Grab Hook Installation

[Nightforce]

Because I sort of hijacked Lutt's thread, I decided to create my own. Most of what's below is copied and pasted from there for convenience.

I order a two set of plates and grab hooks from Ken, they arrived in no time, and the individual prices were good! :thumbsup:

Instead of the traditional two bolts as shown above, I opted for (4) Grade 8 3/8-16 per plate.

I drilled the plates this morning then welded the hooks in place. I was pretty pleased with my welding results and got excellent heat penetration. I was using .030 wire so I gave it 2 passes to ensure strength. I cleaned them up using a wire wheel then sanded the assemblies thoroughly before priming and painting.

I used Rustoleum primer and Rustoleum orange trying to make them look as good as Ken's.. While the bolts I used are clearly overkill it helps my little Kubota BX25D feel like one of the big boy's.....





Here's a few photos of the finished product installed on my Kubota-BX25D. I placed them just inside of the bucket mounting brackets for strength and balance.

I think they came out great and I'm pretty sure those bolts will hold!

 

[lzicc]

Nice job. You'll get allot of use out of those. You can never go overkill as far as I'm concerned on bolts. For the little extra cost, it's better to be safe than sorry.

 

[kennyd]

Fantastic job , they look almost as good as mine :wink:

 

[Wolfy]

Nice. I like 3 better, but the way you kept them in a little, should work well.

 

[Nightforce]

Fantastic job , they look almost as good as mine :wink:

HA....HA....HA......:laughing:

Thanks Kenny

 

[GreenAtLast]

I used a similar but slightly different approach. I put an eyebolt in the middle with two hooks at the outside to give me multiple options when dragging or pulling something. I reinforced the top lip of the bucket on the top and bottom to distribute the stresses when doing things I shouldn't. With this setup, I can use the bucket to pickup things or just hold oversize items in the bucket.

 

[yanmars]

Nice looking work.

 

[skyhook]

GreenAtLast, I see you have one of those "side bucket" alarm systems.

 

[newbury]

Looks nice, but how much weight can you lift with it when your bucket is on?

 

[GreenAtLast]

I have lifted 700+lbs with it but that is approaching the limits of the bucket so I am careful. I use it mostly to drag. With both hooks and the eyebolt, it gives me multiple lifting/dragging options.

The problem with my side bucket alarm is that it likes to transfer to the seat, whether or not I am in it. So help me, if he could push the pedals he would. He is completely unafraid of the machine and when I am running the backhoe, he will get RIGHT beside the bucket and start digging too! I had to move the key storage spot. He could reach it and would take the key and go to the door and wait for me so he could ride.