Rookie questions - FEL hooks

[Mark4510]

After 5 years of trying to use my pickup to do what I needed done, I finally broke down and bought a 4510. While waiting for the tractor to be delivered, I discovered your site and have been reading everything I can.

My question is, with my 460 FEL, what is the best way to attach hooks? I have read many posts and 2 things seem to keep coming up. I might want to reinforce the top of the bucket and I should have the hooks welded to a plate and weld the plate to the bucket. Is that the general idea? I suspect I will use a chain so is a quality 3/8ths a good choice?

I will make sure, based on other threads, that my welder friend keeps the ground close to the weld to protect the bearings.

BTW...thanks in advance for saving me from myself. I have learned a tremendous amount from the experts here and that advice has probably kept my wife from becoming a widow.

 

[Bird]

Sounds like you've got the right ideas already, Mark. Have fun with that tractor, and welcome to the forum.

 

[ScottAR]

3/8" trucker grade is what I use... It will handle everything my 1050 can dish out. You've got the right ideas on the hooks. Welcome to the forum!

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Mark,

I just 'extended' the 1/4" plate on the top of my bucket at the loader arm attachment points out to the front of the top of my bucket then welded on a couple of hooks designed specifically for that purpose. You can buy them through AWDirect if you'd like. I think a search for 'weldable hooks' will find it for you.

I chose to attach the hooks there so as to have them lined up with my loader arms to minimize torquing/twisting my bucket and/or loader.

Another method would involve welding a piece of angle iron across the top of your bucket with 'notches' cut into it to accomodate your chain. That would reinforce your bucket top as well as giving you as many chain attachment points as you choose to cut into it wherever you'd like them.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[rancar]

<font color="blue"> "...My question is, with my 460 FEL, what is the best way to attach hooks?.." </font>

Mark,

See pic attached of my 3/8" grab hooks that are on my 460's HD bucket. Hooks were welded just above the upper lip of the bucket where the FEL arms attach to the bucket. This is where the greatest bucket structural support exists. I've spoken to folks who place a reinforcing steel strip on the bucket's lip. You can go this route but unless you are expecting to do a lot of heavy duty lifting or pulling with these hooks, I don't think you'll need this strip. If you'll use the hooks primarily as tiedowns, then welding them as I've done will likely suffice. Also, make sure you use USA made hooks, not the Chinese ones.

Welcome to the forums. Look forward to your contributions.

...Bob

 

[markie61]

Picture of my bucket hooks. I already have an HD bucket that is heavily reinforced on the top.
Mark

 

[Mark4510]

Gentlemen,
Thank you for the advice. I was going through my loader manual and it appears that there is a heavy duty bucket that I could have purchased. I would like to get a toothbar and put some hooks on the top of the bucket.

At this point would I be better off trying to buy the HD JD bucket (I have not used it yet so perhaps I can trade across+the difference). Or can I get to the same place with the Toothbar and reinforcing the top as suggested?

Thanks for the pics...they really help

 

[rancar]

<font color="blue">At this point would I be better off trying to buy the HD JD bucket (I have not used it yet so perhaps I can trade across+the difference). Or can I get to the same place with the Toothbar and reinforcing the top as suggested?
</font>

Yes, if you haven't used it, ask your dealer if you could exchange it for the HD one. Buckets are priced separate from the FEL. The dollar difference will be about $100-150.

No, you can't take the standard bucket, add a toothbar and hooks, and expect to do HD work with it. The HD bucket is built with extra gauge steel. I use it to carry field stone, wood, and to dig up roots and small saplings and brush plants. Doing the same with a standard bucket will likely cause the metal framing of the bucket to buckle and bend in places. I'd suggest you spend a few extra dollars and trade up to the HD bucket if you are planning on doing HD work.

...Bob

 

[markie61]

Definitely get the HD bucket if you can swing it. Keep in mind your max loader capacity will be reduced by the difference in weight (HD bucket weighs more than std bucket.) Probably won't matter that much, though.

Mark

 

[bigpete]

All of the above is good advice. Get the HD bucket if you haven't already.

Attached is a picture of one of the the support plates welded inside my 210 bucket when my dealer installed my hooks. Not my idea but very ingenuitive.