MX5800 bucket grab hooks

coolbrze · Apr 27, 2018

So I see a lot of people recommending the Ken's Bolt On Grab Hooks for the bucket. I'm looking at installing 2 of the bolt on (not welded) grab hooks on my MX5800 roughly in-line w/ the loader lift arms (from what everyone says). I'm running 5/16" G70 chain, which grab hooks should I get? I've also seen some that put a shackle or another grab hook in the center of the bucket, good idea or no?

jeff9366 · Apr 27, 2018

5/16" grab hooks hold 3/8", 5/16" and 1/4" chain securely; all the spread in chain diameter you can wish for.

You do not want to put too much strain on the FEL, operating the tractor in reverse. Get a clevis grab hook for your rear/center drawbar. TSC is a good source. The rear/center Drawbar is designed to PULL.

I had a center clevis in addition to two grab hooks on my former B3300SU. Seldom used the center mount much; I took it off.

Oldoak · Apr 27, 2018

jeff9366 said:
5/16" grab hooks hold 3/8", 5/16" and 1/4" chain securely; all the spread in chain diameter you can wish for.

You do not want to put too much strain on the FEL, operating the tractor in reverse. Get a clevis grab hook for your rear/center drawbar. TSC is a good source.

Yep, good advice. I never use the grab hooks attached to the bucket on the F.E.L. to pull with, only to lift and sometimes carry with.

I have three hooks, two in line with the loader arms and one on the center of the bucket. And I always use the two hooks in line with the loader arms in tandem when lifting large heavy objects. You don't want to put excessive strain on just one of the loader arms when lifting a heavy object.

kennyd · Apr 29, 2018

Those buckets hols the Bolt-On hooks and Clevis Mounts nicely:

sixdogs · Apr 29, 2018

As noted, hooks on the bucket are really just for lifting and, once in a blue moon, lighter pulling. Centered over the lift arms on the bucket is the best idea and bolted or welding to a piece of plate steel that is welding to the bucket makes it stronger. That plate in the shape of a "fishplate" makes it stronger for higher HP applications. Search my screen name for pictures or details on my Deere 5520 for more.

I hook a chain between my two hooks, keeping it pretty tight, and hook a short chain in the center of it to lift with. That way the load is borne by the two hooks and is better supported. One hook in the middle is nice for light things but my two hooks and chain does the same thing and I don't have to worry about bending the bucket at it's weakest point. We've all seen bent buckets and they are not easy to un-bend.

Oldoak · Apr 29, 2018

I hook a chain between my two hooks, keeping it pretty tight, and hook a short chain in the center of it to lift with.

Keep in mind that chain you keep pretty tight between the two hooks will not support the same amount of weight that the chain you attach vertically to it will, even though they may be of the same size and grade.

Any chain or sling hung in a horizontal position will not support it's rated capacity as when hanging vertical. There are published charts to show how much the capacity decreases with the increased angle of the chain.

kennyd · Apr 29, 2018

Oldoak said:
Keep in mind that chain you keep pretty tight between the two hooks will not support the same amount of weight that the chain you attach vertically to it will, even though they may be of the same size and grade.

Any chain or sling hung in a horizontal position will not support it's rated capacity as when hanging vertical. There are published charts to show how much the capacity decreases with the increased angle of the chain.

Correct, and you end up side-loading the hooks.

sixdogs · Apr 29, 2018

Oldoak said:
Keep in mind that chain you keep pretty tight between the two hooks will not support the same amount of weight that the chain you attach vertically to it will, even though they may be of the same size and grade.

Any chain or sling hung in a horizontal position will not support it's rated capacity as when hanging vertical. There are published charts to show how much the capacity decreases with the increased angle of the chain.

kennyd said:
Correct, and you end up side-loading the hooks.

Excellent points and I sort-of forgot that vital information that everyone needs to know. The bolt-on hooks Kenny shows really solve a lot of problems for a guy without a shop. Also, where would I find one of those charts you mention?

If I were to lift something really heavy I use the two chains off the hooks but for my lighter loads the one hook is fine. Thank you.