Welded some hooks on my FEL

dkchandler · Nov 10, 2002

Just welded some hooks on my BX2200 FEL. I thought about using traditional hooks, but these caught my eye. I am just learning to weld, but I don’t think they will fall off.

pajoube · Nov 10, 2002

Good job, what type of welding did you use? mig or stick?
PJ

Bud · Nov 10, 2002

If you pick up anything heavy, DON'T GET UNDER THE LOAD.
Bud

Bird · Nov 10, 2002

The welding and painting job look good, but personally, I wouldn't trust those kind of "hooks" for any loads. I thought those were only used as a "master link" for chains; i.e., a way to attach two chains together and then either squeeze (as in a vise) or hammer them closed.

Steven · Nov 10, 2002

I think you should have used these types of hooks welded on.<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.awdirect.com/awdirect/catalog.cfm?dest=itempg&itemid=7299&secid=71&linkon=subsection&linkid=112>http://www.awdirect.com/awdirect/catalog.cfm?dest=itempg&itemid=7299&secid=71&linkon=subsection&linkid=112</A>. thats what they are made for. I'm not sure of the load limit on the types of hooks you used. Hope you didn't try to save a buck with safety on the line. I would not let anybody stand in front of your tractor with something hanging off the front. Just my opinion on the matter.

JohnMiller3 · Nov 10, 2002

...should have used these types of hooks welded ...

No offense... but he only has a BX not a 200 HP unit... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

MossRoad · Nov 10, 2002

I think those links are designed to bend. You might also get a chain pinched and not be able to get it out. But they do look like they'd keep a chain from slipping off. Even with a small tractor, you will be putting incredible force on them. I'd probalby opt for regular chain grab hooks with a keeper spring to keep a chain in place when slack. Just be careful, test them out and see how strong they are.

Customizing your tractor is lots of fun and very satisfying if you get something that helps you out. Keep experimenting and posting. I love this stuff. Thanks for the pics! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

mrcaptainbob · Nov 10, 2002

Put a set of visegrips on the top part of that loop. See if you can bend it by hand. If you can........Then they're not strong enough to hold what you can lift with the fel. Those links are strong when in tension. Just as chain links are. In this application, any load as haevy as what you put on those visegrips will twist the link. You'll be pleased with the outcome if you use the weldable hooks. A bit more expensive, but they won't give out when you're in the middle of a project.

dkchandler · Nov 10, 2002

As JohnMiller3 said I only have a BX2200 and I think the lifting capacity is only around 500 lbs. Although this does make me think, I have a 50 ft oak on the ground right now, I may go out and try to lift the thing with these hooks.... I will post the "dead hook" photos if they fail. Wish me luck...
BTW to answer the first post I used an arc welder with 7014 rods.

gmason · Nov 11, 2002

Maybe.... with these hooks the hooks will give before the loader bucket bends, or stresses out the FEL. /w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif

gary

Anonymous Poster · Nov 11, 2002

Make sure you have a lot of weight on the back of your BX before you try to do that lifting! And wear safety glasses in case those hooks snap...

Steven · Nov 11, 2002

I know he only has a bx. but when it comes to safety sometimes you do not get a second chance. so why take the chance. If my first post seemed to harsh, I apologize. Just do not want to read about someone getting hurt if it could have been prevented.

dkchandler · Nov 11, 2002

The hooks held!!! /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif This tree was the heaviest thing I could find. I think is was a good test.

dkchandler · Nov 11, 2002

Here is another photo...

JohnMiller3 · Nov 11, 2002

...when it comes to safety sometimes you do not get a second chance. so why take the chance...

Amen to that...

I agree, Safety should have the priority...

ebeacham · Nov 12, 2002

Looks good.
Please always use both hooks whenever possible!!
I have 3 hooks welded to my bucket and I alwys use all 3 when lifting heavy loads. I believe this " spreads the load" between the hooks and does not stress the bucket as much.

grainger12002 · Nov 12, 2002

Boy: I would be very careful with that style hook, I also think they will bend easily and also subject to break-Good luck and please be careful.The 6012 and 6014 are also good rod, give them a try !!

Anonymous Poster · Nov 12, 2002

Hi,

I would also still try the vicegrip test that was suggested above [can't see by who now.../w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif]

IF you can bend them with visegrips, then you are taking a chance. They may hold fine now but give out later when you least expect it.

It never hurts to be too safe.

I envy your accomplishment at making that modification and hope in the spring to get a welder of my own and do something similar!

Bill in Pgh, PA

GSS · Nov 12, 2002

Welded or bolt?

This brings up a question. Isn't it adviseable to bolt hooks on as opposed to welding them?

I know offroad enthusiasts always stress bolting hooks on and never welding them. I guess that is in reference to hooks with bolt holes. I never saw these weldable hooks, but I guess they are designed to be welded. Did I just answer my own question?

Do most of you weld or bolt hooks to your buckets?

- Gerald

Anonymous Poster · Nov 12, 2002

Re: Welded or bolt?

I had the dealer weld them on my FEL and on on the BH bucket prior to taking delivery. It seems to be the standard way of attaching them.