Bucket hooks

Henro · Apr 29, 2004

If side hooks are strong on a HD bucktet I'll look at that. Thanks for that tip


Laminarman,

Just to make sure I did not confuse anyone, when I said "side hooks" I was thinking "hooks as opposed to the center hook."

I don't really have side hooks, just three hooks on the top of the bucket edge, one in the middle and one towards each end.

Someone here posted a picture a while back of how they welded a couple hooks on the back of his bucket, and that looked like it could be real useful. I may try that myself, as it would be easy to hook a chain to grab hooks back there when running the chain around something and under the bucket, which I am sure we all have reason to do on occasion.

Bird · Apr 29, 2004

( If you only have two hook and you want to pull from the middle, use a chain shortener or hook the chain to itself in the middle. )

Yep, exactly what I did on my tractors.

dltimmons · Apr 29, 2004

Kevin,

I'm sorry, so far I haven't taken any pictures of this set up on my tractor. I just had arterial by-pass surgery on my left leg last week, so I'm not up and around very well yet. Also my tractor is over on a job, new garage I'm building for a friend, and I will not be able to get over there to take any pictures until next week.
One thing about using the center receiver hitch on the bucket to move trailers, it is not possible to see the trailer hitch, or the ball mount on the loader from the seat of the tractor. Also since the hitch is mounted to the top of the bucket, it is pretty high off the ground. You will need to use a drop leg ball mount to get under most trailer hitches. On mine, I haven't been able to install reinforcing under the hitch yet, and moving a heavy trailer with it, it will make the center of the bucket flex. I've been real careful how much weight I've put on it so far. Once I get the plate installed under neath, and welded into the front and back of the bucket, I don't think I will have this problem. I also made a 3 pt. trailer mover using a horizontal draw bar. I bought a straight 2" receiver tube and welded a piece of plate to the bottom and two 1/4" X 2" X 2" verticle braces on the sides. Bolted this on top of the draw bar, and have a hole through the top of the vertical braces for the top link. Looks very similar to the one Mad River? sells for $195.00, but a lot less money.
If you would like some pictures, I will try and get over to the job next week. Need to check the foundation anyway, as it was poured while I was in the hospital for 9 days. I will take the camera with me. Sorry I can't help any sooner. I do know that there are others on this board who have done the same thing, (wasn't my completely original idea). If you do a search you may turn up some more information.
Good luck,

DT