Hooks..

[GIJOE]

I welded a piece of 2"x3"x1/4" angle iron across the top of my bucket and then welded two hooks on the angle in line with the loader arms and one on the back side of the QA plate. If I was to lift something on the upper end of my lift capacity I can shed 300# of weight by dropping the bucket and still have a hook to lift with. It does put the load closer to the nose of the tractor so more care needs to be taken.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...95738-loader-modifications-weld-hooks-001.jpg
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...95759-loader-modifications-weld-hooks-002.jpg
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...95776-loader-modifications-weld-hooks-003.jpg
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...95785-loader-modifications-weld-hooks-004.jpg
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...95793-loader-modifications-weld-hooks-005.jpg

Joe

 

[bowhunter543]

I have two hooks, one inline with each arm. I also have two receivers for other attachments if needed.

 

[tdan300]

I welded three on - one over each of the QA arm attachments and one in the middle.

 

[JoelD]

Here's what I did.

I really like the idea of the c-channel stiffening the bucket, I don't think there is anyway I could bend the top of my bucket.

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

I really like JJ's idea, with a hook at either end (although honestly I've never found myself needing for a hook anywhere but the center).

I also like the idea of the receiver hitch in the middle top, for a number of reasons, like you can easliy move trailers around, build and insert a boom pole, weld up and insert a hook hitch.

The one thing I'm not sure about is the angle if you used a hook in the receiver, I like having my center hook where it is, it gives a bood angle when chaining things and curling them up and into the bucket or against the bucket for leverage. Maybe I'd weld a hook to the top of the receiver hitch?

For now I've got a clamp on bucket receiver hithch which works great with moving my trailers around.

I would not use it though if I did not have a heavy cutting edge installed.

Good luck,
Joel

 

[J_J]

Joel, My reasoning for three hooks is this, Two hooks one at each end will spread the tension on any one point. Why not use two points to lift a load, lifting 1000 lb will put 500 lb on each hook, spreading the load.. Also, if you are in a narrow space, then the hooks on the end will have the advantage.

Another thing to everyone, why are a lot of hooks welded on with the open side to the rear? Do you really want your chain to ride on the lip of the bucket? Lifting maximum load might bend the lip.. You will be able to lift more if the chains were on the back of the bucket, and the fulcrum point will be right over the hinge part of the bucket, and you can still curl forward.

Now with all that said, about the only advantage I see with the chain crossing the lip of the bucket, is that you can also use the curl cylinder, for a little more height. The bucket bottom is usually longer than the back of the bucket.. It would depend on the size of the cylinder whether the curl cylinder has equal, less or more lifting force, you have to understand that the push force is always greater than the puilling force.. I think a single hook in the middle with out a backing plate is not a good idea. Perhaps Two hooks on each end of the bucket with one of the hooks facing forward, and one facing to the back of the bucket. I also think the receiver assembly mounted is a good idea, because of it's versatility with the many attachments that one can use.

 

[Dargo]

Please do not weld on the outer edges of the bucket... Best placement for strength is inline with the loader arms. Placing at the outer edges could leave you vulnerable for uneven loads to twist your loader or bucket into an uneven position.

As this quote says and as others here have said, do not put the hooks on the outer edges of the bucket. I've posted pictures before of where I've relocated hooks for people after they've either nearly turned their tractor over or after they've bent their bucket and loader arms from having hooks on the outer edges of the bucket. In line, or as close as possible, with the loader arms is correct. A center hook and/or hitch receiver in the middle is also helpful if properly installed.

 

[J_J]

I most definitely agree that the chain hooks are to be welded in-line , or just to the inside edge of the lift points. with the bucket arms. I just figured that most people would know that.

 

[jd2305cd]

Thanks all, think i got my game plan.. two hooks and one reciever in the middle...

 

[Ductape]

Timely discussion for me........... I decided to add three grab hooks across the top of my bucket since I was converting it to work with me SSQA anyway.

 

[jd2305cd]

Came out good... Scrapping the center hook, forgot i wan't to put a grapple on..