Bucket Hooks Hooks on FEL and Box Blade

[Gem99ultra]

Being a newbie, I figured I best get expert advice before welding chain hooks on my new Kubota FEL and Modern BB. I don't want to be bending up my bucket or box like so many that I see...

Can you suggest the best location for the hooks, and should I reinforce the top lips with flat bar steel?

And for the center of the FEL, should I add a hook there, or put a D-ring on it? Or?

TIA,
Jim

 

[kevinj]

Ya'all might try searching for bucket hooks, brings up over 10 pages.

 

[Opti-Mist]

There is some personal preferance and planned usage as to where the hooks are best located. I welded hooks at the sides of my bucket near the top as there was a location where the weld seemed to work best, and the hooks work well where they are. There are times when a center hook would work well as well. Some install 3 hooks to cover the spectrum. So, take your pick. You might do a search on this site to see what has been posted in recent times - that can be quite an education. Cheers!

 

[Ivan1547]

Do a search under bucket hooks and D ring...that is what I put on.

3/8" steel plate top and bottom and sandwich the bucket in between to prevent any bending.

Ivan

 

[Gem99ultra]

Good suggestion! FEL Hooks gave me nothing. Helps to search for the right description.

I found one with a 2" receiver on top w/hook welded on was smart. I'll do that as well as sandwich the lip.

Thanks.

 

[dex3361]

I welded 3 hooks on 1 in the middle and 2 on the ends. It would help to see a pic of the bucket to give advice on whether to reinforce it or not. I will say before you weld a hook onto the bucket wherever it is preheat the hook with a o/a torch or even a propane torch. This will help it to not to crack from thermal expansion/contraction. I have seen some hooks that looked good on one side and the other side was cracked(typically the first cold weld).

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I would highly recommend a 2"x2" angle 3/8" thick be placed on the top lip of the bucket. I put 5 hooks on my 78" bucket and 4 on my 60" bucket. I used chain hooks, and am happy with them. Some have used a slip hook in the center and that has worked well for them.

 

[RedMahindra]

This is how I welded hooks on my FEL. I really have no need for a middle hook.

 

[JoelD]

I went with single in center, I'm always afraid of torquing my arms, unlikely to happen though.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/116067-looking-welding-advice.html

I would absolutely reinforce the bucket, no matter what.

Joel

 

[flusher]

Being a newbie, I figured I best get expert advice before welding chain hooks on my new Kubota FEL and Modern BB. I don't want to be bending up my bucket or box like so many that I see...

Can you suggest the best location for the hooks, and should I reinforce the top lips with flat bar steel?

And for the center of the FEL, should I add a hook there, or put a D-ring on it? Or?

TIA,
Jim

When I bought my new 2005 Kubota B7510HST, I had the dealer weld two grab hooks on the outside of the bucket and a D-ring at the middle. He reinforced the top lip of the bucket also.

 

[N80]

When I was thinking this out I knew I didn't want to spend much money, I don't weld and didn't want to pay for welding, but wanted something strong and easy to install myself. This is what I cam up with:

I got the d-rings at TSC:

Ring Anchor and Base, 11000 lbs - 3016822 | Tractor Supply Company

I use it with a pair of these:

2 in x 15 ft Size; 8500 lbs Capacity; With Hook. - 3040033 | Tractor Supply Company

The hooks where easy to install. I used grade 8 bolts with large washers on the inside of the bucket. The rings are large enough so that a chain can pass through it with its hook which allows for almost infinite adjustment. All it took was a drill and a couple of wrenches. I've used them many times to move implements.

It has been pointed out that the specs on these hooks read 11,000 pounds and the straps 8,500 pounds. I think these are the failure specs not what they are rated or recommended for. However, since my loader can only lift about 1500 pounds, I think they are well within spec for anything I'd do with them.

Just a thought. Super cheap. Super easy. Very versatile and lets you use chains, ropes or straps.

 

[bill1]

N80, I like your idea on the D-rings. When you pick something up, do you put the slings over the front of the bucket or lift behind the bucket?

 

[CurlyDave]

Go back down to your dealer and ask him where most of his customers weld on hooks and what kind.

When I bought mine I asked the dealer where to put hooks and he welded them on for free. I am very satisfied with the locations. 3 grab hooks.

 

[Gem99ultra]

Go back down to your dealer and ask him where most of his customers weld on hooks and what kind. <snip>

Ask the dealer

I trust the advice here a LOT more than that of the dealer.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Get some Flat bottom hooks seen here. I would weld three hooks, each end and in the middle for all possible scenarios. You definitely need at least two for any type of grabbing and stabilizing the load in the bucket.

towx.com: B/A Products Hook 1/2 In Weldable Grab

 

[N80]

N80, I like your idea on the D-rings. When you pick something up, do you put the slings over the front of the bucket or lift behind the bucket?

I've done it both ways. Just depends on the situation.

 

[countrybumpkin]

I have a Kubota and done about the same thing as MntViewRanch did but I only used 1/4" But I went with 2-1/2"X2-1/2" angle. Basically boxed in the top of the bucket, then added three hooks.