Loader Modifications

[rgood]

Nice Work MJ !

 

[3RRL]

I place my grab hooks (2 of them) on the back of the bucket right above where the fel arms attach to the bucket. They are welded to the extra plate there out of the way and angle towards the center. I don't have a center hook but always use 2 chains to center the loads.



You can see them on the back here where they are out of the way when I mounted my bucket grapples. I run the chains over the grapple bases which are 1" thick.

 

[rgood]

Thanks for posting Rob -

Question - What is available for the loader that helps you know what angle it is positioned at - Is there some kind of a flag system a guy can put on it so he can see how it is tipped ???

 

[nedly05]

I welded on a piece of 1/4 plate steel, then welded the hook to that.

 

[3RRL]

I think this is what you mean, right? Something to indicate where the lip of the bucket is?
It's a bucket level indicator.



You can do a search for more kinds. Over the years I've managed to figure out where my bucket lip is and what level or tilt it's at, so I don't rely on the level indicator anymore.

 

[rgood]

Thanks 3 R - So what do each of your lines mean?

 

[glmf]

I welded a piece of channel across the whole top edge before putting the hooks on, really stiffened it up. The I used pad eyes for more options works out real well.

 

[3RRL]

Thanks 3 R - So what do each of your lines mean?

Initially, the red marks are what I used. The gray was just to show the difference between them. When only the top red mark showed, the bucket was tilted to a suitable angle I found (personally) for digging. The second from the top red mark was when my bucket was level to the ground at ground level. The third down was curled all the way up...LOL...no need for that one.

That paint has since worn off and I've since found I can "eyeball" my bucket position pretty good now.

 

[GIJOE]

Here are the modifications on my FEL.
The first three pics are of a hook welded onto the back of the quick attach plate between the loader lift arms. This hook will be used if I reach the upper limits of the lift capacity. I will be able to bring the load closer to the pivot pins, and if needed, I will also be able to shed the 300#?? bucket. The last two pics, I welded a piece of 2" x 3" x 1/4" angle across the top of the bucket for added strength, and then welded two hooks in line with the lift arms.

Joe