adding a hook to FEL

[twodogs]

Hey Folks!
I have had my b7800 for about 6 months now. I would like to add a hook or two to the bucket so that I could lift with a chain. From the vast experiences out there, where would your suggest mounting a hook or hooks to the FEL? I thought about one in the middle, or one on each side. Any thoughtful suggestions/experiences would be appreciated.

 

[proudestmonkey]

I have the same question, thanks for asking (except that mine is a BX2230). I would also like to know not only where on the FEL, but what kind of hook? My dealer and my neighbor suggested a clevis pin. I do not have a welder, so I'd be thinking about bolting it on.

 

[dooleysm]

I had 2 chain hooks welded to my FEL, one at each outside edge, where I assume the steel is the strongest. If you attach in the middle, I think you'll need to reinforce your bucket, or else it'll bend the first time you lift or pull something too heavy.

That said, I wish I had mine attached in the middle. I've been using my FEL to uproot small trees on a trail I'm clearing. Lifting with one side of the FEL causes a very uneven distribution of weight, which has lifted various rear wheels off the ground and precipitated several underwear changes on my part.

I have an L3000, for reference.

 

[Humbleto]

I would add all three. They may not be used much but you won't regret not adding them later. If adding to the top a flat piece of steel can be added for more strength. They are also good for strapping something bulky to the loader that may otherwise fall out.

 

[dooleysm]

Yes, I would add all 3 and weld a strip of angle iron to the top edge of the bucket.

 

[AceDeuce]

If you choose to reinforce the top edge of the bucket, a piece of box steel is much stronger than angle iron (probably overkill, but hey...)

 

[NoviceguyInCT]

Dealer told me several people with subcompacts and compact tractors have tipped theirs over using hooks at the corners of the FL. He suggested one or two hooks mounted in the center of the bucket. I just ordered mine that way. I hope his advise was correct.

Jim

 

[Mike_Lipke]

Conventional wisdom is to use 2 hooks, and try to arrange chain so that they both pull about evenly.
That way, you are splitting the pull in half to each attachment point, and by using 2, you are not pulling one side of the tractor so that it tips.

 

[browns40]

Hi two dogs,

I put mine (3/8 chain grabbers) right where the loader arms attach... most steel right there... less sideways leverage on the bucket/tractor than if at the ends (plus thats the place construction buddies always put them!)

I'll add another open hook in the center for ropes & straps when my friend comes to add hard wear to the box blade...

I'll put pics up soon...

Good luck!

 

[Volfandt]

I went with three and and have used all and a combination of them all at one time or another.

Adding hooks to your FEL adds a whole new dimension to it's usefulness.

I didn't have a welder at the time so I just bolted mine on useing #5 nuts & bolts. They've worked out so well that I've discounted welding them on now as the rateing of the hooks & nuts/bolts are higher than the breakout/lifting force of the FEL. The FEL will stall out way before these hooks will even think about breaking /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif (I did a post about a yr ago on this if one wants to see the numbers)

Good luck
Volfandt

 

[KubotainNH]

I went the quick & easy route and bolted a truck tow hook to the middle with thick washers underneath. I was suprized how thick the metal actually was on the bucket. I think anything that would be heavy enough to bend my bucket would be too much for my little tractor anyways. May be more of an issue on the big ones. I like the weld-ons and maybe someday but the quick fix works for now. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[valleydweller1]

I went with four. Three along the top edge (center and each end) and one on the bottom of the bucket just to the side of the tilt cylinder. My thought with the 4th hook on the bottom was that I could get a little more lift out of the unit since it's closer to the FEL arm pivots. I wouldn't use it to lift anything very high (I've already replaced the grill once) but it will be nice to get that extra little bit.

I'll post photos tomorrow am when I get home.

 

[valleydweller1]

I went for the 3/8" versions:

http://www.awdirect.com/awdirect/finditem.cfm?itemid=7299

 

[radair]

Lots of threads on this. Here's one.

My dealer put a single hook in the middle of my BX.

 

[snal]

"Box steel"...square tubing, is generally cold rolled, not nearly as strong as angle iron (hot rolled steel) of the same thickness in my opinion. A better choice might be channel iron (also hot rolled).

 

[FamilyFarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Conventional wisdom is to use 2 hooks, and try to arrange chain so that they both pull about evenly.
That way, you are splitting the pull in half to each attachment point, and by using 2, you are not pulling one side of the tractor so that it tips. )</font>

I'm in total agreement! I have two hooks, one on each side of the BX22 bucket. There is only one cylinder, in the middle. I have never tried to use only one hoook. I simply stretch the chain across the loader edge to go through both hooks and attach both ends to the load and make sure it is pretty well centered beneath the bucket. I have never had any problem with too much stress on either side, or with tipping to one side. I would think this would be the best practice no matter the design of the bucket and cylinders. I'm sure there are exceptions, especially for really light weight lifting.
Terry

 

[AMR]

I added an angle and three hooks across the bucket of my BX23. I admit that I am lazy and use the center hook almost exclusively and have used it a lot. I must have pulled about 15 trees out of the woods this Sunday up to about 15" around using this center hook and a bunch of rocks too big for the bucket. All appears well with the bucket still.

 

[AMR]

here is a second photo,

hey, did you guys ever read the warning on the side of the loader arms that say specifically NOT to do this?

 

[Bilser]

I used the bolt on type hook in the centre of my BX 1800 bucket. The plates there are double thickness. Weld ons may be better but I haven't found a situation that this hook won't handle. Bill

 

[Volfandt]

The FEL w/hooks & chain doing one of it's regular jobs.
It lifts the 220lbs like it wasn't there.