Backhoe bucket hook

[GreatWhitehunter]

Has anyone put a hook on there BH bucket? I've got an extra weld on hook and I was thinking of putting it on the bucket. Is this a good idea? Any pics of placement would be great.

Matt T.

[Runner]

I've been thinking about doing it too. Here's a couple of pics I saved from this site of bucket hook installations.

[GreatWhitehunter]

I was thinking of welding to the linkage from the bucket to the cylinder. I'm concerned about it being in the way when digging.

Matt T.

[vic4news]

Originally Posted by GreatWhitehunter

I was thinking of welding to the linkage from the bucket to the cylinder. I'm concerned about it being in the way when digging.

Matt T.

I've seen them welded there too. This thread has a picture of one there.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/c...locations.html

I just bought a couple hooks Friday to weld onto my backhoe bucket. I'm going to put them on the top of the bucket as shown in one of the pics that Runner posted. Here is the thread the picture is from. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/c...-question.html

Vic

[GreatWhitehunter]

The only reason for pause is the linkage is cast and I'm worried heating it will weaken it. Any thoughts? As for the hooks on top of the bucket it looks like it will be in the way for the lifts I normally do.

Matt T.

[nathan812]

We have welded them on the back of the bucket towards the top by the linkage. That way you can uncurl your bucket and have the chain between the teeth and have better control of what you are lifting. I don't have a picture sorry.

[kennyd]

Originally Posted by GreatWhitehunter

The only reason for pause is the linkage is cast and I'm worried heating it will weaken it. Any thoughts?

I would not weld to the cast linkage, just to the bucket.

[3RRL]

I welded mine to the bucket(s).
On one of them I welded the grab hooks going in both directions, depending which way I wanted to drag the chain for the pull or lift I need.

[Charlesaf3]

Nice rob!

I definitely want to rip off that design. Doesn't look like it would ever get in the way, but have you had any issues?

[3RRL]

Originally Posted by Charlesaf3

Nice rob!

I definitely want to rip off that design. Doesn't look like it would ever get in the way, but have you had any issues?

Not at all Charles,
I have them facing different directions depending on what I'm doing.
For example, if I want to use the backhoe to lift an object straight up, I use the ones facing to the back of the bucket. I drape the chain over the teeth and curl the bucket for added lift power. It ends up putting the object closer to the dipper stick.
Sometimes I use the backhoe to drag a log or whatever behind the tractor from a spot I can't get to. Then I use the hooks facing forward and use the boom and dipper stick to drag it closer. You could use the ones facing rearward, but then you have to run the chain over the teeth and back under the bucket. Sometimes with the backhoe stretched out it is a very low position to pull from and sometimes you need that extra 2' to reach the object. So I figured "what the hey" just put them on facing both ways.

I used 5/16" chain grab hooks. I think they fit both 5/16" and 3/8" chain, but they are smaller than 3/8" grab hooks.