I always feel fortunate to get what I think I am paying for. Amazing how easy it is to get less.
Cheaper Bolt on hook option for BX tractors?
- Thread starter tiktock
- Start date
Tictock - if you drop the spec from 3000lb to 1500lb, you are saving about half the material(steel) cost, and none of the cost of fabrication. You really can DIY a bolt-on with a clevis bracket, a bow pin and a hook, but you are only saving $5/point (maybe less w/multiple shipping sources).
*IF* you have the proper welder & structural welding skills, then you could save a lot. But I expect my local pro welder would charge ~$100 for 2 or 3 hooks.
I'm a cheap Scot too, but there comes a point where the extra DIY effort far exceeds the cost. I don't believe the market for slightly less expensive hooks for subcompacts is enough to justify another product.
*IF* you have the proper welder & structural welding skills, then you could save a lot. But I expect my local pro welder would charge ~$100 for 2 or 3 hooks.
I'm a cheap Scot too, but there comes a point where the extra DIY effort far exceeds the cost. I don't believe the market for slightly less expensive hooks for subcompacts is enough to justify another product.
I also chose to go the cheaper route by using 1 1/2" D rings. They are rated 2000 lb, and on sale for $3. each.
I used one on the top and one on the inside of the bucket, bolted back to back as it were. Spacing them in line with the loader arms on the FEL.
The on sale 4 D rings, 4 grade 8 bolts, nuts, washers was a total of about $20 out the door. This combo is versatile in that you can use chain, rope, ratchet strap, or combinations depending on the job, with 2 attaching points on either end of the bucket, and more than good enough given the capabilities of my FEL.
My 5 cents of opinion.
I used one on the top and one on the inside of the bucket, bolted back to back as it were. Spacing them in line with the loader arms on the FEL.
The on sale 4 D rings, 4 grade 8 bolts, nuts, washers was a total of about $20 out the door. This combo is versatile in that you can use chain, rope, ratchet strap, or combinations depending on the job, with 2 attaching points on either end of the bucket, and more than good enough given the capabilities of my FEL.
My 5 cents of opinion.
shootem604
Member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L245DT with Kubota (Arps Model 22) FEL and Kubota B/L4520B (Woods 650) BH
My tractor came with two forged hooks welded to heavy angle that is welded across the back top of my bucket. If it hadn't, I would have grabbed some of the forged chain hooks from my junk hardware bin and done the same thing. Yes, it is nice to have the custom made pieces, but I'm with on the price and DIY options - I didn't get to where I am in life by having someone else make and do everything.
Thanks for all the continued replies, everyone!
I try to make everything I can myself...usually a good excuse to acquire some new tools, skills and experience. There are times the effort doesnt justify the outcome and this may be one of those cases so we shall see!
If i get lazy and this stretched until Xmas...I'll ask for a set of hooks from a relative for a gift haha.
I find it interesting these arent on the buckets by default....assuming its a liability issue or because buckets really were never designed to be used for lifting in the manner we do? And yet dealers will weld them on without any worry?
I try to make everything I can myself...usually a good excuse to acquire some new tools, skills and experience. There are times the effort doesnt justify the outcome and this may be one of those cases so we shall see!
If i get lazy and this stretched until Xmas...I'll ask for a set of hooks from a relative for a gift haha.
I find it interesting these arent on the buckets by default....assuming its a liability issue or because buckets really were never designed to be used for lifting in the manner we do? And yet dealers will weld them on without any worry?
Skeets, you are so right "Cheap is GOOD till things go sideways".
One just needs the experience to know when this sideways action is going to take place and terminate the activity JUST before that happens. Usually that requires a few failures.
That's what we call experience. So that sideways action isn't all bad. It provides the needed experience!!
One just needs the experience to know when this sideways action is going to take place and terminate the activity JUST before that happens. Usually that requires a few failures.
That's what we call experience. So that sideways action isn't all bad. It provides the needed experience!!
Yes, liability is the reason-and we pay heavily for liability insurance because of the litigious society we live. That unfortunately factors into the price too. It is a front end “loader” and not a lifting device.
Many dealers will not weld them for liability reasons in fact, I hear that all the time from customers.
My comment on experience was not directed to any attachments to loader buckets, but life in general. We have to learn critical thinking and apply it to our daily actions, or we incarcerate ourselves by fear on the unknown (or litigation).
You are dead on D2, and the problem, as I see it, when we can see things or know when things are about to go sideways,,, we can adjust ,,, sometimes it happens in a heartbeat and dat chillins is when when it gets interesting
I may just go this route:
Others on similar forums say they've been using setups like this for over a decade. As long as the weight isnt exceeding the shear strength of the 1/2" thick angle iron, why would this be a horrific solution?
Are the hooks on things like log chains even heat treated in any way? They seem to be pretty soft to me...I drilled right through one.
Others on similar forums say they've been using setups like this for over a decade. As long as the weight isnt exceeding the shear strength of the 1/2" thick angle iron, why would this be a horrific solution?
Are the hooks on things like log chains even heat treated in any way? They seem to be pretty soft to me...I drilled right through one.