FEL Bucket Hook Questions...

[jhortonvt]

I have researched alot here in prep for adding hooks to my bucket, and I've come up with a few questions.

1- It seems most people have 3 hooks, with 2 grab hooks on the side edges-or at the end of the arms, and a single slip hook in the middle. The question here is wouldn't there be more potential for torquing the FEL if you have chain through the two grab hooks and possibly ending up with uneven pull on the item attached? Therefore wouldn't it be better to have the slip hooks on the ends and a grab hook in the middle where you cant twist the bucket-assuming you are pulling straight back.

As I think about slip hooks on the sides it probably doesn't matter what you have, if your pulling with chain, the chain links probably won't slip to maintain even pull.

2- I'm going to get weld on grab hooks like THIS , but I'm having trouble finding similar weld on type slip hooks. I found THESE but they are awfully expensive. So then I was thinking about just using a 'D' chain shackle like THESE . Or do I just do what most have done and grind a clevis grab hook flat on the back?

BTW I am definitely reinforcing my bucket with some flat stock prior to the hook attachment.

JD 4310
300CX FEL w/ standard 61" Bucket
Frontier 2065 Box Blade
LX5
59" Front Snowblower

 

[GerardC]

There really isn't any rule of thumb as to what and where you attach something to your FEL. I used D-Rings and am very satisfied with the performance.

 

[GerardC]

2

 

[GerardC]

3

 

[GerardC]

In action.

 

[JRP]

I prefer three grab hooks, no slip. IMO chain hooks ar faster to use than D-rings.

Make sure the hook is angled such that gravity tries to hold the chain in, not let it fall out.

I like 3/8" hooks on my tractor, and I cut the clevis off with a band saw before welding. A pair of 3/8" hooks is cheap from Harbor freight, and they can be used with 1/4" chain. You can't use 3/8" chain with 1/4" hooks.

Grade 70 chain in 1/4" is about as strong as and same cost as proof 3/8" chain, and much smaller, lighter, and easier to use. I have not yet broken G70 1/4" with 68 hp.

 

[JRP]

Well, sorry about the pic problem. Here are some simple chain boxes.

 

[jyoutz]

Since you've decided anyway to reinforce your bucket, you might want to consider what I did. I welded my hooks to the top of a piece of 2 1/2" angle iron (1/4" thick). Then I drilled the angle iron and bucket lip and bolted this to the top of the bucket, using 1/4" flat stock on the underside of the bucket lip for a backing plate. My bucket lip was greatly reinforced, the angle iron and hooks would be easy to take to the welding shop ( for those who don't weld), and you could easily remove the hooks if you wanted to. Also, if your welding job goes bad, then you just ruined a piece of angle iron, not your expensive bucket.

 

[8Buzz8]

I'm in the very same process & in fact I have held off a little in getting it done for this reason.
Very glad for your input in starting this thread & also for the responses from everyone else.
It's great to get the collective experience & wisdom of the group.
So glad that I found this site & more importantly this community.
Thanks guys, Great stuff!

Buzz.

 

[Egon]

I'd go with hooks prewelded to the angle iron and bolt on if you do not weld.

If you weld I'd do it the same way using hot bolts.

Use grab hooks. These can then be used with a short chain and different hooks as required.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif