Adding Hooks

[day13]

My friend has a welder and has agreed to come over and weld some hooks to the bucket of my BX loader. I have an "idea" of where they should go but I'm almost positive that after I use them I would have wished they were located in a slightly different place. Sooo, can anyone add some insight on what is the best place to put these guys and what is the best size? Also, since the welder will be here, is there anything else I should consider attaching to the FEL,tractor or rear blade?

Thamks in advance for your help.

Regards,

Dave

 

[WoodDawg]

I have a different tractor, but this is how I had my hooks done by the dealer before I took delivery. They are on the reinforced part of the bucket. I have used the heck out of these, makes the loader even more useful. This was one of the best ideas I got from this group. Here is a picture, hope this helps...
Mark

 

[Von]

Dave,
Here is a photo of mine. I used 5/16" hooks as my loader will only pick up 880 lbs. I put them on the edges as that is a stronger area than the middle.

 

[rbargeron]

I like having three hooks. When lifting implements or other irregular items, the two outer-mounted hooks are very handy. But for heavier pulls a center-mounted hook is easier on the loader frame and safer. Center area of the bucket may need a scab plate for added stiffness. As Von's post shows, 5/16" grab hooks are fine - they'll accept 3/8 chain and they are compact enough to fit well.

 

[Charliebrn]

You might consider a plate welded to the bottom of the bucket, toward the back, where you would roll it back. You'll notice that the sides of the bucket are overhanging at that point and it tends to dig into things like asphalt driveways. Not only that, but that point is where I am continually losing paint, and my guess is that'll be where I go thru the metal on the bucket first. It's something I'm going to do as soon as I can scare up some cash and a welder ....

 

[Devildog]

Von, I really like that setup, Also where did you find the paint to match?
____________________________________________________
Take care all, Jim

2001 B7500 HST 302 Fel R4 Tires
Semper Fidelis

 

[Von]

Jim,
The paint is from Kubota, I find the match to be near perfect! On my last tractor it was way off. I guess they got it right on the newer tractors, or because its always in the garage there is no fade on my tractor. Its not cheap, but having it match is well worth it to me.

 

[watersjj]

I welded my hook in the center of the bucket on BX2200. Photo attached.