Bolt-On Grab Hooks for Kubota Tractors

How to properly measure for, and install our Bolt-On Grab Hooks on many Kubota tractors.
Completed on Ken's new Kubota BX2370 with a LA243 Loader, but the info applies to just about any Kubota tractor with a pinned-on bucket and upturned lip on the top. We offer 6 different sized hooks to fit just about any model from the smallest BX's to the larger B, L and M-series machines. Most models with the optional SSQA attachment can use our regular Bolt-On Hooks without the additional spacer.
Please visit boltonhooks.com for more info and purchasing.

[@herbwheeler4470]

Making it way more technical than it has to be. Measure, drill, install. Done.

[@vn0013]

Ken's Crab Hooks work out for me outstanding, they are well designed and I use them a lot now. Ken's company was outstanding to deal with, I will be buying more products from Ken.

[@kdeckster]

Ken Carter Thanks Ken, means a lot coming from you seeing as how meticulous all of your equipment is.

[@curtwhite876]

I love my bolt-on hooks. I have recommended them as a first tractor modification a person should make to their tractor. They make the front end loader much more versatile. You can literally pick up just about anything.

[@kdeckster]

Thanks Curt!

[@brianlwhitney54]

Thanks Ken Awesome video, good looking tractor. enjoy

[@hermzinn8740]

I bought Kens bolt on hooks for my Kubota BX. Very well packaged and easy to install. I have used the hooks many times with no problems. Ken makes a great product. I didn't want to weld hooks on my new bucket because of messing up the paint and having to paint it again. Kens hooks prevents all the extra paint work. Awesome product, thanks Ken!

[@kdeckster]

Thanks Herm I really appreciate your kind words!

[@hermzinn8740]

You are welcome. Thank you for a great product!

[@lcee6592]

Good looking products. I usually drill a smaller pilot hole first then drill the size needed. A small bit does not wander off center as easily keeping the hole where you need it. Also a set of transfer punches would work better in situations like this to mark the hole center.

[@Tom-ej8bb]

Ordered the wrong spacers, was my fault and Ken sent me the correct ones just like that. They went on great and can't wait to start using them. Thanks!!

[@kdeckster]

Thanks Tom.

[@rorymclean7545]

Just received the hooks in the mail today! Very excited, I instantly primed them and painted them,,I will now install them and put one last coat of paint...very good product , thanks

[@rorymclean7545]

Installed and painted KUBOTA orange,,,I could not be happier with them....great product and looks very nice ,,,wish Kubota dealers would buy from Ken and sell at their stores...it would.be a win/win for everyone

[@bobpurs]

Didn’t know you had a channel. Subscribed now. Thanks Ken

[@boltonhooks2149]

Thanks Bob

[@birdbrain222222]

looks like very nice quality hooks, I do have a comment, they make a set of hole locators, basically slide through your hole. these are a solid rod with a center cut in them,same as a center punch. Then you just hit the punch with a hammer and it locates your spot to drill your hole.

[@kdeckster]

Eddie, yes what your describing is called a "transfer punch". You would still need the sleeve guide tat we include to ensure the hole it "transferred" in squarely to the bucket surface. Since most people have a 3/8" drill bit, and not a set of transfer punches we do not show that way.

[@ellobo1326]

Luckily I can weld. I welded (3) 5/16” clevis hooks on my loader. Takes a loader to whole new level of usefulness.

[@ClearCreekCabinMiniFarm]

Love my Ken's bolt on hooks and clevis mounts on my JD 1025R - used them again just today - much higher quality than others on the market so don't even look at other brands

[@kdeckster]

Thanks CCC!

[@carlguimond2346]

I strongly recommend painting the holes you just drilled. Otherwise, rust will run down your bucket in less than 6 months ! Professional installation includes rust prevention !

[@travelinthru9519]

Just like matching steal with aluminum makes a chemical reaction Ford found that out in there aluminum frame pickups

[@AntiqueTractorsandEquipment]

Great Video Ken

[@kdeckster]

Thanks!

[@VGofRI]

Easy install. Took 5 min to install including painting them.

[@pgg0024]

Just added a set to my BX2370

[@RockingCHomestead]

I need some of those!

[@gordbaker896]

You could have also tried using the surplus spacers to take up incorrect bolt length. Your day goes easier when you drill One hole, bolt on attachment and then drill the second hole.

[@carladamczak9894]

I checked out your website, the ROPS clamps look to be an accessory I will be ordering soon to mount a set of Black Oak LED lights on the ROPS when my tractor arrives. Have you considered doing a video on the multiple uses of the clamps?

[@kdeckster]

Carl, No, not really thought about a video, not sure what I'd do for one, I guess I thought they were pretty self-explanatory. Thanks for the idea though, maybe I'll can do one soon if time allows.

