Bucket hooks

TexasBoy · Mar 19, 2014

I had bookmarked the thread, but lost it.

What size bucket hooks did you guys end up putting on your loader bucket? Im gonna run and get some later today to weld on but thought Id ask what size you fellas ended up using.

Thanks in advance for any info.

jeff9366 · Mar 19, 2014

5/16" bucket hooks are almost universal through about 50 horsepower tractors, above 50 horsepower some go to 3/8".

5/16" grab hooks hold 3/8", 5/16". 1/4" chain securely, 3/16" chain semi-securely.

5/16" chain is much lighter than 3/8" chain when you carry and drag it a few hours. Buy Grade 70 "Transport" chain or above. (Chain grades go to 100.)

I use Grade 70 - 5/16" myself. If I could find Grade 70 - 1/4" at a reasonable price I would try it. However, all 1/4" - Grade 70 I have seen is more expensive than 5/16" - Grade 70.

1/4" or 3/16" chain is useful when pulling out 1"-2" saplings with the FEL. Larger chain slips on small diameter saplings and tree roots.

Lowe's and Home Depot both sell Grade 70 - 5/16" X 20' chain, in a plastic bag, cheap, in their "towing" section. You can research current prices through their individual web sites. Have them cut the chain into 8' + 12' lengths in the store. You do not want to cut Grade 70 chain at home. Add two Grade 70 Slip Hooks and you will be ready to work.

You will use the 8' length far more than the 12' length.

k0ua · Mar 19, 2014

I have always used 5/16 hooks, and 5/16 grade 70 chain.

timster2 · Mar 19, 2014

I welded a bunch of 5/16 weld on grab hooks and some shackle mounts.

kennyd · Mar 19, 2014

Yes, 5/16" seems to be the most common for sCUT and CUT sized machines.

TexasBoy · Mar 19, 2014

Thank you guys very much.

Chilly807 · Mar 19, 2014

Yep, 5/16 here too.. I couldn't find weld on hooks, had to butcher some regular ones.

Sean

juddspaintballs · Mar 19, 2014

Where are most people welding them to on the bucket?

k0ua · Mar 19, 2014

juddspaintballs said:
Where are most people welding them to on the bucket?

In line with the loader arms. is best,

GPintheMitten · Mar 19, 2014

k0ua said:
In line with the loader arms. is best,

Yep, and my bucket needed reinforcement (in my opinion) on the top to avoid bending the top lip. I did it similar to Timster did in his pictures above.

jeff9366 · Mar 20, 2014

k0ua said:
In line with the loader arms. is best,

I second James.

When moving tree trunks on the bucket, you will usually want one chain securing the load on each end.

When you pull out 2" - 3" trees with the roots, using bucket roll back, it is best to have the load lined up with the lift arms, where the bucket has the most support.

When dragging out moderate loads from the woods, to make them more accessible, frequently there is not space to push the entire bucket it. With in-line mounts, you can go in a little deeper with one corner of the bucket.

For heavy loads, don't use the bucket, use the rear center drawbar and a clevis mount grab hook. (Some sub-compacts and compact tractors require rear center mount drawbar to be purchased as an option.)

DON'T MOUNT HOOKS ON BUCKET ENDS. Torsion loads can lead to a "sprung" bucket.

TomSeller · Mar 20, 2014

I put a grab hook on each side and a slip hook in the middle. That way with a chain, I run through the slip and hook to a side grab hook where I can better reach it. If using a strap, I hook to the center slip hook. Works well for me.

sandyc · Mar 20, 2014

I had mine put in the center that way I was sure to be fairly level and even when lifting. Put the strain on both arms equally and kept rig upright.

timster2 · Mar 20, 2014

With the receiver hitch mounted in the center I have lots of options for lifting, towing etc.

ovrszd · Mar 20, 2014

TomSeller said:
I put a grab hook on each side and a slip hook in the middle. That way with a chain, I run through the slip and hook to a side grab hook where I can better reach it. If using a strap, I hook to the center slip hook. Works well for me.

I'm with Tom. I want my hooks out near the end of the bucket to get the most spread for lifting any object if needed. I also like the slip hook in the center for unusual lifts.

Chilly807 · Mar 20, 2014

I welded one on each outer top lip of the bucket, which is not ideal. They should have been in line with the loader arms, but it's done now. I'm careful to balance the load.

I also put one on the center of the upper lip, for single chain lifts, and one on the bucket heel in the center too. For those times when the bucket is full of tools or material I don't want to dump, and for the most lifting capacity.

Sean

oosik · Mar 20, 2014

I bolted 1/2 inch hooks on the lower, outside edge. I use 3/8, grade 80 chain exclusively.View attachment 366252

----- and the day came when they fought like warrior-poets and won their FREEDOM ----0-

TomSeller · Mar 20, 2014

timster2 said:
With the receiver hitch mounted in the center I have lots of options for lifting, towing etc.
<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=366237"/>

You sure do. Very nice.

TexasBoy · Mar 26, 2014

Put 5/16" on the ends for those instances you need to lift stuff up that requires a wider spread on chains, and 3/8" where the loader arms are, welded thsoe to the thick plate there. Although I will never be lifting anything heavy enough to cause it, all of them are fastened at a side/vertical plate to resist peeling up. Might do as others have and put a receiver in the middle eventually.