FEL/ Hooks

[JB4310]

JRP.

Except those nifty chain storage boxes and the rope comment I don't agree with most of this post. In a friendly way, not to be to harsh, I don't think there's a big safety issue but...

Lets start with the position of the hooks, first of all it's been established that outside of the lift cylinders is not the best choice, next is the angle you mounted them, defeating a good portion of the welded attachment area. I don't like it and I don't like 1/4 inch chain either.

The position of hooks on top of any bucket, not just yours, brings up another point I took in consideration when I made my "Bucket Buddy" (should trade mark that ) was that with top horizontal mount like most people do, in order to have hook vertical to facilitate grabbing and holding chain, you must roll the bucket forward to almost a full dumping position. which is the weakest point in the "geometry" of the loaders capacity, causing both more stress on the loader and lose of lifting capability.

Sure you can roll the bucket back once the tension is on the chain, but now you're fully engaging the cutting edge and chain. Probably not a big deal but still boogering things up a bit.

With mine, hook is in vertical position with bucket level, though there can still be some contact of chain with edge, having the bucket already rolled back that extra 90 degrees provides more lift from top of bucket instead outward on cutting edge.

I'm not a great debater, but I'll try

JB.

 

[The Haymaker]

You exert forces for which the bucket was never designed, for which the tractor arms were never designed

So what happens when you're digging dirt and there's a root/ rock that's not centered on the bucket?

 

[The Haymaker]

You could try for some real customization and make it into an extenda-cab

It's gonna take some impressive hydraulic work to make it bounce like this!

 

[JRP]

JB4310,

You are correct about much of what you said.

The post is intended to share ideas of what has worked well and to help newbees with different thoughts to consider.

"I think slip type hooks are poor, as you must then use the chain grab hooks, and gravity tries to unhook them. Skip the slip hooks idea. I'll debate this with anyone." The slip hooks is what I'm willing to debate.

The rest is my opinion and what has worked well for me. I lift heavy things with chain on both outer hooks, so little risk of tipping over sideways or twisting the massive LA1162 frame. For very heavy things I also have two hooks on the loader QA frame, so I remove the bucket to reduce load by the bucket weight and of course use both hooks.

No dents on the grade 70 chain yet.

 

[JRP]

Haymaker,

I enjoyed the video clip. Thanks

 

[dcyrilc]

JB4310,

You are correct about much of what you said.

The post is intended to share ideas of what has worked well and to help newbees with different thoughts to consider.

"I think slip type hooks are poor, as you must then use the chain grab hooks, and gravity tries to unhook them. Skip the slip hooks idea. I'll debate this with anyone." The slip hooks is what I'm willing to debate.

The rest is my opinion and what has worked well for me. I lift heavy things with chain on both outer hooks, so little risk of tipping over sideways or twisting the massive LA1162 frame. For very heavy things I also have two hooks on the loader QA frame, so I remove the bucket to reduce load by the bucket weight and of course use both hooks.

No dents on the grade 70 chain yet.

I disagree about slip hooks, but (and here's the reason) I don't use chain on the slip hook. I also use nylon slings for lifting some objects, and it is difficult to use a grab hook with an 2" or 3" nylon sling. With chain, I always use grab hooks.

 

[JB4310]

JB4310,
For very heavy things I also have two hooks on the loader QA frame, so I remove the bucket to reduce load by the bucket weight and of course use both hooks.

I like that idea, definitely the highest capacity from that point

I do use a slip type hook in the receiver hitch, mostly for sling but sometimes for chain. Just have to loop and grab the chain like mentioned. You do have to be careful that they don't come undone when slack, or you can use a locking hook, I picked up a couple from AW Direct, which is just in the next town over The locking hooks are pretty cool, especially if you have to put a few chains together for a long reach.

BA Grade 70 Grab Hook with Latch w/ 6,600 lb. WLL - 3/8 in. - Mfg# 11-38G7GHL

JB.

 

[dcyrilc]

I like that idea, definitely the highest capacity from that point

I do use a slip type hook in the receiver hitch, mostly for sling but sometimes for chain. Just have to loop and grab the chain like mentioned. You do have to be careful that they don't come undone when slack, or you can use a locking hook, I picked up a couple from AW Direct, which is just in the next town over The locking hooks are pretty cool, especially if you have to put a few chains together for a long reach.

BA Grade 70 Grab Hook with Latch w/ 6,600 lb. WLL - 3/8 in. - Mfg# 11-38G7GHL

JB.

Interesting...I've never seen the locking grab hook before. I might have to get one just to try it out.

 

[mjncad]

Holy crap Paul! I'll bet that was good for some serious puckering.

 

[mjncad]

The moderator PM'ed me telling me he removed them because they showed signs of violence and this was a family oriented site and didn't like the content. He went on to tell me that If the right person took it the wrong way I could be sued over it

Like Paul, I got popped by a certain prudish Epic Contributor over a comment I made in the oils forum.

It's sad that political correctness has invaded TBN.

 

[mjncad]

One of my first welding projects.

Picasa Web Albums - Matt - John Deere 42...#

 

[Baby Grand]

An option for slip hooks for when you wished you'd installed grab hooks:



-Jim

 

[Dargo]

Oh snap! (Isn't that what kids say now days?) I got to test my welded on hooks yesterday. A GMC 4X4 dually was nose down in a ditch that was about 7' deep when I passed by on my tractor. (we got about 8" of snow; big snow for my area) I stopped to see if everyone was okay since I just did see the last part of the accident as I rounded a corner. Only one fella in the truck and he was okay. He literally couldn't climb out of the ditch until I lowered my FEL bucket down into the ditch with a piece of 3/8" chain for him to grab on and climb into the bucket.

He wanted me to help pull him out but I didn't have my snatch strap with me, only a 20' grade 70 chain. Being that the road was clear, he wanted me to hook to his hitch and pull him out. I reluctantly agreed, worried it wouldn't work, and had him hook the chain to his truck. As others who had stopped to help held up traffic, I gave him a good pull but the angle was pretty steep and I didn't think I moved him any. He was in his truck and said that I pulled him back about a foot each try and asked that I give it a little yank. I let about a foot of slack in the chain and popped him twice more with very limited results. Frustrated, he hollered for me to really give him a tug. This time I let about 2' of slack in the chain and yanked. I pulled out....his hitch and a portion of his rear frame!

At least my hooks held fine. I apologized, called him a wrecker, and left him with his hitch and truck while I went on to clear my dad's road and driveway. He was gone by the time I came back. Sorry, I didn't think to snap any pics with my phone.

 

[Kubota Tee]

An option for slip hooks for when you wished you'd installed grab hooks:

View attachment 153863

-Jim

Jim,

That device looks pretty slick! I have the same tow hooks on my bucket and that loop would come in handy. What is it called and where did you get it? Do you think they would have one at my local TSC?

 

[JB4310]

Jim,

That device looks pretty slick! I have the same tow hooks on my bucket and that loop would come in handy. What is it called and where did you get it? Do you think they would have one at my local TSC?

Not to speak for Baby Grand but I've seen them in AW direct's catalog. I'd like to get one myself.
Grade 70 Grab Link w/ 6,600 lb. WLL - 3/8 in. - Mfg# 44200


I've got one of these.
Grade 40 Clevis Link w/ 6,600 lb. WLL - 3/8 in. - Mfg# 695444

And these come in handy.
CM Grade 70 Double Clevis Link w/ 6,600 lb. WLL - 3/8 in. - Mfg# 82380

All kinds of useful, high quality stuff.
Tow Chain

 

[Baby Grand]

Kubota Tee-

Grab link, Keyhole link, Banjo link?
Whatever you call them, they are very handy, and very easy to lose.
Never seen them at TSC, but you can always ask ...
Here's where I got mine:

Logging Attachments & Accessories - Labonville Inc.

Attached to your drawbar with a clevis you can quickly adjust tow chain length and resecure - almost like having a weld-on on your drawbar. Works really well for skidding with a boom pole & tongs:



Manly, no?
Truknutz is so last week when you could be flashin' your tractorjunk!

JB4310-

Thanks for those links - some great stuff. I really like those clevis hooks and the J-hooks could find a lot of use around here, too. That's why I love TBN. Share a little/get a little. Knowledge is power.

-Jim

 

[GE222]

Please keep in mind that only Grade 50, 60, 80, 100, and 120 chain, hooks and connectors should be used for overhead lifting.

Grade 30, 40, 70 70 pieces are not rated for overhead lifting.