Bucket hooks

[TexasBoy]

I had bookmarked the thread, but lost it.

What size bucket hooks did you guys end up putting on your loader bucket? Im gonna run and get some later today to weld on but thought Id ask what size you fellas ended up using.

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[jeff9366]

5/16" bucket hooks are almost universal through about 50 horsepower tractors, above 50 horsepower some go to 3/8".

5/16" grab hooks hold 3/8", 5/16". 1/4" chain securely, 3/16" chain semi-securely.

5/16" chain is much lighter than 3/8" chain when you carry and drag it a few hours. Buy Grade 70 "Transport" chain or above. (Chain grades go to 100.)

I use Grade 70 - 5/16" myself. If I could find Grade 70 - 1/4" at a reasonable price I would try it. However, all 1/4" - Grade 70 I have seen is more expensive than 5/16" - Grade 70.

1/4" or 3/16" chain is useful when pulling out 1"-2" saplings with the FEL. Larger chain slips on small diameter saplings and tree roots.

Lowe's and Home Depot both sell Grade 70 - 5/16" X 20' chain, in a plastic bag, cheap, in their "towing" section. You can research current prices through their individual web sites. Have them cut the chain into 8' + 12' lengths in the store. You do not want to cut Grade 70 chain at home. Add two Grade 70 Slip Hooks and you will be ready to work.

You will use the 8' length far more than the 12' length.

 

[k0ua]

I have always used 5/16 hooks, and 5/16 grade 70 chain.

 

[timster2]

I welded a bunch of 5/16 weld on grab hooks and some shackle mounts.

 

[kennyd]

Yes, 5/16" seems to be the most common for sCUT and CUT sized machines.

 

[TexasBoy]

Thank you guys very much.

 

[Chilly807]

Yep, 5/16 here too.. I couldn't find weld on hooks, had to butcher some regular ones.

Sean

 

[juddspaintballs]

Where are most people welding them to on the bucket?

 

[k0ua]

Where are most people welding them to on the bucket?

In line with the loader arms. is best,

 

[GPintheMitten]

In line with the loader arms. is best,

Yep, and my bucket needed reinforcement (in my opinion) on the top to avoid bending the top lip. I did it similar to Timster did in his pictures above.