Bucket Hook(s) Placement

[whodat90]

I've got four on mine. One on each outer edge of the top of the bucket, angled slightly inward. I also have two more welded on the back of the bucket, one facing up, one down. They are dead center between the arms on just above and below the rear cross brace. The bottom one brings whatever you're lifting mighty close to the tractor, but maximizes your lift capacity. The top one lets me wrap a chain around the bucket both for lifting and to secure things into the bucket with a load binder.

 

[spo307]

I reinforced bucket with 3/8 angle, gridded flat spots on 3/8 hooks for chain and welded on

 

[foggy1111]

Nice Job! Looks like a super-duty bucket! What kinda tractor you have that on?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I used 2x2x3/8 angle on the top of 2 of my buckets. 4 hooks on the 5' bucket and 5 hooks on the 78" bucket. Have had zero problems. :thumbsup:

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have enough trouble getting 2 chains to match length, sure wouldn't want to try to get 5 hooked so they are all lifting equal load.

 

[ovrszd]

I have never seen anyone with a hook welded in the center that didnt have a bent lip on the bucket unless you spend lots of money and time to add doubler plates to either the underside or top side.

Boy, I'm gonna jinx myself with this statement but here goes. I welded my hooks on within a couple days of purchasing my tractor new. As you can see by my pictures I use my bucket pretty hard. I carry a lot of steel items and big rocks. I use my center hook almost as much as the end hooks. Several times I've hooked to the center and carried all my hydraulics and tractor would lift. I've yet to bend the center of my bucket. I agree with what you are saying as far as adding strength thru plates. I just think your statement that you've never seen anyone not bend their bucket is a little strong. In my case maybe my tractor just isn't strong enough to do that damage.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I have enough trouble getting 2 chains to match length, sure wouldn't want to try to get 5 hooked so they are all lifting equal load.

Gary, the 5 hooks are so that I have hooks where I need them, when I need them. I can't think of a time that I have ever used more than 2 hooks at one time.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I known that, I was just being a smart $$$ Cant let LBROWN have all the fun.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I still prefer to just have hooks at the FEL lift arms. I think it is better to keep the tractor centered on the load and the chains at the lift points than move them all over the bucket. I guess having them on the back of the bucket would also give more lift, but that sure puts you close to the radiator. I have had a few close calls with long tongue items swinging and just missing the tractor with the chain over the front blade of the bucket. I havent seen anything that I couldnt lift by rolling the bucket that the tractor would pick up by having the chains in the front, just raise the lift arms as much as they will come up, then use the curl. If that wont get it, you need a bigger tractor. That puts maximum load on the lift that it is capable of with less danger of getting the load in close.

 

[pat32rf]

I ran a length of 3" CHANNEL accross the top of my bucket then welded a loop for a clevis and BIG slip hook that I can use with a large rope (or chain) in the center. Also hooks at the corners for carrying loads that I tie/strap in....