Bucket Hooks? Or clevis mounts instead?

[dickfoster]

I think everybody eventually puts hooks on their tractor buckets. The question is what is the best way to do it?

The simple approach is to just weld on a couple of grab-hooks, directly to the bucket in the desired locations. An alternate would be to weld on clevis-mounts, which would allow you to attach most anything that used a clevis-pin connection.

Do you have any thoughts as to the pros and cons of either approach?

I have one hook and one clevis or a shackle mount right next to it in the center of my bucket. The dealer welded D rings on as standard but I asked for a clevis mount instead. It's much easier to attach straps etc. with a screw pin clevis but the hook is much better when working with chains.

 

[Clay45]

I've seen a good number of threads regarding bucket hooks but I rarely have seen any pic's of them in use. Are they only for lifting or can you lay a log in front of the bucket and wrap short chains in some rapid convenient fashion? I've just been going around the whole bucket.

 

[k0ua]

I've seen a good number of threads regarding bucket hooks but I rarely have seen any pic's of them in use. Are they only for lifting or can you lay a log in front of the bucket and wrap short chains in some rapid convenient fashion? I've just been going around the whole bucket.

You could do it for a log, but it is very convenient to use chains for a rock too big to fit in your bucket. Just put it in the bucket as much as will fit, and then run a chain from one hook to around the front of the rock and slip the chain into the other hook. As you lift the chain will tighten up as the rock starts to fall out but can't now due to the chain around it. You can also use it to an extent to pull small trees out of the ground by running the chain around the small tree several turns leaving each end with enough slack to reach both of your bucket hooks. Curl and lift your bucket as the chains tighten up on the trunk. If your tractor is able, the tree will pop out of the ground.

I sometimes use a chain and a bucket hook to repel down a steep embankment to get down to clean out a culvert at the bottom. The chain makes it safe to go down and come back up. You can also wrap a chain around any object you can get it around and use it to lift it.

 

[ovrszd]

My most frequent use is lifting odd objects.

 

[kennyd]

I've seen a good number of threads regarding bucket hooks but I rarely have seen any pic's of them in use. Are they only for lifting or can you lay a log in front of the bucket and wrap short chains in some rapid convenient fashion? I've just been going around the whole bucket.

We have over 100 different pics on our website-in the Gallery and on the User Comments page showing hooks in use.

Here is a great example for brush:

Lay the chains on the ground, attach one end to the hooks or shackles:


Start piling in sticks and other brush:




Then pull the loose end back to the hooks to secure load, sorry no picture of that.

How about holding a big rock in the bucket:


Here are some log pics:

 

[lexluther]

I couldn't find my pictures but they surely look like what Kenny posted. I started by just wrapping the bucket but they can slip off and are more trouble to adjust having the extra hooks allows you to quickly make the chain the size you need and just toss the excess length where convenient.

 

[Xfaxman]

Maybe kennyd will start making the bidirectional chain slots. :thumbsup:

 

[ovrszd]

Maybe kennyd will start making the bidirectional chain slots. :thumbsup:

A bolt on plate with slots cut in it??

Anyone want those I'll build em for ya, any size you want, any bolt pattern. Or,,,,,, go to your nearest metal shop and have them cut you some.

 

[rkidd]

Definitely have to have hooks on the bucket. I went with 2 weld on hooks lined up with the cylinders and an excavator hook in the center like all of our heavy equipment has to be able to use cables, slings, or chains.

 

[dsmiley]

I think everybody eventually puts hooks on their tractor buckets. The question is what is the best way to do it?

The simple approach is to just weld on a couple of grab-hooks, directly to the bucket in the desired locations. An alternate would be to weld on clevis-mounts, which would allow you to attach most anything that used a clevis-pin connection.

Do you have any thoughts as to the pros and cons of either approach?

I started with a single grab hook welded in the center of the bucket on top. This worked great and as time went by I kept testing it. Well, I started clearing a lot with some good size oaks and in using the tractor as a skidder I bent the top of my bucket down about 3/8"; I had found it's limit. So I straightened the top (no easy chore) and then welded a d-ring inside the bucket to use for pulling. I have maxed that baby out a number of times. So I am a proponent of having both and having them welded. The d-ring is welded where the bucket has a support piece on the back.

Later, I wanted an easy on and off trailer hitch and found that d-ring to be very useful in that regard. The hitch is on or off in less than 30 seconds and does not move sideways at all.