what size hooks/chain

[rdbrumfield]

On the side of safety, do not use a rope to pull, if it parts, from the seat you are looking right down a loaded gun. Also when lifting cutting poly or fiber on the cutting edge is inevitable.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I've got a JD 521 loader and plan to add hooks. Yours really looks good. I had thought of welding the hooks to the rear of the bucket where there already is a reinforcing plate. You put yours on the front, with no apparent reinforcement. I'd appreciate learning why you decided on that placement and how's it worked for you. Also, what disadvantages do you see with placing hooks as I suggested? More chance of chain breaking on front of FEL?

 

[rancar]

Hi Doug...

<font color=blue>You put yours on the front, with no apparent reinforcement. I'd appreciate learning why you decided on that placement and how it's worked for you.</font color=blue>

This is a heavy duty JD bucket that appeared to me to be more HD than in name only. In other words, it's very well built. I just didn't think I needed the extra reinforcement and when I brought this issue up with my dealer, he concurred. I've used the hooks a few times to chain down heavy, over-sized fieldstone I'm re-locating from some hedgerows I'm working on. I've experienced no problems with the chaining, the durability of the hooks, or structural integrity of the bucket (ie., the front bucket lip remains intact with no bending).

<font color=blue>Also, what disadvantages do you see with placing hooks as I suggested?</font color=blue>

I've seen this type of placement before. There's likely nothing wrong with it. Some dealers I've visited actually prefer to reinforce the bucket lip where the hooks are placed and to place the hooks further back on the bucket to increase integrity. Apart from the chain 'rubbing' on the front bucket lip during transport, I can't see any major disadvantages. One caveat though....if you're carrying a heavy load, the 'downward' pressure of the chain on the bucket edge may place undue stress on the edge causing it to bend. The only way I can see the chain breaking is if you're moving an extremely heavy load that's placing maximum tension on some of the chain links.

....Bob

 

[BigDave]

<font color=blue> The day you try to pick with a 3/8 chain you will cuss yourself. </font color=blue>

At TSC, the weight of their pre-cut chains is almost constant, you just get a shorter chain for the thicker gauge.

3/8" - 14ft
5/16" - 20ft
1/4" - 28ft

I keep two lengths of 3/8" chain in a metal popcorn bucket, and I just roll it into the FEL, transport them to the job site, and then take them out. I don't think their girth is required for FEL work, but I trust them for draw bar work.

 

[rdbrumfield]

The day you pick with a 3/8 you will cuss yourself.

Didn't come out right. I was meaning welding 5/16 hooks on, then at a later date having a 3/8 chain and not being able to use it with the hooks. sorry for the confusion.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have a 540 JD loader and welded my hooks on the reinforcing plates as you have described. I took 3/8" hooks and ground the "back" flat and they fit very nicely on those plates. Can post pictures later if interested. This placement puts the load right at the strength, where the cylinders are mounted.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Thanks. Pictures would be great!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I cut the end off the end and ground it flat to lay better. Hope the picture shows you what you want.

 

[rdbrumfield]

Nicely done

 

[CTyler]

Nice job.

Looks like someone was drooling over your work...LOL!!