Weld on bucket hooks!

TripleR · Sep 17, 2014

Looks pretty darned good to me, I wish I could do that well.

lutt · Sep 17, 2014

Nightforce said:
Lutt, be careful with using only one hook. Applying weight to only one side of the bucket especially on uneven ground could tip the tractor on its side...Just a heads-up is all....

Thanks night force, I was, mostly just testing strength, but ur right. Sometimes we need a reminder. Specially since posting pics can affect first timers. Thanks LUTT

lutt · Sep 17, 2014

TripleR said:
Looks pretty darned good to me, I wish I could do that well.

Thanks Triple -R

Baby Grand · Sep 17, 2014

For one hook pulling, one mounted low, on the back of the bucket is handy ...

Scrambler82 · Sep 17, 2014

Hooks are good and was thinking a 2x2 recvr in the middle.

Thinking bolt on with support plate underneath.

lutt · Sep 18, 2014

Low and to the back would be nice. I'm thinking about putting a receiver in on mine also. May do that this weekend. LUTT

JIGBUILDER · Sep 25, 2014

Now you have your hooks now add some D rings. I have chains/steel cable and nylon straps in my lifting arsenal. The D rings work great especially the 7.5k (lift) straps and 3/8" lifting cables .

I added three 12k D rings from a large bond jig my company was scrapping out, inside the bucket. One in the center and the other two in the corners. I used 5/8" dia grade 8 bolts with 3/8" steel plate on the back side to eliminate bending around the bolt holes.

All the above were milspec grade components. The aircraft company I worked for had to scrap out these types of tooling/fixtures after so many cycles. Their over size for my 50 hp blue tractor but being free .... they sure come in handy.

rutwad · Sep 26, 2014

Baby Grand said:
For one hook pulling, one mounted low, on the back of the bucket is handy ...
View attachment 390889

This is a very close design my dad has on his backhoe loader. His 2 outside hooks are regular chain hooks Then the one in the center is a slip hook. It's not as far back as the one pictured, maybe only 4"s or so. All have worked well

Baby Grand · Sep 28, 2014

rutwad said:
This is a very close design my dad has on his backhoe loader. His 2 outside hooks are regular chain hooks Then the one in the center is a slip hook. It's not as far back as the one pictured, maybe only 4"s or so. All have worked well

I used slip hooks in all 3 locations because I prefer to use rope or straps instead of chain, whenever it makes sense.
5/8" polyester double braid is very strong, not too stretchy, somewhat abrasion resistant and a fraction of the weight of an equal length of chain.
If the job dictates that I really need chain, then I use these on the slip hooks:

lutt · Sep 28, 2014

Good input guys, I still got to get to town and purchase a receiver tube to weld on. I warped the bottom of my bucket the other day also, so looks like some 1/4" replacement steel is in the future! LUTT