[@wvanthony09]

Would love to do this for a Mahindra 4550 Tractor with 72" bucket. Somewhat of an odd shape bucket at top with angles and essentially a "box" design with 1/8" steel. You can see the raised weld marks across entire back of bucket before going to single wall which may be 1/4" but I'd really like to keep the grab hooks at the top of the bucket instead of folding the bucket downwards to expose the grab hooks about 6" down the back of bucket.

[@kdeckster]

James, send us some pics to the email on the website, much easier to help you directly-not on YT comments.

[@UTubeGlennAR]

:) Great Vid - Product :)

[@fhuber7507]

Looks like it would apply similarly for any compact tractors... Just ensure the place yo mount the hook is strong enough. The plastic body panels are just NO.

[@Shovelups]

What type of prep work should I do to the BoltOnHooks before I paint my them?

[@kdeckster]

Mike Wright we generally recommend NOT painting the hooks, the plating is tougher than any paint will ever be. What other hardware on your tractor is painted anyway? But we do directly address your questions on the FAQ page at website.

[@itsruf1]

observation: @10:13 the holes don't line up? How? After all that tine with jigs and clamps. Doesn't happen in my shop. But why use a file? I'b bolt one side then drill thu the other side. Go slowly not to break the drill bit. On Deere steel you'd be filing all day. Then again mine are welded.

[@cogentdynamics]

@ken Deckleman you have a nice product. Well executed and local. Can I purchase a set for my Yanmar SA325?

[@kdeckster]

Of course you can...right through the website or contact us directly.

[@cogentdynamics]

@@kdeckster will do! Thank you. I have a welder and machines but I know what goes into making something like your products. I’m happy to purchase from a USA company.

[@tommyhiggins9926]

I don't see this set up on your webpage, with the raised hooks "opition 2"

[@kdeckster]

Tommy, they are on the Kubota page at the website: www.boltonhooks.com/kubota.html

[@incubatork]

I would put the bolts the other way round with the head inside the bucket that way the threads will get less damage when using the loader with rubble, concrete etc. and not need to be cut off.

[@kdeckster]

If you do that, they get in the way of the chain going into the throat of the hooks.

[@incubatork]

@@kdeckster If you say so but that surprises me as the base of the hook is well seperated and also angled away.

[@pohbor5788]

@@incubatork - Do you think he's lying??

[@booifojoe]

@@pohbor5788 Who are you - his lawyer?

[@pohbor5788]

@@booifojoe Odd question to ask for a tractor video, but no I'm not. Are you looking for one??

[@JohnnyUmphress]

I just bought two heavy-duty hooks from Tractor Supply and welded them to the top of the bucket. Quick and simple and way cheaper.

[@kdeckster]

Well thats great for you Johnny...what about guys that can't weld??? I bet they are nice CHINA hooks too right?

[@JohnnyUmphress]

@@kdeckster Nah, I found some USA hooks. They can't keep them in stock there.

[@chrislaswell5572]

Quick question... Why wouldn't you bolt on the hooks on the INSIDE of the leveling indicator instead of outside? You would sacrifice a couple of inches but would seem to get more leverage on the inside. Or does that matter?

[@kdeckster]

Chris, on these small loaders it does not really matter. Not sure what "leverage" your speaking of, but since these loaders can only realistically lift 500-800lbs anyway moving the hooks a few inches either way will not make a difference. We have seen installations as you suggested, but Ken (the owner of this machine) wanted them placed outside so they are farther apart.

[@chrislaswell5572]

Thanks. I was just thinking that for pulling or lifting it might be better to have them closer together. But, as you say, the capacity is so light that it probably doesn't matter.

[@skipevans1995]

will this work on a 2018 bx2680 with a la344 quick attach bucket?

[@kdeckster]

ole electrican yes, we cover those on the Kubota page at the website, near the bottom. We recommend the 2-13/16” hooks for them. We have pictures there as well.

[@deanmurray4953]

Need to tack weld nuts ,or red locktite

[@tcmits3699]

Kubota should've just punched out slots like the roll-back trucks have

[@DirtyDickMurdoc]

Just weld hook in bucket, mine has been there 10 years

[@travelinthru9519]

USA is a service country

[@chrisl2941]

just curious, could the flat backing piece be used as a spacer between the clavis and bucket? rather than cutting the bolts.

[@kdeckster]

That could be done Chris, we don't supply that because the thickness that would be needed varies depending on the model of the tractor/loader/bucket. Cutting to fit just seems to be the best way, although inconvenient for many without the proper tools.

[@mikecioka1180]

Do you guys have a dealer in canada ?

[@kdeckster]

No sir, we only sell direct - as a small company we don't have any distributors, domestic or international. More info on the FAQ page at the website.

