Bolt on hooks

[amarsh64]

Hi All . My tractor loader is an LL3102 with a 66 inch bucket. It has a pc of rectangular steel tubing welded on the inside of the top of the bucket from the factory . I was wondering if anyone knew if this was strong enough by itself for bolt on hooks without welding steel across the top? Seems like it should be . Here is a pic of the bucket .

 

[lilranch2001]

Without knowing the thickness, it is difficult to say
How are you going to bolt to a tube?

 

[Johnny g]

One hook in the middle might be an issue, one on each side 2 or three inches in should be ok.

 

[amarsh64]

My plan was to drill completely through the bucket and tubing and put on hooks with backing plates but maybe this is just wishful thinking strength wise . Just checking out the options .

 

[jeff9366]

Forward this page to Ken, at Ken's Bolt On Hooks. He has seen everything. Ken is excellent in answering enquiries.

LINK:

Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<Home>>

 

[s219]

I bet if the hook's plate and the backing plate are sufficiently large enough, you should be able to torque the bolts without squashing the tube. But it would really be nice to get an idea how thick the tube is. The only way to know might be to drill one small pilot hole where you'd plan to put a bolt. I think if it's 3/16" or thicker, you should be OK to bolt through as long as the hook and backing plates are thick and large enough to spread the load. Maybe even 1/8" thick would be enough. Ken would probably know, as I believe he has run some stress analysis on bolt on bucket hooks.

 

[George2615]

I have an LS with a similar but larger bucket. The top of the bucket is boxed in and would probably hold a set of bolt on grab hooks. I chose to weld on a piece of 2" x 3/16" angle to the top of mine for additional strength and welded on grab hooks. I did bolt on some chrome hooks. Just drilled through the bucket and bolted, but I don't lift or pull much with them.
BTW, the tubing on top is only as thick as the bucket metal itself. I found this out when I drilled through to mount my thumb.

 

[amarsh64]

Just got my answer . Kens Faqs state that bolt on hooks would not work properly with a double wall on the top of the bucket . That is essentially what the tubing gives me . A piece of plate and weld on hooks would seem to be the best answer. Thanks Jeff !

 

[bcp]

Or drill your bolt holes oversize, weld in some tubes, then bolt the hooks on.

Bruce

 

[amarsh64]

What you have seems like the answer for me George . Thanks . Now I think I will go and drool over that bucket thumb that you have

 

[George2615]

What you have seems like the answer for me George . Thanks . Now I think I will go and drool over that bucket thumb that you have

Well, I didn't really need or could afford a full grapple and the thumb was only about $600. I bought 2 base plates and mounted the second on my forks so I can switch the thumb to them.

 

[kennyd]

I am on limited access at the moment so I can't provide a link, but I have quite a few customers with LS tractors using the bolt on hooks and combo kits using 3-1/2" bolts. The top of the bucket is made from a thick steel tube that will support the hooks, rather than the thin layers of steel often found on the JD heavy duty buckets. Search in the LS forum, I will provide a link later...

 

[davrow]

Good to have Kenny jump in to the convo. I have that type of tube across my bucket and when I contacted him he clarified, as above, that the limitation in the FAQs isn't referring to tube but to simply two layers forming the bucket top edge.

I got my hooks from Kenny, so you already know I'm prejudiced.

 

[amarsh64]

I searched the Ls forum like Ken suggested and the guys that are using the bolt on hooks are having no problems . This would be much better for me because I do not own a welder .

 

[RKJeepXJ]

I used bolt on hooks on my LS bucket and just used the backing plates with longer bolts. Was able to torque with little to no tube compression.

 

[amarsh64]

Ken Shipped me my hooks early January and I had them in 5 or 6 days . Very fast . He also took the time to answer all questions I had and also offer some extra info . The hardware is top notch and Ken is a class act . Highly recommended . Thanks again Ken . :thumbsup:

 

[kennyd]

Thanks!