How to mount grab hooks on my loader

[JCoastie]

mine are on the back, they work just fine.

 

[Grandad4]

Mine were welded to the top at each side. No center hook.. I've seen too many buckets with center hooks that were also bent in the middle. It's easy enough to rig a chain between the hooks for a center balanced lift.

 

[PILOON]

OK, I'm a frugal DIY type.
I welded a hardware store (modified) 3/8" hook onto a 3 x 4" plate and then welded that onto the center of my FEL bucket.
Now I've lifted lots of heavy things, like heavy enough to raise my rear clear of the ground, (and I'm weighted). Works for me!
Costs? well perhaps $3.00 @ hardware store. (plus weld time)

 

[WranglerX]

OK, I'm a frugal DIY type.
I welded a hardware store (modified) 3/8" hook onto a 3 x 4" plate and then welded that onto the center of my FEL bucket.
Now I've lifted lots of heavy things, like heavy enough to raise my rear clear of the ground, (and I'm weighted). Works for me!
Costs? well perhaps $3.00 @ hardware store. (plus weld time)

Same frugal concept here, that is why the "chain slots", all it cost me was the grade 8 bolts....

Dale

 

[RancherGuy]

I have always mounted mine on the outside top edges of the bucket. For one bucket, I wanted increased vertical lifting abilities so to get the hooks closer to the front axle, I added a pair on the back side of the bucket next to the lower pins.

However an excellent point was made by Paul Short (youtube 'Paul and Kathy Short'). You place yourself at high risk if the item / chain /cable /strap should give or break. Ask yourself: when that happens, what happens to me or my equipment? Paul recommends putting the hook inside the back of the bucket. If the bucket is not stout, mount the hook on a plate then mount the plate to the bucket. The plate can be bolted if desired.

 

[BigBlue1]

As Ken mentioned, his company's hooks are more compact. Check them out.... they may fit better or if you get the weld-on variety you will have a higher percentage of the edge welded on your bucket.

Rob

 

[massey240]

I have mine on top and welded down even though the bucket isn't wide enough. That 70% weld will hold way more than the bolts ever could.

 

[Williy]

If it was mine I would get two square plates of metal drill
holes in them and the bucket and bolt them on

willy