Angle iron on FEL Bucket

[tawilson]

I wouldn't be too concerned about it bending. It is 3/8" thick, plus he's got the strength of the bucket metal too start with. My setup is almost identical, and I've done a lot of lifting with the angle iron with no problem.

 

[Dargo]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I wouldn't be too concerned about it bending. It is 3/8" thick, plus he's got the strength of the bucket metal too start with. My setup is almost identical, and I've done a lot of lifting with the angle iron with no problem. )</font>

I guess that really would depend on the size, weight, and strentgh of the tractor. The idea is neat, but I'm 100% certain that without at least some triangle gussets welded on either side of the slots, the angle will bend a whole lot easier than you'd think. The strength of the bucket steel would have nothing to do with the top lip of the angle bending outward. I probably have 15 or 20 twenty foot sticks of 2" X 3" X 3/8" angle in the shop. I've worked with the stuff for decades. If the tractor is over 25 hp or so, I'd say it will definitely bend without reinforcement unless it is only used to drag relatively light objects.

The only other issue I'd see is the chain link sliding off the top. If the bucket tilted forward any, the chain link can slide out of the slot. I only mention these things for safety reasons. Most people don't realize that a 4000 pound tractor can easily jerk over 40,000 pounds of pressure. I don't think anyone would expect a 3/8" piece of angle to be able to hold that jerk stress without gusset support.

 

[tawilson]

I've abused my 2120 pretty hard and the only thing I've got is a slight wave across the top of the bucket. Never had a problem with the steel bending out at the slot. As far as the chains slipping out of the slots, the only way that happens is if you roll the bucket all the way forward, lower it to the ground and then back up. I like that because I can drop what I"m lifting and lose the chain without ever getting off the tractor. I really like the angle iron as opposed to the bucket hook option, and I have tried both.

 

[fig]

You could always weld in some gussets on the back side of the angle. Space just far enough from the slot so the chain will fit on the back side. With those and the angle being 3/8" thick; I don't think he would have too many problems.


Sorry...should have read further. Didn't see were that had already been mentioned.

Fig

 

[steveinmo]

It would seem to me that as long as the slots are, and assuming the chains are positioned at the bottom, the forces are more at the heel of the angle not the vertical leg. I don't see a problem with it.

 

[jhortonvt]

My Pics are back in business!!!
Here is the bucket after welding...

 

[jhortonvt]

The back side...

 

[jhortonvt]

The side view...

 

[jhortonvt]

These are for you Egon, It's all Shiny!...

 

[jhortonvt]

Another Shiny...