Backhoe bucket hook

[GreatWhitehunter]

Has anyone put a hook on there BH bucket? I've got an extra weld on hook and I was thinking of putting it on the bucket. Is this a good idea? Any pics of placement would be great.

Matt T.

 

[Runner]

I've been thinking about doing it too. Here's a couple of pics I saved from this site of bucket hook installations.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I was thinking of welding to the linkage from the bucket to the cylinder. I'm concerned about it being in the way when digging.

Matt T.

 

[vic4news]

I was thinking of welding to the linkage from the bucket to the cylinder. I'm concerned about it being in the way when digging.

Matt T.

I've seen them welded there too. This thread has a picture of one there.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/60069-backhoe-bucket-hook-locations.html

I just bought a couple hooks Friday to weld onto my backhoe bucket. I'm going to put them on the top of the bucket as shown in one of the pics that Runner posted. Here is the thread the picture is from. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/105540-different-bucket-hook-question.html

Vic

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

The only reason for pause is the linkage is cast and I'm worried heating it will weaken it. Any thoughts? As for the hooks on top of the bucket it looks like it will be in the way for the lifts I normally do.

Matt T.

 

[nathan812]

We have welded them on the back of the bucket towards the top by the linkage. That way you can uncurl your bucket and have the chain between the teeth and have better control of what you are lifting. I don't have a picture sorry.

 

[kennyd]

The only reason for pause is the linkage is cast and I'm worried heating it will weaken it. Any thoughts?

I would not weld to the cast linkage, just to the bucket.

 

[3RRL]

I welded mine to the bucket(s).
On one of them I welded the grab hooks going in both directions, depending which way I wanted to drag the chain for the pull or lift I need.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Nice rob!

I definitely want to rip off that design. Doesn't look like it would ever get in the way, but have you had any issues?

 

[3RRL]

Nice rob!

I definitely want to rip off that design. Doesn't look like it would ever get in the way, but have you had any issues?

Not at all Charles,
I have them facing different directions depending on what I'm doing.
For example, if I want to use the backhoe to lift an object straight up, I use the ones facing to the back of the bucket. I drape the chain over the teeth and curl the bucket for added lift power. It ends up putting the object closer to the dipper stick.
Sometimes I use the backhoe to drag a log or whatever behind the tractor from a spot I can't get to. Then I use the hooks facing forward and use the boom and dipper stick to drag it closer. You could use the ones facing rearward, but then you have to run the chain over the teeth and back under the bucket. Sometimes with the backhoe stretched out it is a very low position to pull from and sometimes you need that extra 2' to reach the object. So I figured "what the hey" just put them on facing both ways.

I used 5/16" chain grab hooks. I think they fit both 5/16" and 3/8" chain, but they are smaller than 3/8" grab hooks.

 

[ditzel]

I put mine here so it's out of the way when digging, and with chain on the hook, I can uncurl the bucket for a little extra control and reach.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Ditzel, that's how I'm going to mount mine. Any issues with curvature of the bucket? Does it get hung up when digging?

Matt T.

 

[ditzel]

Do you mean curvature effecting the welding? I had none because that spot is flat, but any further down and I would have had to grind an arch into the bottom of the hook.
Hasn't got caught up on anything while digging yet.

 

[Casco1]

Here's my setup I've used it a lot.

 

[BX2230Dude]

Here's what I've been considering doing to my bucket. Welding on a piece of 1" steel machined to a 7.75" radius to match the bucket. (the mock-up is 3/4" thick wood) It wouldn't get in the way when digging. If I wanted to lift something I'd attach the shackle and a nylon lifting strap with a grab hook at the end. It's overkill since the lift capacity of the hoe is about 1200 lbs but what the heck. Any thoughts pro or con?

 

[3RRL]

That will work for sure, but one thing I've found when working is that you want to do as little additional attaching or manipulating of equipment to get the job done. Especially if it's caked in dirt or something like that and you have to clean it before attaching that shackle. If it was me, I'd opt for something easy to hang a chain on like a grab hook there...something a little more simple to attach and keep going.
However, what you propose would certainly work.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Ok, youve convinced me. Ill start looking for a reason to do this. If I find something I cant rig in a few seconds with a grab hook chain and a shorty double grabhook Ill do it.
larry

 

[3RRL]

Ok, youve convinced me. Ill start looking for a reason to do this. If I find something I cant rig in a few seconds with a grab hook chain and a shorty double grabhook Ill do it.
larry

LOL...well good Larry!

 

[Eagleview]

When my new excavator turned up all 3 buckets had had their hooks blown off with the oxy . When i went crook at them for doing it they said the litagation factor was the reason . If someone was hurt while it was being used as a crane they would never see daylight again . I would suggest you get someone to weld it with a mig or low hydrogen rods and issue a certificate of safety . If we get caught on a job by an Ocupational and Safety officer with uncertified "additions" over here were in deep DooDoo . I do'nt mean to be an alarmist but you will not have enough answers for the prosecutions questions if something happens , and not only to the hook but as a machine as a whole being used as a crane .

 

[workinallthetime]

one of the first mods i did to mine, i use mine to attach my home made grade blade when doing finish work. As said above i would never trust my life to it but it works great for the purpose i use it for. I welded mine on the backside of the bucket
here is a link to the buy it style grade blades
GRADEBLADE.com - excavating equipment, excavator attachments

best thing since sliced bread for your hoe