I'm ready to snap!

GeneD14 · Jul 16, 2004

I\'m ready to snap!

When you buy a new pick up truck it usually comes with tow hooks of some sort. Years ago I had a VW Rabbit that even came with a loop for a tow chain. For Pete's sake why don't tractors come with hooks already on the bucket and some type of hooks or loop front and rear so that you can easily chain it to a trailer? Most people that have a newer tractor take pride in it and don't want to scratch it up by wrapping a chain around an axle. There are other slings and tie down devices you could use but I don't think you should have to. The tractor should come with tie down points to hook onto and bucket hooks on loaders.
There I said it and I feel better now. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

JTC · Jul 16, 2004

Re: I\'m ready to snap!

Your post brings back memories of my first new car, a 1977 VW Rabbit. I too wondered about the "towing loops" welded to the frame on the four corners and learned they are actually there to secure the vehicle during ocean transport. I used the hooks one time to pull the Rabbit out of a ditch and found that they bend fairly easily.

I would also like to have hooks welded to my bucket and someday I'll probably have this done, but I can see why manufacturers don't do it. It seems to me that it would be easy to abuse the FEL and bend a cylinder rod by using the hooks to pull rather then lift. Even more damage could be done by pulling back at an angle that would impart a twisting force on the loader which they aren't designed to take. The manufacturers would just be opening themselves up to more warranty claims.

Jim

GeneD14 · Jul 16, 2004

Re: I\'m ready to snap!

I had a 2 door 1976 Rabbit. I was in High School at the time and I added an aftermarket front spoiler. Looking back that probabily wasn't the best investment that I've made.

I would think that the loader manufacturer could put hooks on the bucket and if need be a warning sticker like our cranes at work have that tell the safe lift capacity. Or just put 1 hook in the center.

Keith_TN65 · Jul 16, 2004

Re: I\'m ready to snap!

When I recently bought my TN65, my dealer added the hooks for free. All I had to do was ask. Well Ok, not quite /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. When they delivered the tractor, the hooks weren't on and I didn't notice until the driver left. I took the bucket back to the dealer and they put on some really nice handle looking hooks with a notche to put the chain . And another hat and touch up paint for my inconvenience. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif