2" receiver and bucket mount

[houser52]

Hello from a newbie here to the site. Even though I'm new to the site I've owned and operated compact tractors for 45+ years. That doesn't make me an expert but only that I'm not entirely new to tractors. I currently have a Kubota L3600 GST, 4X4, LA680 loader that I bought new, and keep up 35 acres here at home. I also help my 84 year old dad with his 130 acres and 65 Angus cows. He has his own tractors that we use at his place.

I've been lurking here for several weeks and picked up a lot of useful ideas. So far I've installed a Piranha tooth bar and built a 3 point hitch with a 2" receiver. Both ideas were seen on this site and both are a great accessory to my Kubota.

Now I'm going to add some hooks to the bucket of my FEL. The 2" receiver mounted to the top of the bucket looks interesting but I'm not sure to go with that or just weld hooks.

Do you guys that have a receiver mounted to the center of your bucket use it that much or would a hook be just as useful?

Thanks

 

[k0ua]

Hello from a newbie here to the site. Even though I'm new to the site I've owned and operated compact tractors for 45+ years. That doesn't make me an expert but only that I'm not entirely new to tractors. I currently have a Kubota L3600 GST, 4X4, LA680 loader that I bought new, and keep up 35 acres here at home. I also help my 84 year old dad with his 130 acres and 65 Angus cows. He has his own tractors that we use at his place.

I've been lurking here for several weeks and picked up a lot of useful ideas. So far I've installed a Piranha tooth bar and built a 3 point hitch with a 2" receiver. Both ideas were seen on this site and both are a great accessory to my Kubota.

Now I'm going to add some hooks to the bucket of my FEL. The 2" receiver mounted to the top of the bucket looks interesting but I'm not sure to go with that or just weld hooks.

Do you guys that have a receiver mounted to the center of your bucket use it that much or would a hook be just as useful?

Thanks

In my opinion, why not do both? Put hooks in line with the loader lift arms, and a 2 inch receiver in the middle. That way you are ready for about anything.

 

[houser52]

In my opinion, why not do both? Put hooks in line with the loader lift arms, and a 2 inch receiver in the middle. That way you are ready for about anything.

Thanks for the info.
I have already welded a piece of 3x3x 1/4" angle on top of the bucket in between the arms for support and was already planning on putting hooks near the lift arms. Going with a hook or receiver in the center is what I was debating on. I was just wondering if there were any negative reasons for using the receiver vs a hook.

 

[k0ua]

Thanks for the info.
I have already welded a piece of 3x3x 1/4" angle on top of the bucket in between the arms for support and was already planning on putting hooks near the lift arms. Going with a hook or receiver in the center is what I was debating on. I was just wondering if there were any negative reasons for using the receiver vs a hook.

I would think while the receiver will cost more for it and its slide in's, you have more flexibility. grab hooks, slip hooks, rings, boom poles.. etc can be stuck in that 2 inch. Just make sure your mount area is reinforced properly and you should be good to go for what you can foresee, and what you cannot foresee just now.

 

[houser52]

I decided to go with the the receiver. I stopped by HF this morning and picked up a 2" receiver tube . Hope to weld it on in a day or so.

Thanks for the help.

 

[timster2]

I welded hooks and a receiver. I also made a hook for the receiver and it stays on the bucket and is very handy. Here is a link to my Bucket hooks and receiver

 

[houser52]

I welded hooks and a receiver. I also made a hook for the receiver and it stays on the bucket and is very handy. Here is a link to my Bucket hooks and receiver

Thanks for the link and pics. I had seen yours when doing the research. Very nice work!
I got the 12" receiver tune so I can cut off the extra and weld it to the back of my box blade.
My 5/16 hooks should be here today. I was going to use 3/8 hooks but decided to weld them on my dad's Ford FEL.

 

[zzvyb6]

I have a receiver tube welded to the front center of my bucket. If used for trailer moving, be careful. Even with an extended length male hitch attachment, I can not actually see very well the ball hitting the trailer coupler. The radiator, hood, bucket alignment doesn't lend itself to a quick snatch of the trailer tongue and going merrily on you way. If you miss, the coupler can be lifted, but the coupling not made, so it can jump off. Also, you will be tempted to not get off the tractor to secure the hitch lock, so a bump or the dolly wheel hitting the ground may cause the trailer to go off on its own.

Instead, I've settled on a 3pt ball deal. You see what's happening, easy to secure the coupler and no coupler or wiring damage.

 

[houser52]

Late this afternoon I took the 12" receiver tube, cut it in half, measured everything, centered it to the top of the bucket and got it welded on. I got it cleaned off and a little primer on it but figured I'd paint it after the other work is done.
I had already welded a piece of 3x3x1/4" angle to the top of the bucket for reinforcement so things went pretty smooth.

To test it, I stuck a hitch in it with a slip hook and lifted/moved my 5' bush hog. I didn't have any weight on the rear of the tractor so I didn't move it far.

My 5/16 weld on hooks came today and hopefully I'll get them put on tomorrow. After I get everything finished I'll post a few pics.

Thanks to Ken for sending me the hooks in record breaking time. I ordered and had them in 2 days!

Also, thanks to you other guys for the suggestions and pics.

 

[pat32rf]

I have a frame that I made up as a fork assembly for moving logs that has kind of grown. The same frame takes another set of shorter forks for moving firewood boxes, or a single 2.5" tooth that is really a long receiver for a lifting beam. The regular length forks also have a wooden box built for them that is for dump runs in the back of my pickup.(or on a trailer)