Grab Hook Installation

[varmint]

I see a pair of HF bolt on hooks. I too used them, along with a D ring inside for lifting, and an eyebolt on top. Handy. I've had chains and straps slip on me when I was moving something heavy, and I don't want that to happen ever again.

 

[Nightforce]

Varmint,

Very nice work and looks factory installed....:thumbsup:

 

[BX2230Dude]

Been away from the forums for a couple years. My brother the certified welder came up this summer so we decided to weld the grab hooks I bought a while back to the L39 bucket. I've been following the threads over the years as to the best place to weld the hooks, in line with the loader arms or the outer edge of the bucket. We picked the outer edges because it looked stronger (could weld against the raised sides of the bucket) and I wasn't going to try lifting a heavy unbalanced load from these hooks anyway. My brother did the welding while I did the surface preparation and kept the Red Tail Ales flowing. I couldn't be happier with the results.
Here's a few pics:

 

[rocketfish]

Wow! Man can he weld! That looks really good!

 

[bunkydad]

I bought a few grab hooks and clevis mounts from Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks and found time to weld them on this weekend to the bucket. I plan on adding a few to my rear trailer hitch assembly. Only had time to spray primer for now.

 

[chim]

I've done the last couple buckets of mine like this, as well as the bucket on a Montana we use for maintenance at work. Heavy angle with slots to drop the chain into have been my favorite for the last dozen years or so. It provides flexibility for hookups. Loads can be applied from the front or back. This setup got a pretty good test today.

The first picture is the HD load binder ratchet that holds the brush forks on. The next two are pictures were snapped today while putting the RFM away till next spring. Usually it's a real fight to get the 6" Landpride deck tucked under the rear shelf in the shed. Seems like the casters each has a mind of its own with regard to the direction it wants to go and I have a really difficult time making the deck go the direction I want it to. This time I tried a different approach. With a sling and a couple chains I hung the deck out in front of the FEL. I was able to pick and drive it right into the spot and lower it to the floor. Hard to tell by looking at the picture, but the deck is about 18" off the ground.

 

[Nightforce]

You guys have some great ideas and their execution is outstanding.....:thumbsup:

 

[MESSMAKER]

I've done the last couple buckets of mine like this, as well as the bucket on a Montana we use for maintenance at work. Heavy angle with slots to drop the chain into have been my favorite for the last dozen years or so. It provides flexibility for hookups. Loads can be applied from the front or back. This setup got a pretty good test today.

The first picture is the HD load binder ratchet that holds the brush forks on. The next two are pictures were snapped today while putting the RFM away till next spring. Usually it's a real fight to get the 6" Landpride deck tucked under the rear shelf in the shed. Seems like the casters each has a mind of its own with regard to the direction it wants to go and I have a really difficult time making the deck go the direction I want it to. This time I tried a different approach. With a sling and a couple chains I hung the deck out in front of the FEL. I was able to pick and drive it right into the spot and lower it to the floor. Hard to tell by looking at the picture, but the deck is about 18" off the ground.

I can see both good and bad with that design. It is quick to hook up and easy to adjust. The problem would arise when you had to tilt your bucket in order to perform a task. The chains might slide off. It would also be hard to use straps or ropes.

 

[chim]

I can see both good and bad with that design. It is quick to hook up and easy to adjust. The problem would arise when you had to tilt your bucket in order to perform a task. The chains might slide off. It would also be hard to use straps or ropes.

Tilting the bucket isn't enough to unhook the chains. To unhook the chains the slotted angle iron needs to be below the height that the chain is attached to the load. I do sometimes use that as a method of unhooking without leaving the seat. You need to allow enough slack to drop the bucket low enough.

Not sure why you think it would be hard to use straps because I do it all the time. Two of the pictures I posted above show that. Slings are available in different lengths - none of which are generally the exact length needed. The chain through the eyes allows for almost infinite adjustment.