length all purpose chain should I get?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[BGL990]

1. Steel ones /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
2. Size to fit your chain
3. At least 2 (one on each side), and another one in the middle doesn't hurt.
4. See above.
5. Probably welded on, although some have bolted them on. Which ever way you do it, make sure the bucket is strong enough or suitable reinforced to take the stress.
6. Depends on whether you think you can do it yourself. Anyone should be able to drill the holes and bolt hooks on if that is your preference. If you can weld, then it depends on your confidence in your welding skills.
7. The hooks themselves are cheap like dirt. Having someone else weld them on - don't know.

Here are the chain hooks I added to the bucket on my 990.

 

[GaryBDavis]

Chain hooks are one of the most useful things you can add to your FEL. One at each end and one or three in the middle are my preference. I suggest you use 5/16 grab hoods (grab hook is the one with the narrower “slit” opening. The reason for a 5/16 grab hook is that you can slip a 1/4” or 3/8” chain into it. I know that sounds strange, but stop by the local hardware store, play around with the hooks and you’ll see what I mean. So, with a 5/16 grab hook, you can use ¼, 5/16 or 3/8 chains.

On my JD 770, I welded a ¾” x 5” flat bar underneath the top lip of the bucket for reinforcement. You see a lot of buckets with hooks welded in the middle that have bent down the top center section. For my JD 5420 bucket, I welded several support brackets underneath the center section of the top lip. The support ended up being about 2' long. I also welded bracing just underneath the hooks welded on the sides. For either installation, you can barley see the support plates welded up inside of the lip.

Grind the paint before you weld, sand the edges of the paint, spot paint the bare metal and flash the whole bucket with a glossy coat of JD green. Why don’t they just weld hooks onto the buckets from the factory? Sure would save us a lot of typing here.

 

[PineRidge]

These are the type hooks that Gary was speaking about. weld-on chain hooks

 

[creeper]

It may be a good Idea for you to have the dealer do it before delivery,maybe about $75Doing them yourself is great if you or a friend has a welder, if not go with the dealer and he will have all your answers and stand behind it also.

 

[kennyd]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Why don’t they just weld hooks onto the buckets from the factory? Sure would save us a lot of typing here.
)</font>

Well Said! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[pat32rf]

I run a 420 FEL on a 4300 tractor, two days after delivery I welded a piece of 3" channel iron across the top of the bucket. Then welded loops to this so I could attach the hooks with clevises. That way I can change anything that gets damaged. Turns out I settled on a large slip hook because I could also use ropes and straps instead of chain as I frequently want to lift a load such as fridge or stove that I can't put chain on. I have short chains with grab hooks on one end and slip hooks on the other for hauling logs etc which I also use for lifting. The grab hooks make them adjustible for length.

 

[Magruder]

Couldn't agree more!

 

[tawilson]

I welded a piece of angle iron across the top of my bucket and cut slots in it 16" apart. Works the same a hooks plus it stiffened the bucket up a bit.

 

[pat32rf]

The angle might work but I always worry about the chain slipping out under load if the bucket is tipped. Also you need very thick angle to have enough strenght. IMHO