Hooks on FEL

[RoyJackson]

Hooks on a bucket are a great modification!!
I suggest you install three: One at the center (for light loads and pulling smaller trees, etc.) and Two at the end (one on each end, to be precise) of the bucket (heavier lifting and pulling).
Learn the proper ways to choke a chain to get best advantage and use out of those hooks.
One caveat concerning pulling. Use common sense when pulling anything with a loader. If it's a heavy pull, use the frame mounted drawbar below the tractor's rear axle.

 

[k0ua]

I have always had hooks on the bucket, very useful.. I get the weld on ones, about $6 from local farm supply store. Before I had a welder I had the dealer put them on, In line with the loader cylinder locations.. Some buckets are very light duty on the top and will require adding some metal. Again no problem just get some steel and weld it on.. But if you don't weld, then there are other solution's as others have posted. Just use common sense in using them as others have pointed out.

James K0UA

 

[murphy1244]

Don't put the hooks on the ends of the bucket, put them where your arms attach to the bucket. :thumbsup:

 

[RoyJackson]

Don't put the hooks on the ends of the bucket, put them where your arms attach to the bucket. :thumbsup:

The end of the bucket (an inch or so in from the side walls) are the strongest (and stiffest) part of the upper flange of the bucket...that's where mine (on all three tractors) have been. No damage so far...
But since you brought this up...(to the OP), those outer hooks should be used in conjunction...not individually.

 

[oldtoyboyd]

Here is a pic of what I did to my FEL. I welded a piece of angle iron on first for added strength, then welded my hooks to that

 

[flusher]

I would like to have kooks on my FEL so I can lift things that won't fit in the bucket. Is this taboo? I've seen some FELs with hooks. Second, where would I get the hooks to weld on the bucket? I've been looking all over the net and can not seem to find what I need.

Weld on hooks: AWDirect

Weld-On Grab Hook - Grade 70 - 5/16 | AW Direct

Here's the setup on my 2008 Mahindra 5525 with the ML250 FEL (6-ft wide bucket)



The end hooks are grab hooks; the center hook is a more expensive slip type anchor hook.

Weld-On Anchor Hooks | AW Direct

I supplied the hooks and my dealer did the welding. Note that there's a 1/4" steel stiffening plate welded to the top of the bucket and the hooks are welded to that plate. Also, I have a skid steer quick attach (SSQA) adapter on my FEL so I can switch from the bucket to other SSQA-compatible implements quickly.

Some folks on TBN don't like to place the grab hooks at the outermost ends of the bucket. Rather they say these hooks should be aligned inboard with the FEL arms. Your choice.

Good luck.

 

[creekbend]

I installed 3 hooks on my 72 inch FEL bucket around 2 months ago. The manufacturer's instructions were to place the hooks directly in line with each of the two boom-bucket cylinders and the other one midway between the two other hooks. I bolted my on. I have used them several times and they are indeed an asset.

 

[murphy1244]

I installed 3 hooks on my 72 inch FEL bucket around 2 months ago. The manufacturer's instructions were to place the hooks directly in line with each of the two boom-bucket cylinders and the other one midway between the two other hooks. I bolted my on. I have used them several times and they are indeed an asset.

Thank you creekbend....

 

[RoyJackson]

I installed 3 hooks on my 72 inch FEL bucket around 2 months ago. The manufacturer's instructions were to place the hooks directly in line with each of the two boom-bucket cylinders and the other one midway between the two other hooks. I bolted my on. I have used them several times and they are indeed an asset.

I'm amazed you got instructions!
I just grabbed 3 out of a bin at the Hardware store

 

[Iowachild]

I definitely recommend the 3 hook arrangement, although my center hook is a slip hook. I use the center hook a lot and do so by running the chain over the center hook than slipping it into one of the grab hooks to secure.:thumbsup:
I also welded a 1/4" X 2" angle onto the bucket before welding the hooks.