I need a hook up

[MJB]

I have read in some 4x4 and off-road magazines that tow hooks should never be welded onto anything, only bolted with grade 8 or better hardware. They claim that the welding can make the hooks or mounting points more brittle and more likely to break under heavy stress. I personally have never seen a quality welded-on hook that broke due to overloading, but it might be something to consider.

 

[Bird]

I'm sure that much depends upon how much stress you can put on the hooks, bucket, etc. I used these U-bolts so the hooks can lay back out of the way when I mount the front forks, did no re-enforcing at all other than nuts and washers, and I've even tried lifting or pulling things that the loader could not pick up (put all the stress on them the tractor is capable of) and have never broken or bent anything yet.

Bird

 

[Bird]

The hooks just swing forward and lay on the top lip of the bucket when I'm using a chain.

Bird

 

[HalseyGreen]

A comment on the recommendation of 4x4 magazines - when they talk about tow hooks and such, they are talking about macho 6,000+ pound machines and nylon tow straps stuck deep in the mud. We are only lifting loads that our loader will handle. On hooks, I have seen in catalogues for tow truck operations hooks that do not have an eye, they are flat on the bottom for welding. I have also seen them at one of my local John Deere Dealers. I like the idea of adding the angle iron for strength.

 

[DFB]

Here's a pic of the hooks on my JD. Gives me chance to try out the new camera. Clevis style. Made in U.S.A. too.

DFB

 

[Bird]

That's a good looking arrangement even if it is the wrong color. And the camera works OK, too./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Bird

 

[bpence]

Bird, very cool idea and nice installation. Is that your own idea? If it is you ought to package and sell it. I like how it keeps the hooks out of the way until needed. Been having this whole discussion with my neighbor about putting a couple of hooks on his JD 4100's bucket. You might have just solved the whole thing for him. He was leaning toward bolt-on's, so your hook-ups would be just the ticket.

Bob Pence

 

[Bird]

Bob, I guess it was a combination of wanting to keep the hooks out of the way until needed, and wanting to use material I had on hand at the time./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Bird

 

[DFB]

Bird,

Now you know there ain't nuthin' wrong with that color. Sure looks mighty fine to me./w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif Ya better get goin' on that garden. Won't be long now. Got my seeds yesterday./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

About the bucket. I could use a slip hook in the center though.

DFB

 

[Bird]

DFB, I've just never needed a slip hook in the middle to use for a hook; although I do have one./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif I have a big slip hook that I only bolt on (a single bolt in the center of the bucket) that hooks over the pipe the forks are mounted on when I'm using the forks. It will keep that pipe from bowing in the middle. I could use it other times, but just haven't needed it. And I've had most of my seed for over a week; just don't want to try wading in ankle deep mud to plant anything./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

Bird