Loader Using loader with chains, etc

[sixdogs]

It's not rocket science but here are photos of how I use my welded-on hooks and chains.
As described earlier in this thread, by stringing a chain between the hooks and then using a single centered chain to pick things up, I can balance most anything and use the edge of the bucket for extra stability.
One pic is from a JD 790 and one from a larger JD 5520. Didn't paint the hooks and plates on the 790 yet--oops.

 

[k0ua]

I live in the heart of farm country and the dealers will put hooks on prior to delivery; most tractors I see have hooks. The use of chains or straps by people who use tractors daily or occasionally is accepted practice.

I am no dare devil and am not particularly skilled or lucky.

That being said, I am not sure there is anything as being too careful. As your experience and confidence build you will probably find yourself doing things you once would not have considered. Happy tractoring.

My sentiments exactly. I have had hooks put on by the dealer, on 2 tractors, and welded the last 2 tractors hooks on myself. Would not have one without hooks. BUT all that being said, you must be carefull, think about what you are going to do, and be ready, hand on the joystick. Of course lifting can flip you over. just dont be stupid. and when you are new, and don't have a feel for what is and is not dangerous, then err on the side of caution. People just think things thru before acting. Good advise for life if you ask me.
James K0UA

 

[bitseeker]

It's not rocket science but here are photos of how I use my welded-on hooks and chains.
As described earlier in this thread, by stringing a chain between the hooks and then using a single centered chain to pick things up, I can balance most anything and use the edge of the bucket for extra stability.
One pic is from a JD 790 and one from a larger JD 5520. Didn't paint the hooks and plates on the 790 yet--oops.

Sixdogs,

That's a nice idea. With the between-hocks chain that direct between the side hooks, the force on the side hooks is probably ten times the lifting force. It also puts the side-hook welds in tension, rather than shear, as is conventional. Do you think it would it work as well to lengthen the between-hooks chain to reduce the force and chance of breaking the side-hook welds?

 

[sixdogs]

Sixdogs,

That's a nice idea. With the between-hocks chain that direct between the side hooks, the force on the side hooks is probably ten times the lifting force. It also puts the side-hook welds in tension, rather than shear, as is conventional. Do you think it would it work as well to lengthen the between-hooks chain to reduce the force and chance of breaking the side-hook welds?

No. The chain beyween the hooks needs to be tight or the load can unexpectedly shift (yeah-ask how I learned that) and it's not good.
With the big tractor I pick up awkwrd things like four bottom plows, etc and everything needs to have predictable tension.
You aren't ever going to break the side hooks that are welded to plates that have been welded to the tractor.

 

[InThePines]

Hydraulic Cylinder Components, Products

 

[TripleR]

It's not rocket science but here are photos of how I use my welded-on hooks and chains.
As described earlier in this thread, by stringing a chain between the hooks and then using a single centered chain to pick things up, I can balance most anything and use the edge of the bucket for extra stability.
One pic is from a JD 790 and one from a larger JD 5520. Didn't paint the hooks and plates on the 790 yet--oops.

Interesting; never seen one set up like that.

 

[sixdogs]

Interesting; never seen one set up like that.

It's the only way--- and I've tried them all in 50 years (I'm 62). I have seen injuries.

The single chain gives a pretty good balance point and by rolling the edge of the bucket into the implement I can stabilize awkward stuff without damage. Just picked up--multiple times--a JD 145 4X-16" lopsided plow with tailwheel, etc. Weight not centered and it was so easy it looked like I knew what I was doing. Maybe 2000-2500 lbs?

But--- I have the same setup, as stated above, on my JD790. I find it safe and secure and cringe when I watch some guys pick up things in an unsafe manner with different arrangements. A sudden shift of the load can flip you over.

To belabor the point I use 5/16 grade 70 chain and grade 70 USA-made hooks all around. No exceptions. My shorter lift chain has one slip and one grab clevis. make sure they stay hooked before you pick up. Weld with lots of heat and penetration or have a shop do it for you.
Small point but the hooks I weld to the bucket still have the stubs on them. I hook straps to them when I carry plastic barrels for watering trees. Plus it's more weld surface.

 

[TripleR]

It's the only way--- and I've tried them all in 50 years (I'm 62). I have seen injuries.

The single chain gives a pretty good balance point and by rolling the edge of the bucket into the implement I can stabilize awkward stuff without damage. Just picked up--multiple times--a JD 145 4X-16" lopsided plow with tailwheel, etc. Weight not centered and it was so easy it looked like I knew what I was doing. Maybe 2000-2500 lbs?

But--- I have the same setup, as stated above, on my JD790. I find it safe and secure and cringe when I watch some guys pick up things in an unsafe manner with different arrangements. A sudden shift of the load can flip you over.

To belabor the point I use 5/16 grade 70 chain and grade 70 USA-made hooks all around. No exceptions. My shorter lift chain has one slip and one grab clevis. make sure they stay hooked before you pick up. Weld with lots of heat and penetration or have a shop do it for you.
Small point but the hooks I weld to the bucket still have the stubs on them. I hook straps to them when I carry plastic barrels for watering trees. Plus it's more weld surface.

We had three hooks welded on our M8540 before delivery, both corners and one middle, so it should just be a matter of fixing up the lift chain.

I am going to have my son weld hooks on the loader of my L5030 as soon as we catch up and I will give him a picture of yours. He is a very good welder, so it shouldn't be a problem.

As soon as things calm down I plan to get a set of pallet forks for lifting, but there will always be times when hooks will come in handy.

 

[Chilly807]

Our setup is pretty much identical, we use two grab hooks back to back on a shackle to attach a lifting chain to the cross-chain. Neither one can slip.
I considered angling the corner hooks inward when I was welding them on, but decided I wouldn't put enough load on them with an LA463 loader to worry a 5/16 gr 70 grab hook.

Sean