Lift Hooks On A 200CX

[PilotAndy]

Hi Everyone-

I'm in the process of having my new 2305 assembled (thanks to the info from this board).

My question is this:

I have read on the board that a lot of people have had lift hooks welded to the top of their bucket. I stopped by the dealer today, and it doesn't seem like the 53" 200cx bucket is sturdy enough to lift much weight. Has anyone else welded hooks on this bucket?

Thanks!

Andy

 

[beenthere]

Search the archives for bucket hooks and you will see where steel plates are used under the welded hooks to add reinforcement to some buckets. I don't know the bucket you are talking about, but think you will be able to add hooks if you place them just in front of the two top attachment points, and use good sense when hooking loads to these hooks, so the load is balanced between the two hooks. This will keep a balanced load on the FEL arms as well, so you don't twist the FEL.
My Deere bucket is reinforced at these locations, and I welded directly to the bucket with no problem. I have the heavy duty bucket.

 

[2305JD]

I have the 200 CX on my 2305 and my Dealer bolted a big heavy duty hook to the top centre of my 53" bucket. He told me that welding onto this bucket would weaken it so they drilled and used hardened bolts.

I dont plan on doing too much lifting with it but wanted it set up just in case.

Cheers... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[DJLX]

Here's what I did

 

[DJLX]

On the under side

 

[JDFANATIC]

DJ,

Looks good. Here was my solution:
Link to huge pic /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[crazylare1]

Andy, this is the way that I put hooks on my bucket, this pic is before painting. I sure does make your stomach feel alittle sick to grind off all of that expensive paint on a new tractor /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif but I've only had these on for a week or so and have already used them several times. Well worth the sick feeling /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Larry

 

[crazylare1]

Here is what they look like all painted
Larry

 

[EasyE]

So what are the hooks on top of the loader used for? I assume they are there if you want to just pick up something that will not fit in the loader? I am new here so bare with me.

 

[jeepinator]

No specific purposes...
I have found them very handy for what you said, keeping big stuff in the bucket, and also for stuff like lifting my brush cutter off a trailer, etc.
And for picking up virtually anything really heavy that shouldn't be in the bucket or can't fit in the bucket.

For example, the only way I could get this huge stump butt moved was to chain it using the hooks.
Once I got the bucket tilted back, the chains slackened and fell down, but I was able to get it to my burn pit.