Bucket Hooks Grab Hook question

[iamaumnbn]

Hello,
I'm looking for idea on where to mount/weld 2 grab hooks on a Kubota 1747 bucket. The bucket has a round top edge.
If I drill the bucket to bolt on backing plates should I put a plate inside the bucket also?
Will 1/4" backing plates be sufficient?
Anyone done this or seen it done? Any help is appreciated.
The bucket is attached to a L48 Kubota. See pics.

 

[amaxwell]

I would use a backing plate. On my bucket I welded the hooks to a 3" by 1/2" piece of steel and then used a 3" by 3/8 piece as a backer using 6 bolts and large washers on each side of the 3 hooks. My bucket is now stronger than the tractors lift capacity.

 

[jeff9366]

Forward your question to Ken at Ken's Bolt On Hooks. He replies to questions like yours every day.

GREAT PRODUCT.

Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<Home>>

 

[George2615]

2nd that.
Get Ken's bolt on hooks with backer plates.

 

[jeff9366]

Here are some relevant posts from the T-B-N archive:

https://www.google.com/search?clien...tractorbynet.com&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gws_rd=ssl

 

[vulcancowboy]

Agree with the recommendations for Ken's hooks, I have 2 and am very happy with them.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I have that same style bucket. I used weld on hooks. I welded them directly on the edge of that angle gusset piece where the tube connects to the bucket edge. It was 3/8 thick on my bucket. Been there a long time and used hard with no problems.
Not the best pics

Edit: Found a better pic. I added the pic with the dozer track chains. They are about 1000 lbs

 

[kennyd]

Thanks for all the kind words and referral's guys, but this HD style round back bucket is not friendly to the bolt on hooks-I recommend welding them on in this instance. 1/4" backing plates are perfect, we sell laser cut ones that are ready to weld, in addition to other products as well to complete this project.

 

[FarmWrench]

I add a chunk of 1" shaft to mine so I can wrap the chain around.

 

[Ken45101]

You can weld a short piece of angle iron (4"x4"x1/4") from the top edge of the bucket to the gusset behind for reinforcement and then weld the grab hook onto it.