Number and placement of bucket shackle and grab hooks?

[Underdog57]

This is what I did, used the smaller 1.25" receiver tube, works good for moving trailers

 

[Reb954]

I always figured the more slots/hooks on top of the bucket the better. That makes it easier to center a load if needed or to just accommodate different things being lifted. Plus it gives you places to put the unused part of the chain so it isn't getting caught on stuff.

 

[PILOON]

Generally speaking for safety reasons it is recommended to lift from the bucket center.
Naturally on some lighter buckets some re enforcement might be needed.

 

[WoodDuck]

I welded a 2" receiver tube in the middle, and a hook in line with the loader arm on each side. I would keep the hooks in line, or slightly inboard of the loader arms, not out at the corner of the bucket. Trying to lift something heavy with most of the weight on a hook out at the corner of the bucket, exerts a lot of twisting force on the FEL arms, and can permanently damage them in some cases. I also recommend welding a plate of thicker steel to the back side of the bucket at each location, then welding your hook or receiver to that. This spreads the force out over a larger area of the bucket. I've seen many buckets with holes in them where a hook had torn out of the relatively thin bucket material. Good Luck!

 

[chim]

It makes sense in most cases to have the attachment points directly above the load so forces are not pulling to either side. Many loads need to be attached by more than one chain. This can be for the purpose of keeping the load oriented in the same position from picking to setting. It can also be important for balancing a longer load. Here are a couple examples. The limb being I pulled out of the creek in the first photo was carried with two chains spaced wide.

The second is moving a mower deck to or from storage. With three chains it is as easily placed as using forks. I just completed a small shed for the L4240 and built a steel frame in the far end for the mower or snow plow to sit on while using one or the other. The 7-1/2 foot RFM was placed using the 4240's loader as in the second photo.

A month or so ago I helped with a project at our club's outdoor range. Sorry, but no pics. We rented a PHD to drill holes for used utility poles to be placed as a barrier. The poles were about 20' long. For transporting on the site they were carried like the limb in the first picture. To set them, I used a double wrap and choke chain at roughly the balance point. That chain was connected at the center of the bucket so the chain contact at the bottom edge of the bucket was close to the choker hook. When the poles were lifted they could easily be rotated so the butt end could be lowered into the hole.

As with most things, some mechanical aptitude is useful. We live in an age where that isn't as plentiful as it once was. A few of us at work will soon be retiring and we have concerns about the future of our industry. Maybe the last generation voice the same concerns.

 

[kennyd]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a bigger Kubota tractor and am trying to figure out what kind of conveniences I might add. I was thinking of adding clevis and shackles, and/or grab hooks to the bucket. I was looking at ones from Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<Kubota Hooks>>. If I hadn't seen pictures of the shackles, I would likely have put one grab hook in the middle and a grab hook further out on each side. I'm thinking I might be missing uses for the shackles. I'm relatively new to tractors and hobby farming. How many of which type and what placement makes good sense for whatever task might come up?

Post update - just so people know, I do have a drawbar on my 3pt hitch with a shackle. This is more about lifting.

Thanks for your advice!

My suggestion is to start with two hooks, then you can add the clevis/shackle(s) later if you need them.

FYI they are good if you like to use ropes, straps, or slings rather than chains for you're lifting needs.

 

[MF RED in MT]

Put a hitch receiver in the center, then you can have many different inserts with hooks, shackles, loops, hitches, bottle openers, etc.

Bruce

+ 1

You can add a reinforcement flat bar on the inside of the bucket and thru bolt your accessories, or you can also just leave it like O.E.M. equipment...

KC

 

[DK35vince]

I have hooks in line with the loader arms, and a center grab hook.
The center hook is by far the handiest most used hook.
Rarely use the outside hooks, the center hook is used very often.

 

[tomplum]

Here's my :2cents: A hook on either side. The center receiver has an reversible insert that has a big clevis that works well for tying bundles up etc. and of course accepts a flat or ball hitch.

 

[Wyobuckaroo]

In line with the loader arms, I bolted D rings like the picture in post #9..
I bolted them back to back, on top and under the top flange of the bucket.

They and a pair of trailer safety chains have worked well with all I have needed it to do.
Both these components are rated for more than my loader will lift, so there should be no issues.

Every ones need are different.