Welding chain hook on bucket?

[TBigdaddy]

I just got a 3830 with Quick detach 723 FEL, Hydrostatic 4WD. And I got a good used Bushhog brand bushhog, a hay spear for the quick attach, canopy, R4 tires filled, delivered, tax and all for $21,600 and 3 year 0% fin. Thought it was a good deal. Anyway, how about welding a chain hook or two or three across the top of the bucket to lift, pull, etc. did know about hte torsional strength or limits. This thing is STRONG for it's size, but don't want to tear up anything.

 

[_RaT_]

I put one on the center of the bucket on my L3830. I have yet to need one on the ends. I suppose it depends on what you do. I don't like lifting from just one side of the bucket for the reason you mentioned. There are folks I'm sure that would make use out of hooks on both ends with 2 chains setup.

 

[RoyJackson]

I had three hooks on the bucket of my 670. One in the center, one on both ends. That gives you all the versatility you nedd or, you can spread to load more when necessary.
I had three hooks welded on the 790's bucket prior to delivery.

 

[BRIGUY]

The dealer installed 3 on my bx. The outer 2 are angled. They removed the level indicator, and a piece of 2x4 angle was welded solid across the back of the bucket. The hooks (weld on type no loops) were welded to the top of the angle. It looks like it came from the factory that way.

 

[PJ_Kravetz]

BRIGUY,

Any chance of getting a photo of your set up?

P.J.

 

[RobMA]

I've got three dealer installed hooks on my FEL and they are GREAT! I'm very glad to have them.

Like others have mentioned, you do need to be careful not to pull from just one of the end ones. I usually use both the end hooks or the center one.

- Rob

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue"> BRIGUY,

Any chance of getting a photo of your set up? </font>

I did something similar to what BRIGUY described. Here is a shot of mine...I left the level indicaton on though... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[BRIGUY]

PJ my setup looks similar to Henro's job except his looks like 2x2 angle. Mine is 2x3.5" angle. The 3.5" is on the vertical attached to the backside of the bucket. I'm not sure why they removed the indicator. It looks like it could have stayed. I was going to do it myself but 150$ seemed real reasonable.

 

[5030]

RaT:

Not on this thread, but I see quite a few pictures of folks buckets (no pun intended) and the Kubota buckets seem to have, a majority of the time, that funky level indicator. I had one on my 3710 and it was about useless. You'd have to actually get out of the seat in order to see it when the bucket was at ground level.

My 5030 has a rod indicator as I think yours does. Is Kubota going back to the rod indicator or do they use both kinds. I actually made a rod indicator for my 3710 after a few frustrated attempts at leveling the bucket to scoop manure.

I wonder if the (no rod indicator) is a cost cutting move or what?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[TBigdaddy]

Thanks for all the info and the pics. I have a buddy who is going to weld it on for me and I wanted some veteran advice on it. Amazingly, the dealership sent a mechanic out due to a leak on the FEL and we asked him about welding hooks on. He said he would do it in a heartbeat, and then proceeded to mark where to put them. He said to put two, one on each side directly in line with the arms of the loader, and one in center. Then you could pull/lift with any of them. Oh well, center sounds best to me with displacement used on heavier loads by using two outside hooks. Thanks again.
And as for the leveling rods, mine has the rod.

 

[_RaT_]

I did not use the rod n tube indicator on my L48 but use the rod n tube on my L3830 considerably. I did cut it down as the manual even suggested. It's just long enough to stick out slightly when in the fully dumped configuration. I have managed to bend it up only once. It works very well. I marked it with about a 3/8" wide mark. The first part of the mark is level without the toothbar, the other end of the mark is with the toothbar.

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue">... Kubota buckets seem to have, a majority of the time, that funky level indicator. I had one on my 3710 and it was about useless. </font>

I've heard others say the same thing. I wonder, am I alone in liking that "funky level indicator?"

In my case I really rarely find my tractor on a level spot, as Daryl knows... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif ... such is life in South Western PA So by looking at that little strap I can eyeball when the bucket is level, at whatever height I happen to need the bucket. A rod would not help me much, as the bucket angle changes with loader arm height, so the rod would extend out more/less when the bucket was level at different heights.

Simple works well for me... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[TBigdaddy]

Thx for all the comments. Dealer is coming out to replace a cylinder, so I called and asked about the hooks. He is goingto send along three hooks and the welder to do the job for me. He has been great to work with, and I would rather him have the liability for the welding versus me.