putting a receiver hitch on ML105 bucket

[meade]

I have the 2415 hst with the ML105 bucket. I am planning on removing the bucket and having a buddy of mine weld a receiver hitch on either the top or top inside of the bucket. I know in the past I had viewed some photos of hitches welded on the bucket.......not sure if the best would be directly on top or on the top inside. Any chance anyone has welded a hitch on the ML105 bucket? And also, while I am getting that put on should I go ahead and get the hooks welded on the top corners too? Thanks.

meade
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[George2615]

I have the next one up ML106. Either way you will need to reinforce the top of the bucket before you have a receiver hitch welded on. I used a piece of 2"x2" angle steel that I welded on first. Then I added the hitch and grab hooks. Just the bucket alone is not strong enough and will bend if you weld the hitch and hooks directly to it.

[meade]

George - Thanks for the reply on the receiver hitch. The 2x2 angle iron you reinforced the bucket with, it is welded on the top front edge? By the photo you posted, I am looking at the top part but the rest wraps around the front........correct? I am planning on using it to move a boat around, I was figuring I didn't need the extra reinforcement but I would no doubt be better off doing that.

Meade
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[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

George is correct about the reinforcing, and to add to it put the reciever on the bottom side of the top lip, as the higher you get the reciever the harder it will be to get under your boat hitch. I welded mine inside on ;the bottom of the top lip and still have trouble getting my trailer hitch. Your buchet isn't as large as mine and not as tall so I think if you mount it on the underside you will be fine. Good luck with the project.

[George2615]

Originally Posted by meade

George - Thanks for the reply on the receiver hitch. The 2x2 angle iron you reinforced the bucket with, it is welded on the top front edge? By the photo you posted, I am looking at the top part but the rest wraps around the front........correct? I am planning on using it to move a boat around, I was figuring I didn't need the extra reinforcement but I would no doubt be better off doing that.

Meade
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My 2x2 is fully welded across the top and has 3" welds spaced about every 4" on the bottom.

I made a 3pt unit for moving my trailers around. I find it much easier.

[buck12]

I have a 2615 with a 106 loader and had reenforcement, hooks, and receiver added to the bucket. I put my receiver just to the right of where the left bucket attachment bracket is located (on top of the bucket). This location allows me to see the ball when hooking up a trailer. As has been mentioned it is critical to added reenforcement to the top of the bucket. I bought my tractor used with 220 hours and the top of the bucket was bent. A buddy just bought a 2816 with 70 hours and top of the bucket was bent.