Bucket Hooks? Or clevis mounts instead?

[DaveK OR]

I think everybody eventually puts hooks on their tractor buckets. The question is what is the best way to do it?

The simple approach is to just weld on a couple of grab-hooks, directly to the bucket in the desired locations. An alternate would be to weld on clevis-mounts, which would allow you to attach most anything that used a clevis-pin connection.

Do you have any thoughts as to the pros and cons of either approach?

 

[oldballs]

I went with bolt on grab-hooks, but your idea sounds better to me.

 

[George2615]

Welcome to TBN......

Why not weld both on.
I have 2 grab hooks and 2 tow hooks on the bucket but no need for a clevis yet.
I also have a 2" Reese style hitch receiver welded in the middle of the bucket on another tractor.

 

[k0ua]

I think everybody eventually puts hooks on their tractor buckets. The question is what is the best way to do it?

The simple approach is to just weld on a couple of grab-hooks, directly to the bucket in the desired locations. An alternate would be to weld on clevis-mounts, which would allow you to attach most anything that used a clevis-pin connection.

Do you have any thoughts as to the pros and cons of either approach?

Well, the weld on grab hood approach is certainly cheap. And it has always served me well. For less than $5 per hook, you are all set. I am not saying it is the "best", just expedient and cheap. It is your tractor, do what you think is best.

 

[Mike Gibson]

I put a welded grab hook on each end of the bucket and a large slip hook welded in the center of it. I have several chains I use and with the grab hooks I can easily shorten the chains and still have the chain centered on the bucket to avoid side pull on the loader.

 

[oldballs]

I put a welded grab hook on each end of the bucket and a large slip hook welded in the center of it. I have several chains I use and with the grab hooks I can easily shorten the chains and still have the chain centered on the bucket to avoid side pull on the loader.

Except for the center mounted slip hook, that's the way i often use my grab hooks for center mounting to equalize the lift on the arms....e.g. pulling T-posts.

 

[sixdogs]

Well, the weld on grab hood approach is certainly cheap. And it has always served me well. For less than $5 per hook, you are all set. I am not saying it is the "best", just expedient and cheap. It is your tractor, do what you think is best.

View attachment 488524

Wow, is that a beautiful looking and functional weld.

 

[Fallon]

I bolted chain hooks on my L3200 bucket. They were great up until I got my pallet forks. After that I only grabbed the forks for any lifting. Much more rigging options & positions along with bar stock everywhere to hook the end of the chains on.

Generally I'd vote for hook over a hole though. Either you always have that clevis attached & banging around or it will be missing or back in the barn when you need it. Not to mention buying the bracket & clevis vs just a hook.

 

[k0ua]

Wow, is that a beautiful looking and functional weld.

Thank you.. I am relatively proud of that 7018 weld at 125 amps with my little Everlast PA160. It must have caught the eye of others as well, because a "professional" welder in Florida stole the photo and put it on his website as an example of his work. That "pissed" me off considerably and I sent his some electronic hatemail to which he basically told me where I could go. It was brought to my attention by another member no longer active, and he gave him a piece of his mind too, but the "pro" did not really care. If you look carefully you can see the little brick retaining wall by my house where a lot of my photos are taken, as that is where I work on my tractor. In my opinion my weld with the stick is a better weld than the Korean fella did with the MIG on the plate on top of the bucket. Here is a photo of the welder that made it.

 

[ovrszd]

James, although I'll concede that there are differences in the various brands of welders and Everlast is well known for excellent quality,,,, the quality of your hook welds is much more due to the person holding the welder stick than the machine sitting nearby.

 

[k0ua]

James, although I'll concede that there are differences in the various brands of welders and Everlast is well known for excellent quality,,,, the quality of your hook welds is much more due to the person holding the welder stick than the machine sitting nearby.

Oh, I agree, any DC stick welder capable of 125 amps could have made that weld. I think I could have come pretty close with my old AC 225. Maybe with a bit more spatter. OH, and cleaning down to bare metal NEVER hurts.

 

[CADplans]

For my use,,, a "D" ring is much more useful than a hook.
I can use a D ring with a chain,, and use the D ring with rope.
99% of my lifting/pulling is with rope, rather than chain.

I guess a hook could be used with rope, but, I would be afraid of a hook cutting the rope.

My "D" ring.

The D ring with two chains, 5/16, and 3/8 inch.

 

[ovrszd]

What type of rope do you use? Why do you prefer rope?

 

[CADplans]

What type of rope do you use? Why do you prefer rope?

I use the surplus rope the power company pulls power lines with,,
it is super strong, it can easily stop the pull of my 10,000 pound tractor.

I prefer rope because there is almost no shock during lifting,,,
and rope does not remove paint like a chain will.

The only knot you need to learn is a bowline,,, you can lift anything! :thumbsup:

This is a 700 pound, 6 foot cut, mower deck.

 

[sixdogs]

Why only a bowline? And I forget what that is.

 

[CADplans]

Why only a bowline? And I forget what that is.

Because I can get that knot loose without an axe,,, and I can remember how to tie it!! :laughing:

 

[GMIslander]

I put 2 hooks on like this.
But one hook in the center is much more safe on a small tractor, I realized that after I put mine on (just a tip).
All your welds are nice.

 

[kennyd]

I think everybody eventually puts hooks on their tractor buckets. The question is what is the best way to do it?

The simple approach is to just weld on a couple of grab-hooks, directly to the bucket in the desired locations. An alternate would be to weld on clevis-mounts, which would allow you to attach most anything that used a clevis-pin connection.

Do you have any thoughts as to the pros and cons of either approach?

As many have stated, there is no "best" way to add hooks-you have to consider how you might use your machine and decide whats best.

We have many pics on our website to give you some ideas, and we can supply you with both welded and Bolt-On options as well.

 

[lexluther]

Look at KennyD's website Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<Bolt-On>>
Get the bolt on hook / clevis combo. You get both, plus fast easy install.

 

[davrow]

... the quality of your hook welds is much more due to the person holding the welder stick than the machine sitting nearby...

Richard, you are shattering my illusions! I got an Everlast so my welds would look like that! You mean my first ever weld isn't going to be that good?