Welded some hooks on my FEL

[dkchandler]

Just welded some hooks on my BX2200 FEL. I thought about using traditional hooks, but these caught my eye. I am just learning to weld, but I don’t think they will fall off.

 

[pajoube]

Good job, what type of welding did you use? mig or stick?
PJ

 

[Bud]

If you pick up anything heavy, DON'T GET UNDER THE LOAD.
Bud

 

[Bird]

The welding and painting job look good, but personally, I wouldn't trust those kind of "hooks" for any loads. I thought those were only used as a "master link" for chains; i.e., a way to attach two chains together and then either squeeze (as in a vise) or hammer them closed.

 

[Steven]

I think you should have used these types of hooks welded on.<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.awdirect.com/awdirect/catalog.cfm?dest=itempg&itemid=7299&secid=71&linkon=subsection&linkid=112>http://www.awdirect.com/awdirect/catalog.cfm?dest=itempg&itemid=7299&secid=71&linkon=subsection&linkid=112</A>. thats what they are made for. I'm not sure of the load limit on the types of hooks you used. Hope you didn't try to save a buck with safety on the line. I would not let anybody stand in front of your tractor with something hanging off the front. Just my opinion on the matter.

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color=blue>...should have used these types of hooks welded ...</font color=blue>

No offense... but he only has a BX not a 200 HP unit... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[MossRoad]

I think those links are designed to bend. You might also get a chain pinched and not be able to get it out. But they do look like they'd keep a chain from slipping off. Even with a small tractor, you will be putting incredible force on them. I'd probalby opt for regular chain grab hooks with a keeper spring to keep a chain in place when slack. Just be careful, test them out and see how strong they are.

Customizing your tractor is lots of fun and very satisfying if you get something that helps you out. Keep experimenting and posting. I love this stuff. Thanks for the pics! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[mrcaptainbob]

Put a set of visegrips on the top part of that loop. See if you can bend it by hand. If you can........Then they're not strong enough to hold what you can lift with the fel. Those links are strong when in tension. Just as chain links are. In this application, any load as haevy as what you put on those visegrips will twist the link. You'll be pleased with the outcome if you use the weldable hooks. A bit more expensive, but they won't give out when you're in the middle of a project.

 

[dkchandler]

As JohnMiller3 said I only have a BX2200 and I think the lifting capacity is only around 500 lbs. Although this does make me think, I have a 50 ft oak on the ground right now, I may go out and try to lift the thing with these hooks.... I will post the "dead hook" photos if they fail. Wish me luck...
BTW to answer the first post I used an arc welder with 7014 rods.

 

[gmason]

Maybe.... with these hooks the hooks will give before the loader bucket bends, or stresses out the FEL. /w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif

gary