Bucket Hooks

[rwork]

I know there are plenty of threads on adding bucket hooks, but I wanted to know LS specific, if you went with bolt on, or welded.
I'm not sure how heavy the top tube on the bucket is, and wanted to know how you may have attached your hooks.
I had thought about getting a piece of 2.5x2.5x1/4 angle to weld to the top edge, then weld my hooks. Only problem is, I have a little Lincoln 225, but haven't tried to weld anything in about 15 years, and wasn't very good then!
Thanks for any tips or info.

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

I know there are plenty of threads on adding bucket hooks, but I wanted to know LS specific, if you went with bolt on, or welded.
I'm not sure how heavy the top tube on the bucket is, and wanted to know how you may have attached your hooks.

Here's what I did:

earlier post about bucket mods

 

[oldtoyboyd]

Here is what I did. I welded a piece of 2x3 angle iron on then welded hooks to it.

 

[creekbend]

I have a Kubota L4400 with a LA703 loader and a L2264 bucket. I bolted my three hooks on. This arrangement has worked for me. I have never welded before.

 

[Cromagnum]

For welding hooks on, you probably want to use DC welding, not AC. The DC welding penetrates much better for a stronger weld.
Most of the Lincoln 225 are AC only.

 

[bullopa]

I'm not the greatest welder so I didn't trust myself to weld on something that snap off and kill me or someone else so I went with the bolt on - did three grab hooks across the top (center and one in front of each loader arm. I used backing plates and for the backing plate in the center I used a bolt on clevis hook underneath. Got the whole bunch from Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks. I liked the way it came out a lot. Here is the website I got them. I'm sure there are others out there too. Ken's Bolt On Grab Hooks

 

[Gary Fowler]

Even a dabber welder should be able to weld enough to hold much more than an FEL will lift. 4 ea 1/4" tacks would hold a straight pull of way more than you could lift with a tractor. By welding solid all the way around and putting on a reinforcement pad under the hook, there is no way that it would come off even if only half the weld metal was sound. Most folks underestimate the strength of even a poor weld. They may not be pretty but like the Gorilla, they are strong. If you doubt the weld, afer welding hit it a couple of times with a big shop or sledge hammer, it it doesnt break, then its good.