Chains Bucket hooks

cphilip · Aug 14, 2018

BJH59 said:
My CK 2610 loader bucket is boxed across the top edge. This seems to make using bolt on chain hooks improbable. What type of set up is best suited to these buckets? Thanks!

Are you certain? Mine has a space right be hind the boxed in "tube". Its the standard 60" Kioti supplied bucket. Just enough room existed to drill through a single metal into a very stable spot lined up nicely lined up on each lift arm. And furthest back on the bucket edge I would think preferable anyway. The strongest point in the bucket is the area that the lift arm attaches. And by putting one on each side you get an even lift right straight on the arms. Both sides.

You have to measure correctly but there was enough space for both bolts, nuts and washers. The hooks I got from amazon have the holes for bolting on each side (link attached for source). Not front to back. You have to be very precise in order to be able to get the big thick washers to center as there is just enough space with little to spare. You only have I'd estimate 1/4" of play room. If not you'll likely have to grind or trim a washer. I measured these all out on tape applied to the top and spent a bit of time laying the holes out.

These are mounted right behind the boxed area in about a 3" space that is only one single thickness. Works perfectly with this style of hooks.

Link to amazon source for hooks: Amazon.com: Set of (3) Titan 5/16 Bolt-On Grab Hooks: Home Improvement

FTG-05 · Aug 15, 2018

swnoel said:
I see you used locking nuts. It appears the locking mechanism that keeps it form getting loose is plastic rather than a lock washer and regular metal nut. . Do you suppose that could reduce its strength?

No, the grade nut (it's strength) is not affected by the nylon locking feature.

Lock washers aren't locking. They actually make it worse. I haven't used them in decades. Down near the bottom: BillaVista.com-Nuts Bolts and Fasteners Tech Article by BillaVista

JoelD · Aug 16, 2018

I have a post where I welded c-channel across top of bucket then welded chain hook to middle of c-channel. I’d never put a hook straight on top of bucket without c-channel. Certain to bend top of bucket.

Threepoint · Aug 16, 2018

Joel, is your C-channel the width of the bucket? Any pics with that post, and could you share a link to it on TBN? It might be tough to find otherwise.

Yours is a good idea, although probably not practical for most owners. Thinking more about this, 5/16" welded grab hooks with reinforcing plates would be an easy, inexpensive item for manufacturers to install standard on buckets, so I'm guessing there are other reasons they don't. Maybe concern about creating an invitation to misuse. :scratchchin: Even if adequately reinforced to minimize deforming the bucket, improper use can damage loader wrist pins and even cylinders.

countrybumpkin · Aug 17, 2018

I too welded a piece of C channel across the top of my bucket, then welded my hooks to that.

kennyd · Aug 18, 2018

swnoel said:
I see you used locking nuts. It appears the locking mechanism that keeps it form getting loose is plastic rather than a lock washer and regular metal nut. . Do you suppose that could reduce its strength?

Those are commonly called "NyLocks", and graded properly (we only use high quality Grade #8 hardware) are just a s strong as any other Grade 8 nut.

kennyd · Aug 18, 2018

JimR said:
You can buy very inexpensive forged hooks on eBay and weld them on to the backside of your bucket. I installed a set of 5/16 and 3/8's hooks on my tractor bucket. The 5/16 hooks are for 1/4" chains.

Jim, we sell a full line of weldable products too. We even have laser cut backing plates if needed:

Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<Weld-On>>

kennyd · Aug 18, 2018

steviep said:
I bought mine on Amazon , they are bolt on . I just drilled all the way through and bought bolts long enough at the local hardware store. My dealer welds theirs on.

Haneyrm said:
I added bolt-on hooks to mine recently. On my bucket, there was a small space just behind that double walled lip. I drilled in that area and they bolted right on. Bought mine on Amazon. They came in a package of 3 and seem to be decent quality.

cphilip said:
Link to amazon source for hooks: ...

Caveat emptor, from our FAQ page:

Q: Do you sell your Bolt-On Hooks or other products on Amazon or eBay?
A #1: No. Our products are only available through the Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<Home>> website. Any "Bolt-On" hooks you see on Amazon or eBay are cheap (and imported from CHINA) copies of our products. The ones we have seen also came with cheaper Grade 5 hardware, and showed signs of very poor weld quality. They are also physically larger than our, and have not bee proof tested. These inferior parts are not compatible with ours.

A #2: Some exclusive brick and mortar tractor dealers do sell our genuine products. This is a very small list and they are always packaged with our name on the instructions.