BXpanded Bucket Hooks vs. Welded Hooks

[TJBG]

Looking for opinions on adding the BXpanded hooks to a BX25D versus welding them on. Any feedback would be appreciated with regard to:

-Ease of installation
-Durability
-Capability (lifting capacity/recommendations for use, etc)
-Recommendations on hook size (5/16 vs. 3/8)
-Pros/cons to welded hooks versus BXpanded hooks
-What configuration would be best (they are sold in combinations of grip and slip hooks, sets of 2 or 3 hooks)

Thanks!

 

[DocGP]

I don't have a picture of them directly, but you can see Bolt on Hooks on the loader;

I really like my them. Have had no problem and have lifted a couple of pretty good loads. Don't see any need to have welded hooks. (I do have a pair welded onto my older Kubota and they have been fine as well).

I do like the idea of mounting them where the loader attached to the bucket. The metal is thicker there. One recommendation that he makes on the installation video is to use the bullet point bits. DANG they worked great. Drilled a lot of holes (mounted several hooks on 2 different tractors). Still sharp and ready to go.

Doc

 

[Kennyd4110]

Thanks for the plug Doc (a link would be great to... )

We now have zinc-plated Kubota hooks with the welded spacers, and I am editing a video now showing the installation on a BX2370.

 

[Kennyd4110]

Another pic:

 

[85Hokie]

Looking for opinions on adding the BXpanded hooks to a BX25D versus welding them on. Any feedback would be appreciated with regard to:

-Ease of installation
-Durability
-Capability (lifting capacity/recommendations for use, etc)
-Recommendations on hook size (5/16 vs. 3/8)
-Pros/cons to welded hooks versus BXpanded hooks
-What configuration would be best (they are sold in combinations of grip and slip hooks, sets of 2 or 3 hooks)

Thanks!

I like the BXpanded hooks - I think they are a great idea, but I didnt want to spend the bucks.....
\
I didnt want to weld on the bucket either, so I took plate steel and welded the hooks to IT and then bolted with grade 8 bolts......I have pulled heavy logs out of the creek - works like a charm and I think my total bill was about 10 bucks!

 

[TJBG]

Ken, do you know by chance what size spacer I need to order if I'm using your hooks on the FEL for my 2014 BX25D?

 

[MXBX]

I've been using kenny's bolt on hooks for nearly a year now http://www.boltonhooks.com/kubota.html . They're great and Ken's a great guy to deal with.

 

[Kennyd4110]

Ken, do you know by chance what size spacer I need to order if I'm using your hooks on the FEL for my 2014 BX25D?

I think (going by memory here...not at home now) the 1-5/8" ones, but please measure as shown to be sure-Kubota has been unpredictable sometimes.

 

[Kennyd4110]

I've been using kenny's bolt on hooks for nearly a year now http://www.boltonhooks.com/kubota.html . They're great and Ken's a great guy to deal with.

Thanks for the plug :thumbsup:

 

[TJBG]

Thanks I will measure it today using your recommended method with the framing square and then place an order tomorrow. I like the idea of bolting something on rather than welding it (especially on a subcompact like this) and I think they look better than the BXpanded hooks, too. Will be in touch.

 

[Martywoodburner]

I got the ones from Bxpanded and have found them to be very well designed. One thing I really like about them is that I can position them any place along the bucket at any time and not worry about drilling any holes in the bucket.

Hope this helps.

 

[bxray]

I got the ones from Bxpanded and have found them to be very well designed. One thing I really like about them is that I can position them any place along the bucket at any time and not worry about drilling any holes in the bucket.

Hope this helps.

Can you show a photo of just the hook assembly?

 

[cstone]

Installed the bolt on hooks with clevis mount. It was 1 5/8 on a 2014 BX 2370. Bought from http://www.boltonhooks.com/kubota.html and they work great.

 

[cerlawson]

Bolting vs welding. That's an interesting subject. If you are a crummy welder, maybe bolting is OK. However, with welding you can place hooks any place, any orientation. Apply a coat of paint and it looks like it came from the factory that way. Why worry about changing the bucket appearance? If you will look at what the bucket looks like in 5 or 10 years, then you may worry about other things now such as convenience of doing different jobs through the years.

 

[Kennyd4110]

Video is completed: https://youtu.be/E6050fTGcUY

 

[bearskinner]

I have been using the bxpanded ones as I wanted to be able to move them where it was convenient. I have moved them a couple times, when I was pulling T posts with the bucket, then while moving some cumbersome bulky tools by myself. Haven't had a problem with their strength.