Pipe for FEL top edge?

[BobQ]

I want to put in a pipe for the top edge of my loader, about two inch, then add chain hooks.

What wall thickness, or schedule would you guys recomend?


Thanks Bob

 

[RickB]

Schedule 40 is thicker than the bucket material, and will be significantly stronger. If schedule 80 can be had, that would be better, but I would not go crazy trying to find it, or buy a full length only to use 5 feet or so.

 

[Deerlope]

I would not use pipe, use instead hollow square tube 2x2x3/16. Its 100 times stronger than pipe and will give you a nice flat surface to weld to.

 

[PineRidge]

Bob check your yellow pages for salvage resellers of steel, even scrap-yards will sell your choice of material (round, square, rectangular) by the pound. It's a lot cheaper than purchasing new stock.

In this area we have Summit Equipment. Visited them just today, picked up steel for an ongoing project.

 

[RickB]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( square tube 2x2x3/16. Its 100 times stronger than pipe )</font> 100 times stronger than sched 40 or 80? Any particular basis in fact for that claim?

 

[3RRL]

Bob,
Where/how are you planning to mount the chain hooks on the loader? Or are you planning to mount them on the pipe itself?

 

[Deerlope]

RickB, Its probably not 100 times stronger but I will tell you that it is one **** of a lot stronger. I have been welding and fabing all my life(retired now) and the only time I would use pipe is if I want to flow something thru the inside of it.

 

[Sully2]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I want to put in a pipe for the top edge of my loader, about two inch, then add chain hooks.
What wall thickness, or schedule would you guys recomend?
Thanks Bob )</font>

Depending on the actual configuration of the top "edge" of your FEL...other "shapes" may be a lot better.

On my own I used a piece of 2 x 3 angle..1/4 inch thick..full length of the top edge. I had seen pics on here where someone had use pieces of 2 x 3 to add and weld their hooks onto the segments...but I went full width.

Welded 1 inch long..every 6 inches..both edges and full length along the ends...it aint about to give!

 

[john_bud]

Sully2,

My FEL has 2x2x1/4 angle welded across the top, too. Don't know if it was done by Ford in 1963 or by a previous owner, but it is strong. About everything on the tractor was damaged, but not the top of the bucket and it has a well used hook on it too (right in the center).

jb

 

[BobQ]

Sorry for not getting back to you all sooner, I went to Ireland and just got back. I was going to put the pipe inside the top edge of the loader for support, then put the hooks on pads and weld the pads to the top of the bucket. The top is flat and then bends down at about a 45 deg bend. I want to stop the top edge from bending, as so many do. I could also put a square in there?

It might be a little over kill but I hate when the top of the bucket bends up or down?

Thanks Bob

 

[3RRL]

Bob,
Did you get to play St Andrews while you were there? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
My hooks (2) are welded to a pad on the back of the bucket very near the top edge. You can see the loader pivot in the picture. I curl the bucket down and lift/pull from that position. The chains seem to stay in the grab hook better, draping over the top. Have not had any top damage yet, but am considering doing what you're talking about. Probably andother strip of ¼" steel over the top of the bucket.

 

[BobQ]

I like that idea also, I was going to put a piece of 1/2 steel accross the top, and put the hooks on that. From the looks of it, your loader is like mine. Now, what to do?

 

[SnoFalls]

here's a pic of how my bucket was done ...


this is a "std" kubota bucket, 3" angle welded in for grab hooks, and a slip hook as well.