Bucket hook weld on points

[stihlworking]

Looking for some comments or suggestions on my weld on points for bucket hooks and shackle mount. This is a 2014 Kioti DK45 KL401 6ft loader bucket. see pic. upper would be for shackle to secure logs or brush to bucket (from shackles attached to tooth bar bolt holes). Lower is for grab hook-will use backing plate on this one.

 

[jeff9366]

You do not want shackles, you want 5/16" chain grab hooks.

Mount approximately in line with lift arms. Lift arms help keep bucket from torquing, potentially "springing" FEL arms. The position also maximizes bucket support of FEL lift arms.

A chain grab hook is a more rapidly accessed fitting.

I seldom used the center slip hook, so after several months I removed it.

 

[roadhunter]

What's wrong with a shackle mount?

 

[BlacknTan]

You do not want shackles, you want 5/16" chain grab hooks.

Mount approximately in line with lift arms. Lift arms help keep bucket from torquing, potentially "springing" FEL arms. The position also maximizes bucket support of FEL lift arms.

A chain grab hook is a more rapidly accessed fitting.

It doesn't hurt to have shackles, but in my experience they would be superfluous if you have grab hooks.

Ken, a good guy, has bolt ons ...

Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<Home>>

And member James k0ua did a great job on his with a similar tractor .. Maybe he'll chime in.

 

[Gary Fowler]

If you are using straps, a shackle might be useful, but a chain is much better- it doesn't cut or wear on rough surfaces like a strap.
I would put on 3/8" chain hooks- that way you can use 3/8" chain OR 5/16" chain. Of course if you never plan to buy or use 3/8" chain, go with the smaller hook if you want.
I would place them at the center line of the hydraulic lift arms. THE best way is to just use a sling from each hook to lift your load but sometimes you have to do center pick. If using them to center point lift make a Y sling by attaching a chain to each hook, use on hook to attach back to the chain forming the Y, then attach the end of the chain to your load. DONT lift heavy load from one side of the FEL. IT is OK for really light loads to lift from one hook, but a heavy load might torque your loader arms and/or tip your tractor on that side so be careful.

 

[Wa11banger]

Second Ken's hooks I bought bare hooks and plates and welded them as previously suggested directly in line with the FEL arms. I also put one of Ken's shackle mounts directly in the center. The combination has been excellent for just about any situation I have needed. One suggestion when using the chain hooks is always use them both. Its stronger and wont torque your FEL or pull you to one side if you are dragging with them.

Ken's customer service was excellent I had my hooks in my hand the next day.

Edited.. below is how I added the hooks and link

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=A5FE88BDB87A3CAE!2380&authkey=!AL9SjsyL3yIVKhc&v=3&ithint=photo%2cJPG

 

[jeff9366]

You do not want shackles, you want 5/16" chain grab hooks.

5/16" grab hooks will hold 3/8" chain securely too, in my three years experience.

5/16" grab hooks will also hold 1/4" chain securely. For pulling out saplings, roots and all, 1/4" chain will hold, where 5/16" and 3/8" chain will slip. Use only GRADE 70 chain in your endeavors.

The hooks in my pictures in Post #2 also came from Ken's Hooks in Westminster, Maryland. He sells bolt-on and weld-on grab hooks of highest quality.

LINK:

Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<Home>>

 

[k0ua]

Did someone pull my chain?

Mount what you please, but this is what I did, and have not wanted for anything different. I used 5/16 grab hooks, on the factory pads. Used some 7018 1/8 inch at about 125 amps. Cleaned all down to bright metal first of course. Repainted with Kubota's new charcoal paint. (yes I know that is a sin, putting Kubota paint on a Kioti, but I had some left over from the last Kubota, and it seems to match as good as anything. Here are the photo's in no particular order. Just tack them on straight, and weld em up!

 

[Walkin Horse]

I would not rig the chain like in post 2. That's a sure way to twist something. Either put one in the middle or use 3 hooks. Then you have one in the center for a single chain pick or 2 on the outside for a y pick or you can pick with 2 chains and adjust their lengths for balance. (Wow one sentence)

 

[stihlworking]

Thanks for the ideas and reply's. The chain grabs will do the heavy lifting, which will be from the rear bottom of the bucket closer to the quick attach pins and next to that vertical flange. that portion of the bucket is several layers thick as best I can tell and I wont be running the chain over the top. I like shackles for lighter weight long and awkward materials like limbs and pipe. Im a rope junkie being in the tree business so shackles give me flexibility for rope, chain, cable, or straps. I did order the stuff from Ken. I would grind a chamfer on the bottom of those mounts for a tee groove weld. I put d rings all over my trailer cause I could never decide where to put just 4 or 6. Think I will be conservative and add some later depending on what I need to do. I wish someone made weld on saddle grab hooks. I think thats what they are called. Got some for my load binders.