Positioning Bucket Hooks

[robertm]

I have two grag hooks and one slip hook weleded to plates that I am bolting to the FEL on my BX2660. I am planning to bolt the slip hook directly in the middle of the bucket behing the top lip, and one grab hook on each end of the bucket along the top edge, too.

The question is... should I position the grab hooks directly in line with the centerline of the tractor, or cant the leading edge of the hooks outward a bit toward the corner of the bucket. I've seem both but really don't know why I should cant the outward instead of keeping them in-line with the tractor.

 

[Coyote machine]

Technically, and safety wise, all towing should be done with a grab bar attached below the TPH at the back of your tractor. Otherwise you'd see hooks on the front end from the factory. The tractor is more likely to cause a roll, tip or back flip by towing from the front.

 

[PILOON]

For safety reasons you really want to do any lifting or pulling from the center and not the corners of the bucket.
Corner lifting/pulling is one fast way to flip your tractor, and pulling even faster.
That being said, corner hooks are handy to stabilize a lift load so in that case they could be angled slightly towards the centerline.
If you do use the corners to lift, be shure both are used and the load is centered.

The same goes for pulling from the rear, always pull from the center.

 

[rcrcomputing]

Mine are mounted on the heavy part of the bucket that mounts to the loader arms. And they swivel. And are removable.
That being said, since you will generally hook to both hooks at the same time, putting the lift in the center of the bucket, I'd think angling inward a bit might be a good thing.

 

[pat32rf]

I feel that you can never have too many tie points, and having them swivel (my hooks are on loops) just makes them handier.
I often use my FEL to lift loads but seldom to pull them unless they are relatively light. Couple of years back we had an ATV stuck in a snow drift. Thought that I would lift it while I pulled it out. Quick learning curve while balanced on front wheels....

 

[robertm]

I have no intention on towing with the FEL. The hooks are for handy work, like hanging the mower deck while I clean and resharpen blades, carrying minor stuff, or lifting something off the trailer - just handy - not looking to support the world or rack my FEL out of square.

I think that for the uses I'll have I guess I'll mount the grab hooks parallel to the end of the bucket.

Thanks.

 

[Ductape]

I recommend putting the hooks inline with the loader arms, NOT on the far outboard edge of the bucket. And, when using them to lift something, always use both hooks...... do not lift from one end only.

 

[studor]

I would personally go for one on each side in line with the loader arms and a receiver bracket welded in the centre that I could use with a ball platform, hook, etc -- JMHO

 

[Bedlam]

I second that Ive used this configuration now for 30 years. the middle one ive used alot without buckling the bucket. (its reinforced) But I often use the side ones with a long chain to be more stable.
Also if you are pulling logs etc you have a hook to slap the excess chain to so it doesnt drag on the ground.Not to mention many times I move furniture etc in the bucket, and use the side hooks to attack the straps to..

 

[Casco1]

Here3 are a couple of pics of my setup. I have a fewyears on it now and have no regrets.