Cheap, easy bucket hook.

[plowking]

Hi,radartech. JC Whitney has the garage pro hooks,they have the clip to keep chain from sliding off, costs 12.00-20.00 black finish,10,000 lbs, Northern tool has them black or chrome,no clip,10,000lbs. under 20 dollars. TractorSupply sells the Reese hooks,no clip,black or chrome 7500 or 10,000 lbs. strength. They all look like the hooks I have. I mount mine inline with the pistons on the bucket so I don't twist or tweak if I'm carefull. I buy the 10,000 lb. hooks. plowking

 

[N80]

I put bolt-on tow hooks on my old pick-up and they worked great. But man, the metal of that pick-up frame was HARD! Wore out a couple of bits on that one.

Here is the list of the ones at JC Whitney:

Tow Hooks at JC Whitney

 

[plowking]

I had to use cobalt drill bits to drill my bucket. Had to drill it again this weekend to install a bolt on cutting edge. plowking

 

[barneyrb]

What kind of metal did you put on the backside? I'd be more afraid of the nuts pulling through the bucket than the D rings breaking.

 

[plowking]

I've just put big washers behind mine. I usually carry what I need in bucket and chain or strap it to the hooks. I've picked up my minute mount plow setup and have moved my popup camper with it. I don't know if I would dead pull a vehicle with it, more afraid of hurting the loader. I have chained the bucket to a chevelle parts car [ minus drivetrain] and moved it. plowking

 

[N80]

That's what I did too, just big washers. I think for lifting 1000 pounds, or less, distributed between two hooks they will be fine. I would think almost any sort of metal plate on the back would be fine.

 

[Alt5600]

$4.99 at Harbor Freight:
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

[Redbug]

Hi George,

That's a pretty good place to put them. I can see you thought it out. I also welded one to the lower middle of my bucket. I also have a couple hooks welded to the bucket top, but use the lower middle one mostly all the time. If you want to lift something and carry it without it swinging as close to the tractor front, just loop the chain over the bucket and down.

Now you need some place to carry some lengths of chain!