Welding Hooks to a front end loader

[Captm]

I'd like to weld a couple hooks so I can lift up trees using chains with my loader and make a pile. I'd like to do something that would look like the attached picture.

My question is, I have heard of people saying you need to first reinforce the bucket to keep it from bending, what do you guys think of that? I'm looking to lift mostly pine tree about 12 feet lenght.

Also my tractor is a Kioti Dk42se with a factory bucket.

 

[WranglerX]

Put chain hooks/slots over where hydraulics/arms attach to bucket, seems to be strongest point on bucket... Not a real fan of lifting/pulling from center of bucket but its ok to secure a load in bucket....

Several threads already on forum that address this issue....

Hooks on FEL Bucket

Got them the other day very easy to install I just had to buy a new 1/2" drill bit.

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I'd like to weld a couple hooks so I can lift up trees using chains with my loader and make a pile. I'd like to do something that would look like the attached picture.

My question is, I have heard of people saying you need to first reinforce the bucket to keep it from bending, what do you guys think of that? I'm looking to lift mostly pine tree about 12 feet lenght.

Also my tractor is a Kioti Dk42se with a factory bucket.

My Kioti bucket is pretty flimsy but I have two pairs of hooks welded on the top edge of the bucket. On the other hand, I've used my Kioti bucket a grand total of twice in the last eight years, and never once have I used the bucket hooks on it. If you desire on having a third hook dead center at the weakest part of a cheaply made bucket, then I suggest welding some angle iron across the center of the bucket or rectangular tubing in order to stiffen the bucket and then weld on the center hook. Not too much stiffener so as to not impede the lifting capability of your loader.

Alternatively, you could cut a hole in the middle top of your bucket, send an eyehook through, and then weld a rod through the hook's eyelet and then weld the rod on either side of the hole, thereby stiffening the bucket and retaining a cool hook. My Payloader has a 25-ton hook set up on its bucket like this. Looking at the photos below, you can see how the hook is welded in from the backside of the bucket.

That said, hooks are super useful and I frequently use the five hooks on my Payloader (four more hooks are welded to the inside of the bucket).

Here is how the hooks are welded onto my mostly ignored Kioti bucket.

 

[Vigo327]

Put chain hooks/slots over where hydraulics/arms attach to bucket, seems to be strongest point on bucket... Not a real fan of lifting/pulling from center of bucket but its ok to secure a load in bucket....

Not to mention there's nothing that stops you from running a chain between those hooks and then lifting from center of that.

As far as 'is it a good idea to reinforce it' I'd say yes if you're already comfortable with the welding and you have a suitable piece of metal laying around. A decent piece of angle iron, square tube, or thick pipe are all fine. If you don't want to reinforce anything i'd suggest sticking near the loader arms/edge of bucket as mentioned above. If i knew exactly what your bucket was like i might say otherwise but since i dont im assuming its weak there and better safe than sorry.

 

[George2615]

I wanted hooks on my bucket but was unsure of the bucket top thickness. I fist welded on a 2x2x3/16" piece of angle then welded the hooks to that

 

[Roadworthy]

I considered welding hooks onto my bucket but arrived at (what I consider) a better solution for me.
Home - BoltOnHooks LLC They were well designed and you can't get much simpler than a bolt on installation. They came with the necessary reinforcement.

 

[JCoastie]

I'd consider my stock bucket pretty thin, I've had no issues with the hooks or clevis mounts not being reinforced. Like others have mentioned, I put them close to where the SSQA engages.

 

[woody]

I like the idea of a 2 inch receiver in the middle and welded on hooks close to the SSQA mounts. the receiver gives you a lot of options later on.

 

[jyoutz]

Not to mention there's nothing that stops you from running a chain between those hooks and then lifting from center of that.

As far as 'is it a good idea to reinforce it' I'd say yes if you're already comfortable with the welding and you have a suitable piece of metal laying around. A decent piece of angle iron, square tube, or thick pipe are all fine. If you don't want to reinforce anything i'd suggest sticking near the loader arms/edge of bucket as mentioned above. If i knew exactly what your bucket was like i might say otherwise but since i dont im assuming its weak there and better safe than sorry.

I agree. And I’ve never had a center hook. I’ve always done as you suggest.

 

[kennyd]

Please consider our forged in the USA grade 70 weld on hooks, they are the only ones forged here in the states, and they are very competitively priced too.

 

[RjCorazza]

My bucket is pretty solid where the hooks are mounted (close to the loader arms).
I used the bolt on style from "Bolt On Hooks" mentioned several times above... Quality stuff, and they came with all required hardware. Their products are torture tested (destructive testing) for quality assurance!

 

[Captm]

I like the idea of a 2 inch receiver in the middle and welded on hooks close to the SSQA mounts. the receiver gives you a lot of options later on.

Can you explain what you mean by a 2 inch receiver?

 

[WranglerX]

Can you explain what you mean by a 2 inch receiver?

The 2 inch square tube similar to what is found on back of PU trucks for inserting a tow ball (hitch) ...

Weld on version..

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/automotive/towing-cargo-management/trailer-hitches-balls/towsmart-reg-2-x-8-10-000-lb-trailer-hitch-receiver-tube/7066/p-1444447113752.htm

Bolt on version...

Class II Step Bumper Receiver Hitch | TowSmart

Many variations or possible "receivers", GOOGLE IMAGE search "receiver hitch"...

 

[Xfaxman]

Can you explain what you mean by a 2 inch receiver?

Here is one of mine on the brush fork frame:

It is the best way to move a trailer:

Even a small trailer:

And dump it:

 

[woody]

I have the bolt on version but welded it on to my bucket in the middle.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I have the bolt on version but welded it on to my bucket in the middle.

I did the same thing. It is very handy

 

[Captm]

The 2 inch square tube similar to what is found on back of PU trucks for inserting a tow ball (hitch) ...

Weld on version..

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/automotive/towing-cargo-management/trailer-hitches-balls/towsmart-reg-2-x-8-10-000-lb-trailer-hitch-receiver-tube/7066/p-1444447113752.htm

Bolt on version...

Class II Step Bumper Receiver Hitch | TowSmart

Many variations or possible "receivers", GOOGLE IMAGE search "receiver hitch"...

Thanks for the answer, I feel dumb about that question now

 

[McTowner]

I used Ken's bolt on hooks on my Kioti. I felt the bases that are on the hooks would provide extra support.
The center of the factory Kioti bucket has angle welded on for extra support. I placed the clevis/plate mount inside the bucket. (Need longer bolts) The outside hook bolts go through a 3/4" pipe as a spacer to sandwich between top and inner bucket.
The bucket is definitely not built as heavy duty as the one on my old machine. I am just realistic in what I do with this bucket and hooks.
Note..I saw that Ken recommended to not paint the hooks..... after I painted the hooks. Don't paint them!

 

[Kschwennsen]

never needed hooks on my bucket, I use my forks for that kind of work. Tweak your bucket bad enough it can mess up your FEL.

 

[cat fever]

Here's what mine looks like. The hooks are inline with the loader arms. I do have pallet forks for big work, but for a quick "grab something" these hooks work great.