Bucket Hooks Location and attachment of FEL chain hooks?

dos_perros · Nov 1, 2003

Plan on attaching two chain hooks to Kubota LA853 FEL with HD bucket. What is best location and orientation of hooks? Upper lip of bucket is round. Only flat surfaces are on sides of bucket. Will most likely have them welded. Don't see the need for additional use of bolts. All advice appreciated. Thanks.

ronjhall · Nov 1, 2003

dos_perros
I like a hook in the center. But that is usually the weakest spot on the bucket. If a hook is put in that position, bucket will need to be reinforced.
Here are a couple of links to discussions on hook and there placement. Hope they help with your decision.
Click Here
Click Here

dos_perros · Nov 1, 2003

Thank you RONJHALL. Sites very useful. Will continue planning. I have most of materials. Now trying to determine best location to weld on high tensile weldable chain hooks. Upper lip of bucket is heavily built and probably does not need additional reinforcement. Again, thank you.

bebster · Nov 1, 2003

I've attached a picture of my bucket (which came from John Deere) which has a center hook and 2 side hooks. In this example I use all 3 hooks, although the 2 outside hooks would have given a stable lift.

But mostly I just use the center hook for dragging logs and large saplings. Not a lot of load on that hook unless I'm also trying to pull them out of the ground. I think it's important to have a center hook, so that you can balance the torque on the loader arms. If you just had 2 hooks, then you'd be pulling the loader from one side, which can't be as strong as a straight-on force.

bebster · Nov 1, 2003

Here's a picture of a 3/8" chain attached to the center hook. The other end of the chain has a slip hook around a dead tree being dragged. You can barely see the other 2 hooks, one on either end of the top of the bucket.

PineRidge · Nov 1, 2003

I personally would not recommend the center location for a FEL hook. That is the weakest spot and you are going to see some damage if you use it hard sooner or later. If you want hooks add two, one on each end where the bucket is the strongest. Otherwise, better learn how to swing a longhandle sledge hammer to pound out the dents. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

k4330 · Nov 2, 2003

I did the same as bebster but left off the center hook .. I would try lifting or pulling something too heavy and end up bending the bucket so if it's not there I can't use it . You will be fine with 1 on either side. If what your lifting is too heavy and needs to be centerd use two chains ..Bill

RoyJackson · Nov 2, 2003

I've got three hooks, two outboard and one at the center.
As others have mentioned, using the center hook may result in a little bending of the bucket...but it is a tractor after all.

All three hooks have their use...if you just want to rig one tow line (or chain), the center hook works the best. If you've a heavier load, or need to pick something up, the two outer hooks work better (to distribute the load).

We bought the machines to work 'em...don't worry if you deform the upper lip of the bucket a bit. It'll still do it's job!

have_blue · Nov 2, 2003

Roy,

I am thinking of 1 on each side of the bucket as you said. For using a single centered chain, first run short chain hooked to both, and the long chain hooked to the center of it. I am thinking that would work. What do you think?

rozett · Nov 2, 2003

My father-in-law has been a union welder for 30 years and works on a lot of agricutlural and industrial equipment. His advise was to put it in the center with a reinforcing plate under it. He said that he has seen several loader arms wracked because of uneven loading of hooks placed at or beyond the loader arms. I followed his advise and have had no trouble pulling out rocks, small stumps, and trees.

Besides, following his advise brought bonus points in family relations. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif