Hoodoo
Silver Member
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- Oct 8, 2021
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- Tractor
- Kioti CK2610
New tractor coming and I want hooks....any difference between weld-on and bolt-on...? Rather do bolt-on than have to pay a mobile welder....
Hooks on FEL Bucket
- Thread starter Mrsig
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RoyJackson
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- Bethel, Vermont
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- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
Your dealer's service department could probably do it, if you prefer welded on
If you go with the bolt-on, you might want to add a doubler plate on the inside of your bucket
Vigo327
Platinum Member
Biggest difference would be how it spreads the load into the part of the bucket the hook is attached to. Lots of variables there. One good thing about bolts vs welds is sometimes things just 'look' welded but the weld is poor and sudden catastrophic failure of the weld is possible. If a bolt is going through a hole it isn't fooling you.. it's bolted and it's about as strong as it's gonna be. So a bolted connection is better than a POORLY welded connection.. but with good welding the welded hook is probably overall stronger as it will spread the load into the bucket over a larger/wider area rather than pulling up just on the areas right around the bolts.
In practical terms though the buckets strength where the hook is attached is going to be an issue way more often than whether it's bolted or welded.
In practical terms though the buckets strength where the hook is attached is going to be an issue way more often than whether it's bolted or welded.
PILOON
Super Star Member
What I did was to use a standard 3/8" hook that I modified to look like the special weld on ones and I then welded that hook onto a 3 x 4 solid plate* (1/4" flat) and then welded that plate onto my FEL bucket.
Total cost? $0.00 as I had a spare hook on hand.
That's probably 12 or more years ago and I shur have worked it often to the point of lifting my rear off the ground.
* thought was to spread the load.
Total cost? $0.00 as I had a spare hook on hand.
That's probably 12 or more years ago and I shur have worked it often to the point of lifting my rear off the ground.
* thought was to spread the load.
WranglerX
Super Member
jyoutz
Super Member
You can just get a 1/4” piece of flat steel that is the length of the top of your bucket lip. Take that to a welding shop and have them attach hooks to the steel. Then drill and attach the bar to your bucket lip with grade 8 bolts. This is a better approach than just welding or bolting the hooks to your bucket because it strengthens the entire bucket lip. I actually used angle iron instead of flat bar, but either provides some additional strength.
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RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2001
- Messages
- 23,144
- Location
- Bethel, Vermont
- Tractor
- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
And stiffness!
Leo182
Member
As long as they're used the right way, bucket hooks can be pretty handy. I think anyone that thinks they convert their tractor to a tow truck should watch this.
jyoutz
Super Member
Also it distributes the weight across the full bucket lip instead of just at the point of attachment.
Mine came with a single hook in the center of the bucket. Quite often I wish that I had two, especially when lifting things out of the back of the truck.
You must have seen my welding skills. For that reason I'll be buying a pair of bolt on hooks, mounting them above the loader arms. My bucket is stout enough so that bending it is the least of my concerns, but I don't want a load that far out on my bucket.
You must have seen my welding skills. For that reason I'll be buying a pair of bolt on hooks, mounting them above the loader arms. My bucket is stout enough so that bending it is the least of my concerns, but I don't want a load that far out on my bucket.