Chain hooks

[tawilson]

That's what I like about it. If I want to take off the chain, for instance after moving a log and want to push it around, all I have to do is roll the bucket forward and back up. It's all about not having to get off the tractor. I use this setup constantly and never have had it come off when I didn't want it to. You have to roll the bucket all the way for it to come off. Definitely thick angle. I think mine is 3/8".

 

[GaryK]

A lot of great suggestions but one note of caution, when using a hook on one end of the bucket, make sure the load is not too heavy or you will twist your bucket, most use both hooks and center the load or use the center hook.

 

[sros990]

Thank you for the great suggestions. I have a couple of follow-up questions: What grade grab hook should I get, and is additional support needed if I get the heavy duty bucket?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[GoodGuy]

Pat...
How about takin a pic for us ??
Thanks
Eric

 

[tomrscott]

Yes, even with the heavy duty bucket, you ought to add reinforcement. Many of us have seen heavy duty buckets bent in the middle.

And I agree with the other comment about not lifting a heavy load all on one side. I had a JD mechanic tell me that they have seen several guys with twisted loader frames from lifting way off center, usually with chain hooks, and there isn't really anything they can easily do to fix it. You just have to try to tweak it the opposite way a bit harder, and they don't like to be responsible for that.

Some dealers will not install non-factory add-ons like chain hooks, for liability reasons. One dealer told me that a dealer that would put chain hooks on ought to have his head examined, that he is asking for a lawsuit these days.

Whacky world! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

So far, I've found pallet forks for my loader more useful than the bucket for lifting things, and I think I will add chain hooks to my pallet fork frame which is already some very heavy gauge tubing that shouldn't need reinforcing.