Bucket Hooks Hooks on bucket.

DannyD · May 23, 2005

In the middle of the bucket

Mike_C · May 23, 2005

I bought the bolt on tow hooks at
www.jcwhitney.com

RedRocker · May 23, 2005

( Mike - where did you find the bolt-on ones? I didn't see them in the AW Direct catalog.

Thanks, -Norm )

They're standard CJ Jeep hooks, any offroad store will have them.

Freds · May 23, 2005

( I agree with Henro, any style of hooks are better than no hooks at all )

I guess I haven't done anything with my buckets yet where I missed not having hooks /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif.
The buckets on both of my botas had an upper lip I could attach a chain hook to and the lower edge. I always use two chains (4 attachment points) when lifting anything because it allows me to curl the bucket either way and keep the load level. I always drag or tow something using the drawbar.

I did like the idea someone had a while ago with the angle iron notched out to accept a chain welded across the top of his bucket, but as with the hooks, it limits your attachment points if you use them exclusively.
Not that hooks are bad, I've just never needed them.

have_blue · May 23, 2005

Freds,

I went without bucket hooks for over 2 years, and really needed them often. I found it very awkward always trying to wrap the chain around the FEL and trying to find some way to hook the chain. I envied all the nice hooks I saw on TBN. Well, about a year ago, I added a couple of chain hooks, and now I'm ready! Problem is, I haven't needed them since. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

pekabu · May 23, 2005

I did the same as Henro. At least for my bucket hooks. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif It has served me really well. For my needs so far I have used the middle slip hook the most. I did try to pick something up changed to one side, but it was heavier than I thought and made the tractor unstable. ymmv

GeneD14 · May 23, 2005

I favor grab hooks because I find them very quick using 5/16" chain. If I used slings or straps I would use a slip hook.

Freds · May 23, 2005

( I envied all the nice hooks I saw on TBN )
Yes, I've seen some nice setups with hooks. I came close a few times to adding them to my tractors.

( Well, about a year ago, I added a couple of chain hooks, and now I'm ready! Problem is, I haven't needed them since. )
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Isn't THAT the way things go sometimes? /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

seapea · May 23, 2005

I'm getting a Kubota B7610 w/ LA352 FEL. I want to add 3 hooks. The dealer says they just weld them on with no reinforcment. This bucket, along with others iin the Kubota BX and B series, has a U shaped "lip" where the hooks would normally be weleded. To picture this, look at a bucket from the side and follow the top of the bucket to the front edge. After reaching the edge it curls up about 1" and then back about 1", I think this design probably helps keep the top edge of the FEL from buckling, while allowing for thinner plating in this part of the FEL. However, it appears to be too flimsy to attach a hook to. Has anyone added reinforcement to this type of bucket before welding on hooks. I'm thinking just a 1" wide strip along the top edge of the lip.

PineRidge · May 23, 2005

Have_Blue we used to use the bucket hooks all the time. There was always something that needed lifted or moved into position and they were darn right handy. Then we installed a bucket grapple and since the grapple is a lot easier to use, and without needing to leave the seat we haven't touched the hooks since. The bucket hooks are our back-up at this point in time.

have_blue · May 24, 2005

I hear ya'.

When I was building and clearing, I had a lot of heavy lifting to do. Now, I have little odds and ends to do. Instead of trees, I have brush that I clean up. Grapples would be perfect for hauling a wad of unruly brush from the fence line to one of my brush piles/game shelters.

What a coincidence. My disk harrow broke way down in the pond late yesterday, and I got to do a serious test on my bucket hooks! Worked great. I got lucky on the balance point on the disk harrow and it looked really cool tooling toward the barn perfectly balanced.

TractorLegend · Jun 11, 2005

It appears your bucket has never seen dirt?? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Laminarman · Jun 11, 2005

I have a two part question related to this:

Can someone define a slip hook, grab hook, tow hook, and what a clevis is?

