Bucket Hooks Hooks on FEL

Bdavis · Jun 19, 2011

Let me say, I did not put these shackles on, I bought the tractor over a year ago and the previous owner had installed these things. So there may be a million reasons not to weld shackles to your bucket. The only thing that I know for sure is that they work great. I have used them for over a year and I know in many cases for me they have worked better than hooks.

KubotaB7510 · Jun 20, 2011

JB4310 said:
Looks good, Is that a bucket level indicator? good idea

JB.

Thanks JB. Yes, the level indicator was on the bucket from the factory. It can be helpful at times.

gwdixon · Jun 20, 2011

KubotaB7510 said:
Had some 3" structural channel welded on w/ grab hooks and a receiver tube. I found the channel from my local steel supplier; the weld-on grab hooks from my local Kubota dealer, and receiver tube from Amazon.com. I'll prime and paint it tomorrow.

I see you have the "light duty" bucket. By this I mean the top edge of the bucket is rolled over with no support underneath it. The "heavy duty" buckets have what appears to be drill pipe at the top.

Excellent idea to use a piece of channel or bar stock for the mounting plate. That will definitely spread the load and keep the bucket from distorting. Nice looking welds as well.

It may be too late now but a piece of pipe that fits underneath the top edge will help keep its shape when a chain is used to lift something heavy. Maybe you could fab something else to hold that edge. It only needs to be done where the chain from the grab hook will contact. Maybe 6" or so. (It is hard to see the added pipe in the second photo but it is there.)

Another spot to put a grab hook is on the back of the bucket. It will give you more lift than out at the lip of the bucket.

KubotaB7510 · Jun 20, 2011

gwdixon said:
It may be too late now but a piece of pipe that fits underneath the top edge will help keep its shape when a chain is used to lift something heavy. Maybe you could fab something else to hold that edge. It only needs to be done where the chain from the grab hook will contact. Maybe 6" or so. (It is hard to see the added pipe in the second photo but it is there.)

Another spot to put a grab hook is on the back of the bucket. It will give you more lift than out at the lip of the bucket.

Pretty cool ideas. Thanks for sharing your suggestions!