Bucket Hooks Bucket Hooks...Again

[Turfman]

I want to have bucket hooks installed on my Kubota B2710 with an LA402 loader. I would like to have three, one center and two on the ends of the bucket. The top of the bucket has a rolled lip that rolls back toward the rear of the bucket. I'm afraid if I install them on this lip, they will collapse it and bend up the top of the bucket. I thought I saw someone post a picture of hooks installed on the sides of the bucket. What are the pros and cons of this arrangement? I realize that this eliminates the center hook. What is the best position to have them installed?

I did a search and found hooks several places, just wanted feed back on the best install location.

Thanks,
Kevin

[Bird]

Kevin, the only problem I see with putting the hooks on the side of the bucket is that you may want to get closer to a wall, tree, etc. than the hook will allow. I decided to just bolt my hooks on, so it'll be easier if I ever wanted to replace or remove one and they lay back out of the way when I put the forks on. I've posted this picture before, but would probably never be able to find it.

[Bird]

When the hook is turned forward in use, as in the other picture, the hook rests on top of that rolled top lip of the bucket, and I've picked up a 454 cu. in. Chev. engine with transmission attached, as well as tried to lift some things the loader wasn't strong enough to lift, and have never bent that lip. Here's a picture of one of the hooks when not in use. Another advantage of this way is that you don't need a welder; just a little drill to mount the hooks.

[Rowski]

Here a <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&amp;Board=implement&amp;Number=91 86&amp;page=&amp;view=&amp;sb=&amp;o=&amp;vc=1>thr ead</A> with lots of info, including different styles, types and number of hooks.

[thumperjb]

I installed my hooks in a similar fashion (after a discussion with Bird) They work fine for me and best of all I didn't have to buy a welder ;-)

[EdKing]

I welded 2 chain hooks on the top lip of my bucket. I put then at the piont where the loader arms mount on the bucket.I figured that would be the point with the least stress for lifting. When I lift I tilt the bucket so they point straight down. The lip won't bend if you keep the pull straight up and down. I have used these hooks to unload a brushog, a rear blade, and a boxblade from the bed of my pickup. I also used them to lift a piece of 12" pipe about 10ft long out of the creek bed. The lip did bend about a 1/4" with the pipe, but I was pulling as well as lifting and couldn't keep the pull/lift straight.

Ed King

[PLOWER]

Here is a picture of mine, The dealer put them on and he said it was the best place for them dont know why though. Cliff

[rancar]

Turfman,

I will also be having three bucket hooks as you've described. But, my dealer will be welding a flat steel shank across the upper flange lip of the bucket, side to side. Then on top of this shank he'll be welding the three hooks, one in middle, two at either end. He says this will provide the added strength to prevent bending and warping.

[rancar]

Cliff,

This is likely a good alternative to the three hooks. Your two are strategically placed in a location in front of and above where the bucket has its greatest strength and support....that is where it's hooked up to the FEL. I'm also thinking on this but like the idea of the three hooks for utilitarian purposes....that is, 3 just seems better than 2 and I like the idea of having one in the middle in case I'll be carrying something in the middle of the bucket that I want to chain down.

Hope you don't mind, but I printed out the pic of your 4710 and have it now above my PC. I'll now be able to look at it daily as a reminder of the one I'll soon be placing an order for. [img]/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Bob

[EdKing]

Thats where I welded mine on, figured it would be the strongest point.

Ed King