Advice on bucket hooks

[trowber24]

Hello all,

I am receiving my new LS XJ2025H soon and the first customization I want to do is put a pair of bucket hooks on it. I see a lot of people seem to like Ken's Bolt-on hooks but I would like a more universal style hook like tow hooks that you could use with chains or straps. This route would also be much cheaper by about 75% savings. Anyone see any reason why I shouldn't use bolt on tow hooks?

 

[JerryK]

Nothing wrong with bolt on hooks. You still should weld on some type of support plate in the hook area. A lot of folks mount the hooks in line with the FEL arms, and not way out at the end of the bucket. Buckets are fairly strong for what they are made for, but you can bend them up yanking on them with a poorly mounted hook.

 

[MikeInEburg]

You really want to use chain hooks with a chain. Many folks don't realize that they're designed to slide the chain in sideways, not put the hook thru a link in the chain. A larger hook appropriate for a strap will not work well with a chain as you'll constantly fight getting it off. You could keep a very large loop that will work with a chain hook, use as an intermediary when using a strap.
That said, hooks are by far the best value that can be added to a bucket.

 

[trowber24]

Awesome advice, thanks! These are the hooks I was looking at using. Sorry for the link as my phone won't let me add pics for some reason. If I sandwiched the bucket between two 1/4" steel plates and put the hook on top of the top plate, would that be sufficient or would I have to weld on the plates for them to be effective? I'm only a novice welder so welding on a brand new bucket makes me a bit nervous haha.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001G...=Tow+hooks&dpPl=1&dpID=41k0SOv79dL&ref=plSrch

 

[MXBX]

You owe it to yourself to at least talk to Ken. Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<Bolt-On>> He's a great guy and can guide you for the best application. I used his products and thought they were first rate.

 

[JerryK]

Awesome advice, thanks! These are the hooks I was looking at using. Sorry for the link as my phone won't let me add pics for some reason. If I sandwiched the bucket between two 1/4" steel plates and put the hook on top of the top plate, would that be sufficient or would I have to weld on the plates for them to be effective? I'm only a novice welder so welding on a brand new bucket makes me a bit nervous haha.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001G...=Tow+hooks&dpPl=1&dpID=41k0SOv79dL&ref=plSrch

A larger welded on plate would probably distribute the forces better than just using washers or an unwelded plate. But it also depends on what you plan on lifting/how heavy your bucket is built/etc. You have to think long term with your tractor. You can get someone to weld it on for you... some guys might even do it for free if you let them sit on your new tractor and wiggle stuff... and dream... Those hooks you are looking at stick way out from where they are attached and would put extra unneeded strain bending the top of your bucket. You should look for something more like Ken's where the attachment point is not sticking so far out.....

 

[dirt ditch]

Tow hooks are what I wanted on my bucket also. Welded them on and have never had any problems.

View attachment 428421 View attachment 428422 View attachment 428423

 

[Baby Grand]

For me, 2 in line with the loader arms & 1 on the back, centered & down low works great.

I use plain hooks as I mostly like to use ropes for most jobs that involve securing stuff to my FEL.
2 of these grab links are always in the tool box, for those jobs where I need to use chains.

... and a grab hook on a shackle, attached to the drawbar allows quick chain hook ups & adjustments:

 

[k0ua]

A lot of different ideas floating around here. Do what works for you. I have always used 5/16 weld on chain grab hooks. I use chains for all my pulling/lifting. It is easy to attach and remove the chains.

 

[kennyd]

Good advice so far, lots of ways to hook the cat :laughing:

 

[ovrszd]

I prefer 3. Link hooks at the ends of the bucket. Slip hook in the middle. Seems to give me the most versatility. I also prefer weld on. I also reinforced the bucket lip to add strength.

I also just realized I only have one pic, and it ain't very good. Sorry.

 

[JerryK]

I prefer 3 .... too...!!! Two on the top of my FEL bucket and one on the back of my hoe bucket..... [[[ ]]]

[ every guy should have a ho ... ]

 

[Sysop]

I installed 3.

But not all were on the FEL bucket.

 

[MXBX]

For my new Tractor I had the dealer weld on two chain hooks above and one d-ring for inside center.

 

[dragoneggs]

I've always wondered why bucket hooks don't come standard with all OEM buckets? Can't imagine not having hooks now.

 

[jmc]

I used those tow hooks on my first tractor without any support plates. Even though that bucket was pretty thick by today's standards, it deformed the sheet metal a little. And when I needed to use a chain, I wrapped it around the hook, which was probably too tight of a radius for a chain. Live and learn.

I like Kenny's bolt-on system with the sheet metal sandwiched between support plates, especially with the inside support plate also being a mount for a clevis. Then, as someone else mentioned, make an "adaptor" for when you use straps.

 

[kennyd]

I've always wondered why bucket hooks don't come standard with all OEM buckets? Can't imagine not having hooks now.

One simple word: Liability. It's a "loader" not a approved lifting device.

 

[kennyd]

I used those tow hooks on my first tractor without any support plates. Even though that bucket was pretty thick by today's standards, it deformed the sheet metal a little. And when I needed to use a chain, I wrapped it around the hook, which was probably too tight of a radius for a chain. Live and learn.

I like Kenny's bolt-on system with the sheet metal sandwiched between support plates, especially with the inside support plate also being a mount for a clevis. Then, as someone else mentioned, make an "adaptor" for when you use straps.

Thanks JMC :thumbsup:

Have you seen the new RingSlings we are making now?

 

[Sysop]

One simple word: Liability. It's a "loader" not a approved lifting device.

With as many dealers as there are that will install them upon request, I'd bet it has more to do with placement than liability. The companies would stop the dealers from making the modifications if it were that much of a liability issue or much risk of damaging the equipment in ways it would need covered by warranty. Look at all the variations of placement and types of connectors used on all these various "bucket hook" threads. I don't think any company out there could place their hooks where it would please all of their users, even with a few million wasted on R&D...

 

[kennyd]

With as many dealers as there are that will install them upon request...

And trust me when I tell you there are an equal number of dealers (if not more) that refuse to do it, I hear it from customers all the time.