Rookie questions - FEL hooks

[bigpete]

Another view for orientation. BTW, with the smaller loader I opted for 5/16" hooks and use several differing lengths and slip/grab hook combinations of 5/16" Grade 70 transport chain. Much lighter and more than adequate for the capabilities of the subcompact. 3/8" is a better size for the bigger rig.

 

[bigpete]

Detail of the grab hook and weld.

 

[Mark4510]

Thanks everyone. I left my dealer a message about trading in the lightweight bucket for the heavier one. I guess we will see how good a dealer he really is. Once I get that, I am going to get some hooks welded on and get a toothbar.

I got my temp road graded last night and would have gotten more done if 2 of my neighbors had not come over to admire the newest JD in our area. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I will update what I find out.
Thanks again!
Mark

 

[rancar]

<font color="blue">"...I am going to get...a toothbar..."</font>

Mark...Do you have a source for the toothbar? If you like the one I've shown in my previous post, I'd be happy to provide you with source and buyer information.

...Bob

 

[Mark4510]

Bob,
I checked with the dealer and he is $450.00 for the toothbar and $250.00 for the HD bucket ($150 on the bucket and $100 on the cutting edge). Both seem high to me....or am I wrong. Based on what I have learned here it seems like the HD bucket should be at least $100 less.

And yes...I would like info the toothbar.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[rancar]

Mark,

The $450 price on the toothbar sounds a bit high. The name of the manufacturer for the two toothbars I have is FFC (Farmer's Factory Company) in Lee, Illinois. You may want to peruse their website at FFC Heavy Duty Toothbar

The EXTRA heavy-duty bolt on toothbar (shown in the previous post attachment) was $401 for a 6' HD JD bucket. Understand though this was special made to accommodate the bolt on cutting edge that I also have on my bucket. They sell other 'standard' HD toothbars for a welded on cutting edge for $316. These are prices quoted by my dealer at the time I purchased Spring, 2002. Prices may be higher now. But, $450 still sounds a bit high.

As for the HD bucket, when I researched this item last Spring I noted that MSRP price was $705 for a 73" HD bucket (w/ pre-drilled holes for the bolt on cutting edge). I don't know what MSRP is now but you can likely find it at JD's website (Price Configurator). I paid less than this. I have this information at home but I think I paid somewhere between $625-650 for my HD bucket. Will check tonight and I'll post as reply to this post. But, depending upon the tractor package you order, a good dealer should be able to discount about 10-15% off of MSRP. This 10-15% discount is a good general rule of thumb and guideline when getting quotes from dealers. It's been my observation that dealers in more competitive markets discount more and in less competitive markets they will discount less or not at all. Some actually will quote prices higher than MSRP if they think the market will pay it. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Not sure what you paid for the standard bucket so I don't know whether that $250 extra sounds high or not but if you can pay about $600-650 total for the HD 73" bucket you should be okay. As for the cutting edge....well, that sounds a bit high. You may do better by checking out third source vendors who supply these items. But, then again, you may save only $20-30 going this route and you'll have to determine whether it's worth it.

...Bob

 

[Warwagon]

When I welded the hooks on my FEL, I first welded on a piece of angle iron 2"x3"x3/8". This fit perfect on the top edge of my bucket, then welded two 3/8" grab hooks on each side and a 1/2" slip hook in the middle. This combo of hooks works great, don't think I would change a thing.

Kevin

 

[rancar]

<font color="blue"> I have this information at home but I think I paid somewhere between $625-650 for my HD bucket. Will check tonight and I'll post as reply to this post. </font>

Just checked my sales invoice. I paid $610 for my 73" HD pre-drilled bucket.

...Bob

 

[Mark4510]

Thanks guys. I did not think about a 3rd hook but that makes a lot of sense to do.

The pricing was not broken out on my purchase but the over all price seemed competitive for this area. With the red clay on the hillside mixed with quartz (no gold found yet /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif) I think I am better off trying to upgrade my bucket and add the toothbar. Thanks again for the advice and I will let you know what my plans are when I find out availability.
Mark

 

[duanet]

Mark, just another suggestion I used on the FEL of my 4100. I bolted a piece of angle iron on the top of the bucket and put five 5/16" slots in the vertical surface of the angle - one in the center, one near each end, and one in between on both sides. With the heavier chain, make the slots 3/8". It is very easy to use and doesn't require any welding.