pat32rf
Veteran Member
I welded a length of 3" channel along the top of my bucket and welded a loop to it. Then a clevis to a 3/8 slip hook. Slotted angle is on the 3pth counterweight/2" receiver assembly out back.
Advice on bucket hooks
- Thread starter trowber24
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Teikas Dad
Gold Member
I welded one hook onto a mounting plate that I bought from Ken's on the lower portion of the rear of the bucket. I also welded a shackle mount to one of Ken's plates and welded it to the underside of the bucket lip inside the bucket. Combined with a clevis shackle I can use that for a single point lift using straps for lighter items.
I got a length of 3/16X3X3 angle to set on top of the bucket lip which would then be welded to the lip and to the back of the bucket. This was my only problem of the day. When I measured everything up and bought the angle I forgot about the 3/16" thickness of the angle. When I set the angle flat on top of the lip there was a 3/16" gap under the vertical leg on the back. Fortunately I had some 3/16"X 1 1/2" flat stock in the shop. I welded the flat stock to the back of the bucket and then set the angle on it and welded the angle to flat stock. I stitch welded everything and moved from front to back and left side to right side when I made each weld in order to not overheat the bucket. One solid bead would have looked better, but I didn't want a warped bucket. I took my time and continued welding in the gaps until I had a solid bead all the way across the front edge and bottom leg of the angle. Hooks went on with no problem, 1 in the center and the other 2 centered on the FEL arms. Then I added 2 small shackle mounts that I got from Ken's outboard of the hooks, again just for lighter lifts with nylon straps. I didn't run the angle all the way across the bucket as the FEL is only rated for 900 to 1,000 lbs so I won't be lifting anything too heavy.
Primed then painted it all up with Kubota orange paint and this is how it came out.
I got a length of 3/16X3X3 angle to set on top of the bucket lip which would then be welded to the lip and to the back of the bucket. This was my only problem of the day. When I measured everything up and bought the angle I forgot about the 3/16" thickness of the angle. When I set the angle flat on top of the lip there was a 3/16" gap under the vertical leg on the back. Fortunately I had some 3/16"X 1 1/2" flat stock in the shop. I welded the flat stock to the back of the bucket and then set the angle on it and welded the angle to flat stock. I stitch welded everything and moved from front to back and left side to right side when I made each weld in order to not overheat the bucket. One solid bead would have looked better, but I didn't want a warped bucket. I took my time and continued welding in the gaps until I had a solid bead all the way across the front edge and bottom leg of the angle. Hooks went on with no problem, 1 in the center and the other 2 centered on the FEL arms. Then I added 2 small shackle mounts that I got from Ken's outboard of the hooks, again just for lighter lifts with nylon straps. I didn't run the angle all the way across the bucket as the FEL is only rated for 900 to 1,000 lbs so I won't be lifting anything too heavy.
Primed then painted it all up with Kubota orange paint and this is how it came out.
/pine
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2009
- Messages
- 12,450
This is just my opinion but without upgraded cylinders...I would not use the loader on any compact tractor for anything other than it's intended purpose...Not sure about this but in some cases modifying a FEL in any form could void a warranty...
k0ua
Epic Contributor
A FEL bucket with some kind of hooks is like a day without sunshine. Like washing your feet with your socks on, like taking a vacation to Hawaii, and never seeing the beach or ocean, you get the idea... It is an inalienable right to have hooks on your loader.
texasjohn
Super Member
Me, I researched on TBN and found lots of different hooks and attachments and locations recommended.
My conclusion...yep, every idea has it's use over time. So, I did the following.
top of my bucket is very heavy duty, thus didn't need reinforcement.
1 chain grab hook welded in middle of bucket
1 chain grab hook welded in line with each loader arm
2 slip hooks welded about 6 inches inside of each outside grab hook.
so, that's 5 hooks total. I've used them all from time to time.
Wish that middle position had rather been a 2 inch receiver hitch so flexibility could include trailer ball,.
My conclusion...yep, every idea has it's use over time. So, I did the following.
top of my bucket is very heavy duty, thus didn't need reinforcement.
1 chain grab hook welded in middle of bucket
1 chain grab hook welded in line with each loader arm
2 slip hooks welded about 6 inches inside of each outside grab hook.
so, that's 5 hooks total. I've used them all from time to time.
Wish that middle position had rather been a 2 inch receiver hitch so flexibility could include trailer ball,.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
I bet you have a grinder and wheel don't you?
A FEL bucket with some kind of hooks is like a day without sunshine. Like washing your feet with your socks on, like taking a vacation to Hawaii, and never seeing the beach or ocean, you get the idea... It is an inalienable right to have hooks on your loader.
Haha Very true! Thank you to everyone who is giving their ideas for hooks. I am a professional production loader operator at a mining company so I know just how useful hooks are and no loader is complete without them
I'm getting many great ideas from you guys, just wish my fabricating skills were as good as many of you!I am also looking at installing a bucket grapple at some point also, so I would like to keep the center of the bucket clean at the present time.
/pine
Super Star Member
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I get the idea...and your amusing way of stressing it (no pun intended)...
I can't imagine a piece of construction equipment without hooks on a bucket...unthinkable...!
My personal aversion may be in part due to the fact that where I operate there are literally no natural flat spots...so in most of the conditions I face raising the loader any higher than absolutely necessary is no advised...for pulling or dragging I always use the draw bar...being able to turn the tractor around on a dime and also being able to knock the hook a hook off the clevis on my draw bar (with my cane I keep clamped to a ROPS post)...honestly I've never missed having hooks on my little B series...
I wonder how many under-sized tractor operators that have thumb grapples and hooks on their loader buckets...use the hooks (for anything other than dragging/pulling etc)...?
BTW...I am looking for a set of weld on hooks for a skid steer bucket I just installed a thumb grapple on for a friend...we allowed enough room on either side of the grapple mount support bar specifically for hooks...
dragoneggs
Super Star Member
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- Seabeck, Washington
- Tractor
- Kubota BX-25D, Kubota Z122RKW-42
Agreed, ergo my previous comment about every bucket ought to come standard with hooks. :thumbsup:
Not sure what is your point on under-sized tractors and use of hooks, but if I understand right... I have a BX and I get plenty of use with my hooks and chain. :cool2:
dirt ditch
Platinum Member
I understand your aversion to bucket hooks in you situation. Dragging is the most logical choice for you because pucker factor should be figured in before starting any work. Unfortunately the world is flat where I live so bucket hooks are a great asset to have in situations where where I don't have the forks with me.
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