Lifting hooks on NH7308 FEL

[LarryD]

I'm looking for ideas on welding a lifting hook on the top of my NH 7308 FEL. The rolled steel seems a bit thin for a direct weld and I don't want to pick any heavy loads from the side. I suppose I could have some 3/8" steel rolled to the same shape and reinforce the center of the bucket. Has anyone made this modification to their FEL?

 

[Rip]

I bolted three heavy duty forged 'D' rings from Northern in the middle and near both ends of the flat portion of the upper bucket behind the rolled edge.

They were about $7 each (#150086) and I can use chain, rope, or straps off the front or back of the bucket. I used 3/8" bolts with large fender washers and the bucket has never tried to bend. Paint them or they will rust.

These were simple to mount and have worked very well for me.

Rip

 

[KrisHansen]

My dealer welds on a flat 'bridge' (1/4 thick, 5 inches wide, probably 10 inches long) that goes from the back of the bucket up onto the round part, then welds a hook onto it. it's very strong..

 

[GerardC]

Rip:

Can you post photos?

 

[RoyJackson]

The attached picture shows what I had welded to my 790's bucket. This should be good for the loader's lift capacity.

If it makes you feel better, weld the hooks to a ¼" plate about 4" x4" or so, then weld the plate(s) to your loader.

That will be quite adequate unless you plan on some really heavy lifting.

BTW, the bucket material is .125" thick steel.

 

[JerryG]

My hooks are partially mounted on 1/2"x 3" plate that is bent at a 90* angle to go down between the bucket mounts. Bucket Hooks

 

[henryjacobjosh]

I just used a hitch mount with a drawbar. You can change attachments with this and still be able to use it for trailers etc. I just add a Clevis to the drawbar to lift and pull things. So far this has worked well. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Hope this helps.

 

[henryjacobjosh]

Just another Pic.

 

[choreboy]

Hank

Good idea! I like it. For those of us who are not welders, but probably should be, this seems a good alternative. Thanks for the pix

 

[henryjacobjosh]

I can weld alright for a novice but I thought this made a cleaner bang up job. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
With four 1/2" bolts I don't think it will go anywhere. I have put some good stress on it so far and had no problems. I also have an oversized platform that fits right in and allows me to carry long objects such as conduit and steel I-beams etc. without having to lay it over my bucket cylinders and scratching all the paint off. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif