Welding bracket to bucket for attaching chain

[Tvanharp]

I'm looking to weld some blocks onto my bucket that I can run a pin through so I can attach a chain or something else like a strap for lifting.
I've attached a crude cad drawing of what I was thinking its the part in red, not actual size but you get the idea.

The blocks would be welded to a 3/8" plate that I would then weld to the backside of the bucket. I'm mostly looking for some comments regarding any issues or any suggestions.
I wanted something that could be versatile and didnt want to just weld on a hook.

Tractor is a Kubota L4330 and the bucket is an LA853

Thanks - Tom

 

[Tvanharp]

Just looked at some other posts.... hmmm may need to re-think this. But I would still be interested in any feedback on this, keeping in mind I would like to be able to lift at least 1000 lbs if needed. So strength is the key concern, would hate to cause any damage to the bucket.

 

[kennyd]

I see nothing wrong with your idea, but you may want to tie the reinforcing plate to where the bucket attaches as well.

 

[Arc weld]

I think if you plan on lifting 1000 lbs. or more, you'll want to have 2 attachment points. I think inline with the bucket cylinders or close to that. I think a couple plates at least 1/2" thick with a hole for a clevis would work and then reinforce the bucket. I would make the plate wrap around the top corner of the bucket and down the back about 3" or so. The plate would have to stick up higher where the clevis hole is but could taper down at the ends. I don't think you'd need 3/8" for reinforcing. 1/4" would work and you could also reinforce the inside of the bucket. I'd have to see a pic. of the bucket to be more specific.

 

[Xfaxman]

I'm looking to weld some blocks onto my bucket that I can run a pin through so I can attach a chain or something else like a strap for lifting.
I've attached a crude cad drawing of what I was thinking its the part in red, not actual size but you get the idea.

The blocks would be welded to a 3/8" plate that I would then weld to the backside of the bucket. I'm mostly looking for some comments regarding any issues or any suggestions.
I wanted something that could be versatile and didnt want to just weld on a hook.

Tractor is a Kubota L4330 and the bucket is an LA853

Thanks - Tom

My suggestion would be to weld a 1/4 inch thick angle iron across the top of the bucket, with slots in the top edge to drop a chain in. The advantage over a hook is you can drop the chain in the slot either direction. Down the back of the bucket is the max lift capacity.

Notice the slots at the ends of my fork frame.

 

[bcp]

Put a section of receiver hitch tubing on it, and then you can plug in whatever type of connector, hook, or hitch you need.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/270331-educate-me-beefing-up-fel.html#post3174704

 

[Tvanharp]

Thanks for the suggestions... I think I leaning towards the receiver idea... that opens up a lot of possibilities.. thinking one in the middle and one near each lift cylinder. Another thing I wanted was to be able to put a winch on the bucket... then I would own crane too.

 

[Tvanharp]

Here are some pictures of the bucket. I've also added my thought for the reciver tubing which would be straight with an angle support or the reciver could follow the contour of the bucket. I like this idea since I could throw an attachement in either end. The tubing could be welded to a reinforcement plate which would get welded to the bucket.

 

[HUCKthe1]

I would us the receiver idea and attach it by placing a 3" angle iron between you links with the hitch welded to the top. Stitch welding should be plenty strong and 1/4" or 3/8" angle should work.
I myself bought weldable chain hooks, welded 1 at each corner angled in and one on the back of the bucket,and they work great. I use the receiver on a 3pt "T" I built.

 

[Cord]

I've done this before with my buckets and will be doing it again with my "new to me" machine. I don't think the backing plate is necessary, unless your bucket is made of paper. I typically weld two different types of hooks on: One for chain and a second D-ring should I have something that won't fit the chain hook. I typically will weld these on at two different points. One at the top of the bucket so I can use the bucket edge to help position the chain and at the bar that goes between the loader arms. I use the back point for heavy lifts where I can take the bucket off, get some more capacity and move the lifting point closer to the front tires. You would need to decide which way you want the top hook to face. Often I weld them on with the open side down so I can drape the chain over the front of the bucket. The dead leg would also be in front to keep it from falling out. Having the open side up, means the chain can only go behind the bucket, for which I have the hook on the cross bar.

These are the hooks that I like: Weld-On Grab Hook :: Weld-On Grab Hooks :: Grade 70 Hooks :: Ratchets, Hooks & Chains :: Tow Parts Now
These are the D-rings: Weld-On D-Ring :: D-Rings :: Ratchets, Hooks & Chains :: Tow Parts Now

Typically, I'm stick welding them and I'll make 3 passes on each side. I like to start about 1" beyond the hook and slightly outside to give the arc a chance to stabilize. By the time I get to the hook, then I have a really nice deep weld. This also helps distribute an stress concentration at the edge of the hooks.