How to mount grab hooks on my loader

slingha · Mar 30, 2021

I have a bobcat ct2025 with a FL7 loader. The top of the bucket is too narrow to install bolt on grab hooks on top of the loader. Has anyone mounted them to the back side of their loader bucket? I would have to dump the the bucket to use the hooks.
In the alternative, could you weld on grab hooks but in an east/west orientation instead of north/south.
I do not want to damage to loader obviously. Sorry for the not great photos but would appreciate any advice.

repete · Mar 30, 2021

I have three hooks, on the ends and the center. I make my pick point at the center of the bucket to avoid twisting the loader by lifting on only one side. If I lift a long object I can use both ends.

WranglerX · Mar 30, 2021

The problem with mounting them on back of bucket it as soon as any tension is off chain it will drop out of hooks..... Gravity always wins...

I made chain slots and it only needed 2 inch flat surface to mate...

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/slots-3-jpg.684517/

Just used 2x2x1/4 inch steel angle....

This is what I put in center of bucket...

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/eyes-3-jpg.684516/

Personally IF I HAD TO USE THOSE HOOKS I would center the line of holes on the top flat (like in above graphic) and just bolt them down and not worry about the little bit of front and rear overhang....

Roadworthy · Mar 30, 2021

You may wish to check out the options at" Home - BoltOnHooks LLC

bdog · Mar 30, 2021

Just weld them on the top flat part like this.

slingha · Mar 30, 2021

bdog said:
Just weld them on the top flat part like thi

bdog said:
Just weld them on the top flat part like this.View attachment 692669

Not enough room. Only 70% of the hook will be welded.

bdog · Mar 30, 2021

With a 3/8 or 5/16? 70% is probably adequate you loader isn’t capable of anything near the rated capacity of the hook.

kennyd · Mar 31, 2021

Mounting to the back or sides is the only real option, unless you weld on a piece of angle iron to create a "shelf". Note that our hooks are considerably smaller than the imported copies shown in the pics, that helps too.

Thomas · Mar 31, 2021

I'd weld on top better chance chain/strap using to pull with won't loosen or fall off.

John0829 · Mar 31, 2021

I would just bolt the ones you have on with a support on the under side, so what if it hangs off a bit in the front or back it will still lift or pull every and anything you need to with a chain. Or for that matter weld them on and you will still have more strength than anything you should hook on them.

JCoastie · Mar 31, 2021

mine are on the back, they work just fine.

Grandad4 · Mar 31, 2021

Mine were welded to the top at each side. No center hook.. I've seen too many buckets with center hooks that were also bent in the middle. It's easy enough to rig a chain between the hooks for a center balanced lift.

PILOON · Mar 31, 2021

OK, I'm a frugal DIY type.
I welded a hardware store (modified) 3/8" hook onto a 3 x 4" plate and then welded that onto the center of my FEL bucket.
Now I've lifted lots of heavy things, like heavy enough to raise my rear clear of the ground, (and I'm weighted). Works for me!
Costs? well perhaps $3.00 @ hardware store. (plus weld time)

WranglerX · Mar 31, 2021

PILOON said:
OK, I'm a frugal DIY type.
I welded a hardware store (modified) 3/8" hook onto a 3 x 4" plate and then welded that onto the center of my FEL bucket.
Now I've lifted lots of heavy things, like heavy enough to raise my rear clear of the ground, (and I'm weighted). Works for me!
Costs? well perhaps $3.00 @ hardware store. (plus weld time)

Same frugal concept here, that is why the "chain slots", all it cost me was the grade 8 bolts....

Dale

RancherGuy · Apr 2, 2021

I have always mounted mine on the outside top edges of the bucket. For one bucket, I wanted increased vertical lifting abilities so to get the hooks closer to the front axle, I added a pair on the back side of the bucket next to the lower pins.

However an excellent point was made by Paul Short (youtube 'Paul and Kathy Short'). You place yourself at high risk if the item / chain /cable /strap should give or break. Ask yourself: when that happens, what happens to me or my equipment? Paul recommends putting the hook inside the back of the bucket. If the bucket is not stout, mount the hook on a plate then mount the plate to the bucket. The plate can be bolted if desired.

BigBlue1 · Apr 2, 2021

As Ken mentioned, his company's hooks are more compact. Check them out.... they may fit better or if you get the weld-on variety you will have a higher percentage of the edge welded on your bucket.

Rob