hooks for bucket

[GeneV]

What size hooks are you guys welding onto your buckets? Is 3/8 big enough or should I go bigger? I just have a little massey scut, I'm not going to be doing anything crazy with it.

 

[WranglerX]

I went with home made for 1/4 inch chain.... Chain is 1200 lb test, have serious doubts tractor can exert enough energy to break it....



Parts just cut from 2 x 2 x 1/4 inch angle iron and grade 8 bolts...

Dale

 

[KWentling]

I put 5/16" on mine, only because they apparently don't make 1/4" weld on hooks. Could have used regular hooks but prefer the weld on. The 5/16" will accommodate a 3/8" chain but doesn't get the full engagement like it should. Agree with DL about the capacity. No need for 3/8".

 

[WranglerX]

I put 5/16" on mine, only because they apparently don't make 1/4" weld on hooks. Could have used regular hooks but prefer the weld on. The 5/16" will accommodate a 3/8" chain but doesn't get the full engagement like it should. Agree with DL about the capacity. No need for 3/8".

They do make 1/4 inch, but probably harder to find....

Dale

 

[chim]

I rarely use anything other than 1/4" G70 chain any more. The WLL on it is 150% of what my loader will pick, and the breaking strength about 6X. Works in my 3/8" slots and is nice to handle too.

 

[k0ua]

What size hooks are you guys welding onto your buckets? Is 3/8 big enough or should I go bigger? I just have a little massey scut, I'm not going to be doing anything crazy with it.

5/16... you can use 1/4 chain with it as well as 5/16. 3/8 is too large for anything under 40 horse.

 

[k0ua]

I put 5/16" on mine, only because they apparently don't make 1/4" weld on hooks. Could have used regular hooks but prefer the weld on. The 5/16" will accommodate a 3/8" chain but doesn't get the full engagement like it should. Agree with DL about the capacity. No need for 3/8".

Yep, 5/16 easy to find and cheap.

 

[MF RED in MT]

What size hooks are you guys welding onto your buckets? Is 3/8 big enough or should I go bigger? I just have a little massey scut, I'm not going to be doing anything crazy with it.

I mounted 2 of these HF tow hooks towards the top outside of my bucket.

I decided that this style of hook offered me the most flexibility of use.

I can use my nylon straps easily with these hooks.

I can also use my 5/16" and 3/8" (already had before tractor days) chains with these hooks by making a loop with the chain around the tow hook and connecting it to the chain.

My metal chokers with their loops on the end work also work.

Oh, I forgot, all of my chains have one end changed out to an open style hook like these so when I hook a log they will cinch up tight to the log.

KC

1???? lb. Capacity Tow Hook Kit

 

[GeneV]

I mounted 2 of these HF tow hooks towards the top outside of my bucket.

I decided that this style of hook offered me the most flexibility of use.

I can use my nylon straps easily with these hooks.

I can also use my 5/16" and 3/8" (already had before tractor days) chains with these hooks by making a loop with the chain around the tow hook and connecting it to the chain.

My metal chokers with their loops on the end work also work.

Oh, I forgot, all of my chains have one end changed out to an open style hook like these so when I hook a log they will cinch up tight to the log.

KC

1???? lb. Capacity Tow Hook Kit

Ooh, that's a good point, I should have also mentioned I tend to use ratchet straps more than chains. So you mounted this to the sides (outside near top) of the bucket instead of on top?

 

[denchen]

Instead of welding the hook to my bucket, I drilled a hole through the bottom of the bucket, a little bigger then the size of the chain. I then pass the bare end of the chain through the hole, and lock it with the hook so it will not go back through. The method seems to work a treat.