Hooks - welded/bolted to FEL Bucket

[ADK4WD]

Purchasing New tractor in 50hp range and want "Hooks" welded onto FEL HD Bucket...before taking possession of tractor. Every Dealer has offered to do this - except ONE...claiming Kubota now prohibits?? While I believe this could be true - advice from Kubota's legal dept, Zero risk, lawsuit avoidance - seems ridiculous. Most tractors I've seen w/FELs have hooks - from one to three. - and they are very handy...removing fallen trees, large rocks from field etc... I have No welding skills and no trailer to haul my tractor to a place that welds.
Anyone else use hooks? If so - what size hooks and what size & type of chain do you use? Run into or hear of this problem? Where did yu get your hooks?
Thanks

 

[redmaher]

I hear a lot about Kens bolt on hooks.

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[85Hokie]

I dont like weld ons .....thats just me. Looks like crap if not taken care of correctly. It also places a good deal of stress on that one small square inch of weld spot. Has it worked for 40 years? Sure it has....I just would not want weld ons on my brand new bucket!!!

If I did not have the means to make my own - I would have bought Ken's in a new york minute. Great stuff - made right , backed right and well thought out.

http://www.boltonhooks.com/kubota.html

now true, you are gonna drill some holes in your nice new pretty bucket....but I would rather do that than have a dealer weld on. If you really can get it for free from the dealer, have them weld the hooks to a plate and either weld the plate to bucket or bolt the plate to the bucket. Just my 2 cents

 

[hodge]

Ken's Bolt On Hooks.
If you chose to weld them on (which is what I do), it isn't too hard to find a mobile welder, who would come to you and weld them on. I'm not heavily advocating for welding them on, but I am saying that not having a way to take the tractor to a welder isn't the end of the story.

 

[MattN03]

A lot of people seem to do the bolt on, and that seems like a reasonable solution. I can't weld either, but know a local farmer who welds on the side. He added 2 hooks to my B3200 and a single one on the back of my backhoe bucket. Other than the backhoe thumb, the hooks are the best things since slice bread...lol Just have them bolted on or welded on inline with the loader arms to better handle the stress.

 

[ADK4WD]

Thanks ALL for the replies and yes - well aware of Ken's "bolt on hook" options (which look Great & strong) but also know that installing them - while simple - is Not easy because any holes drilled must be "exact" and think there is a rounded top to my HD bucket (will check) that could make drilling more complex.
I thought of getting someone to visit my place and do welding on site - and will have to pursue that unless Dealer relents and handles for me. Would also use an additional 1/4" plate welded over the top to reinforce bucket and then weld onto that plate. Sooo much easier if Dealer would just handle!

 

[Kennyd4110]

Thanks ALL for the replies and yes - well aware of Ken's "bolt on hook" options (which look Great & strong) but also know that installing them - while simple - is Not easy because any holes drilled must be "exact" and think there is a rounded top to my HD bucket (will check) that could make drilling more complex.

Your making to much of it...the three styles of SSQA buckets Kubota uses are well represented on the website, and none have a rounded top where the hooks mount.

Measure twice.
Clamp hook on.
Drill holes using the plate as your guide.
Remove hook, debur holes
Bolt on hook with supplied hardware.
Drink beer and admire work.

 

[ADK4WD]

Well Ken that will be a good option (if needed) and know the hooks are good quality

 

[85Hokie]

Your making to much of it...the three styles of SSQA buckets Kubota uses are well represented on the website, and none have a rounded top where the hooks mount.

Measure twice.
Clamp hook on.
Drill holes using the plate as your guide.
Remove hook, debur holes
Bolt on hook with supplied hardware.
Drink beer and admire work.

Gotta like how the man thinks.............

 

[Redlands]

Keep in mind you can haul the bucket with out the tractor Then you can have the hooks installed and haul the bucket back home and reinstall. Use the tractor to load the bucket......

 

[ADK4WD]

Hauling the bucket is an option i did not consider - but will now...thanks

 

[Dalroo]

I used ken's - easy peasy and work like they were designed.

 

[rkidd]

Both kinds of hooks being bolt on or welded on are good, depending on what style you want. I bought my last weld on excavator hook from Kens. He sells weld on style also. I welded my own on with 2 3/8 hooks in line with the bucket cylinders and an excavator hook in the center that you can use for chains, slings, or cables. This set up works good for any rigging and lifting tasks. Good luck.


View attachment 28551

 

[Diver 6]

Thanks for the Bolt On Hooks link, 85Hokie. After reading the posts and visiting the website, I just ordered 5 of them.

 

[85Hokie]

Thanks for the Bolt On Hooks link, 85Hokie. After reading the posts and visiting the website, I just ordered 5 of them.

I do not think you will be disappointed at all!

 

[rjcorazza]

Thanks ALL for the replies and yes - well aware of Ken's "bolt on hook" options (which look Great & strong) but also know that installing them - while simple - is Not easy because any holes drilled must be "exact" and think there is a rounded top to my HD bucket (will check) that could make drilling more complex... (snip)

I can't weld either, so I installed Ken's Bolt On Hooks. Really there isn't anything exact about drilling the holes other than planning the correct spot. I believe I spent maybe an hour installing 3 hooks on my 4060. As far as chain, I use (2) 20' sections of 3/8 along with nylon web axle straps for things I don't want chain on.

 

[200mph]

I just noticed this sticker attached to my FEL. With this sticker coming from the factory, it's understandable why a dealer would refuse to add hooks.

I'm not saying I agree with it though...

 

[85Hokie]

I just noticed this sticker attached to my FEL. With this sticker coming from the factory, it's understandable why a dealer would refuse to add hooks.

I'm not saying I agree with it though...

SO - does this really mean you CAN place chains on the bucket IF NOT operating the tractor? SO if Bob is operating the tractor....is it ok for ME to place chains? .....yeah - I know a complete smart ass....

or on a step ladder.....do NOT step above this step (2 from the top)....sure right...

or McD's - coffee is hot..... you think?

Next there will be a warning on the bottom of 5 gal buckets....do NOT use as a step stool..... or do not overload the bucket...

or....ok - I 'll stop!

 

[D2Cat]

85Hokie, I like the road sign that says, "pass with care". I usually pass someone with reckless abandonment, hoping someone else is doing the same thing coming towards me!

All law schools should be shut down for at least 10 years, to get things back in balance. We need fewer attorneys suing over anything just to make a living.

 

[lordulrich]

I like the road sign that says, "pass with care". I usually pass someone with reckless abandonment, hoping someone else is doing the same thing coming towards me!

I agree with your sentiment but this is actually a bad example of overzealous lawyers and stupid warnings. "pass with care" means you can pass again after a "do not pass" sign (overrides the previous regulatory sign) not "don't be an idiot when passing", without the sign passing after a "do not pass" is illegal. (traffic engineer not lawyer)

On the original topic, Ken's hooks are awesome. While some precision is needed it is not that hard. Ken's setup with the bushings makes it easy to get the holes drilled well. I put two on my BX (3 seemed overkill for the little bucket), one of the 4 holes needed about 20 seconds with a file, but you'd never know looking at it now. I'd watch a few of his videos to see what it takes. I also like the shackle on the underside. It is handy for strapping things into the bucket.