Bucket Hooks Weld hooks or bolt them ?

[Tractorguy1038]

Just got a new Cub Cadet Yanmar 32 HP and forgot to ask the dealer to weld drag hooks on the bucket. My old machine is a Bolens G274 and I used the hooks a lot. I don't have electricity on my "farm" and it's a 2 mile drive to take the tractor where they could be welded. I'm thinking of just bolting a couple hooks on. About the heaviest thing I lift is a 600# garden tractor. Any thoughts ?

 

[ustmd]

Just got a new Cub Cadet Yanmar 32 HP and forgot to ask the dealer to weld drag hooks on the bucket. My old machine is a Bolens G274 and I used the hooks a lot. I don't have electricity on my "farm" and it's a 2 mile drive to take the tractor where they could be welded. I'm thinking of just bolting a couple hooks on. About the heaviest thing I lift is a 600# garden tractor. Any thoughts ?

I was in the same boat.

I found a welder on CL--$70 for adding the hooks--including the hooks and paint

 

[RoyJackson]

Can you drop your bucket off the loader? If you have a pick up or a trailer, just take the bucket (although a 2 mile drive on your tractor shouldn't take too long either..10-15 minutes).
As far as welding vs. bolting...for what most of we CUT owners do, either should be of adequate strength. I do suggest you use grade 8 bolts though and large flat washers on the inside of the bucket (to distribute any stresses).

BTW, since you don't have electricity, how are you planning to drill the holes? A cordless drill probably won't hack it unless it's a professional model and you have plenty of battery packs.

 

[Tractorguy1038]

Good ideas - grade 8 and washers under. I do have a small 5,000 watt generator but that's not going to power a welder. Thanks

 

[JoelD]

I welded mine, I don't think there is much of a difference in smaller machines.

What I absolutely would do without is the c-channel I welded to the top side of my bucket so that I would have no chance of bending my bucket with a heavy load on the hook.

I would not install a hook without strengthening my top bucket edge.

As I was welding that on I just welded the hook on while I was at it.

Joel

 

[JoelD]

Good ideas - grade 8 and washers under. I do have a small 5,000 watt generator but that's not going to power a welder. Thanks

Yes it will, your 5000 watt will easily power a small buz box or 90 amp flux wire welder.

I've powered a small buz box with a 3500 watt generator no problem.

Joel

 

[kennyd]

Have you seen these?

Bolt on Grab Hooks

 

[BethesdaEC]

Have you seen these?

Bolt on Grab Hooks

I got mine a couple of weeks ago and used them for the first time today to pull over an 8 foot tall rotted stump. Thanks Kenny it's a great product.

 

[Raspy]

I welded my hooks onto small doubler plates to spread the load a bit. Then I bolted a set of D rings on in another place with grade 8 bolts and washers.

Either system works fine if done well enough.

 

[IslandTractor]

Yes it will, your 5000 watt will easily power a small buz box or 90 amp flux wire welder.

I've powered a small buz box with a 3500 watt generator no problem.

Joel

Agree. Watts = amps x volts so at 110v you have about 45 amps which is way more than a household 110v circuit. Any fluxcore 110V MIG would work. At 20amps of 220v from that generator you could run moderate voltage from a 220 welder too, plenty for 1/4 inch.