Second... I have hooks welded to the top of my HD bucket and LOVE them, they just grab the chain (grab hook?). What would one weld these on with? My Lincoln 135 won't do it; would a heavier mig unit? I know a stick unit would. Just wondering since I brought this question to a local welding retailer, along with hooks as an example of the type of stuff I would like to do, and they told me to step up to a bigger MIG unit, and not to bother with stick. Cost aside, would MIG weld something like this securely? I use my hooks very much, and for heavy stuff. I realize I need a hook in the center of the bucket, and have to repair some stuff beyond the little 120V mig unit's capability. Thanks.

Freds · Jun 11, 2005

Generally speaking, a mig and a stick welder in the same class (voltage/amps).. the stick will give you better penetration, but you need to know how to weld. There is more room for error with a mig which usually boils down to less porosity, which could be stronger than a porous stick weld. Heating up the material with a torch prior to welding will give you better strength for a lighter duty machine and is often done with light duty mig welders. Using flux core wire in your mig, as opposed to straight wire with 75-25 or similar gas, will also penetrate better.
Hope I didn't confuse you as much as I confused myself typing this. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

johnday · Jun 11, 2005

Laminar; I was going to ask if you could get together with some weldors where you work, untill I saw you were in healthcare. Not much need for welding there, I hope. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Why don't you take a welding course? One of the smartest things I ever did. And you'll have a skill that'll last you a lifetime. If you can manage to become a half decent stick weldor, you'll do great at MIG.

You can MIG weld those hooks on. But yes, your going to need alot more heat than your welder can put out. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Laminarman · Jun 11, 2005

Thanks Freds and JohnDay. No, need for welders at work. Still I'd like to learn more! Looking for an evening welding course, but have been unable to find one. I guess my confusion was the fact that the store steered me clear of stick (which I'm willing to try to learn) and towards a $1,000 MIG unit. Didn't know how genuine their advice was, although I've had good luck with them in the past.

Freds · Jun 12, 2005

( I guess my confusion was the fact that the store steered me clear of stick (which I'm willing to try to learn) and towards a $1,000 MIG unit. )

That's like a tractor dealer steering you clear of gear drive in favor of HST.... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Oops, did I just type that? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

have_blue · Jun 12, 2005

Laminarman,

A "slip" hook is a big hook that the chain fits into, and can "slip", like a lasso.

A "grab" hook has a narrow hook width, just a fraction wider than the chain link wire diameter. That way it "grabs" the link, being trapped by the 90 Deg. link in front of it.

A "clevis" refers to a method of attachment. It's usually a "u" looking affair with a through bolt that screws in. Most hooks are attached to the chain by a clevis type attachment.

A "tow" hook is a very general term. I think any type hook used for towing, and is rated strong enough for the job can be designated as a towing hook. I don't think you will see a grab hook used for towing cars, but they are used for towing tractors and road equipment.

Hey, if a bucket hook is welded on to your bucket "around the corner", the weld does not have to be real strong. It can even be bolted on. The 90 Deg. turn reduces the stress on the weld and the hook by probably 30-40%. So a flux core MIG weld is just fine for that purpose.

TractorLegend · Jun 12, 2005

A wire feed welder such as a Miller 130 can be plugged into a 20Amp 120Volt socket which can make it convenient for welding up to say 1/4 in steel. Works great for exhaust pipe and thinner stuff. An arc/ stick welder in 220volt 225 amp range can take over from there on heavier welds for not alot of outlay. A bigger wirefeed would do both for a big chunk of change, and you loose the portability convenience of the 120 volt wirefeeder.

DMF · Jun 13, 2005

I just bought some hooks from AW Direct after reading this thread. I wish I had found this site prior to welding the hooks I did use on my bucket. They work fine but the ones from AW-Direct are much cleaner.
I also have to say this: Dealing with AW-Direct was a pleasure! The woman on the phone was nice and as I don't have a towing business I really don't have much use for a lot of their products. I bought 6 hooks; I think my total order was around $25 yet they treated me like I placed a $25K order. My hooks arrived the NEXT DAY! Inside the box was a simple form to return my item(s) if I was dissatisfied in any way; a magnetic spring (document) clip as well as a magnetic fridge magnet with their ad on it. Their catalog is obviously written to eliminate any confusion/wrong orders as it is full of helpful hints to make sure you are getting the correct parts. A pleasure to do business with! I only wish they sold more items I need!