[@Rickugg]

If you can pick up two of the plates that comes on a Cummins 450 HP engine. The plate is about 9/16 and mount it on top of outside of bucket. You will see why. If you have a steel round bar that will go in holes from one to the other. Now if you are walking around and see a set of forks off of a fork truck. you will figure it out. The plate is to pick up a new cummins engine or you could make one. I don't think this guy does things like this often or he would put the bolts in the other direct direction.

[@OneWildTurkey]

Why not use shorter bolts?

[@kdeckster]

Mike, many times it’s only 2 or 3 threads or less than 1/4” that need to be cut off. The bolts are only readily available in 1/2” increments without paying a premium.

[@rorymclean7545]

Great video,,,,the grab hooks on the side are cool,,but I would like another hook in the middle,,,not a grab hook,more of just an bigger open hook, to hook a strap or too or something easier to hook up something quick

[@rorymclean7545]

I guess my question is, do you have those too? A bigger open hook for the center of the bucket? I really like the bolt on hooks

[@kdeckster]

Rory, no we don't have a large slip hook option. The reason is no one forges the proper hook, made for welding that we could use like the grab hooks. Any company that has one like that is using a regular zinc plated slip hook and cutting the clevis or ring off, then grinding the plating off so they can weld them-this is all something we refuse to do. We make our RingSling straps specifically to use with the grab hooks, and also sell the rings alone so you could add them to your own ropes and slings, please check out the Rigging and Accessories page on the website: www.boltonhooks.com/acc.html

[@rorymclean7545]

thank you. i am going to order a set of hooks, looks very good , i have that exact bucket shown on the video

[@shohokuslamdunk]

may I ask what kind of drill do you use?

[@kdeckster]

+shohokuslamdunk , Sure, we use (and sell) DeWALT Pilot Point bits.

[@itsruf1]

observation: Kenn\y, the end user can mount them wherever the hell they want. Where do yo get off hopping in with instructions?

[@kdeckster]

I wasn't "hopping" anywhere...My knee's don't like that.

[@deotwell43]

Any data on how many people have been killed or mamed by breaking cables/straps/chains because the hooks are on the outside of the bucket?

[@theessexhunter1305]

What I liked was No stupid peak cap with some football team logo, buck skin gloves or chewing of gum....

[@claytonpulley4947]

Sir, you are a proper wanker!

[@theessexhunter1305]

@@claytonpulley4947 Add a few videos of what you do then i can judge you..lol If you are out of work kfc are hiring lol

[@eyemanm6045]

Wrong size bolts. The sales person should have sent right length

[@tangowhiskey1]

safety glasses should be worn when drilling or de-burring just a hint for those who like to see

[@code2medic]

Safety glasses should be also worn when you tell other what they should and should do when not asked could get you a black eye. Pro tip preach to your kids and stop preaching to grown men who can make their own choice. Sound like a nagging wife to be honest

[@1320freek]

I don't mean this to be a negative comment in any way. But I am curious why you didn't just put the bolts in the other way. Then you wouldn't have had to grind them.

[@kdeckster]

+Otis Deal The simple answer Otis is that if you did that, the extra bolt threads can interfere with the chain sliding into the grab hook all the way,

[@1320freek]

Thought that might be the answer. Thanks for the response. I like that set up. Welding is fine but I like the fact that it's bolted. Looks nice and clean.

[@kdeckster]

+Otis Deal Thanks Otis, it's proven to be a strong, safe, and reliable system over the past 3+ years we have been offering these.

[@Shawn-rq4py]

Otis Deal just by looking at the video. If you put the bolts upside down then it looks as if they would then be in the way of hooking a chain. If I were to make this I'd do away w the nuts and tap the hole in the shackle plate. That way nothing would be in the way. Just use some lock tight. Or make the nuts slimmer and bolts shorter. I know all buckets are different but you could add that measurement while ordering. But it's not my design. It's a great concept though. When I put my hooks on my tractor I had to find a welder to weld them on. This is a great way to add hooks w o a welder

[@travelinthru9519]

Here's the other question why you could you install bolts with nylon lock nuts and then grind on it when you're grinding on metal it makes heat and there goes your nylon lock nut.. .... When I installed my my make sure the bolts cut them off then tighten the knot that way I wouldn't have to worry about the nylon melting

[@wazwazy3619]

I too welded hooks, drilling is a bad idea

[@kdeckster]

Show me a failure from drilling holes please? I can sure show some welding failures!

[@wazwazy3619]

@@kdeckster I cringed watching that drilling, if you're lifting logs on a daily basis you'll be doing welding repairs.

[@kdeckster]

@@wazwazy3619 No one forced you to watch LOL

[@wazwazy3619]

@@kdeckster Your install was very good I bought your hooks but chose to weld them on plating also welded. That 3/16 bucket is light duty, I'd like my bucket to last.

[@kdeckster]

@@wazwazy3619 Thanks. But you cannot simply say the "Drilling holes will cause a bucket to fail" That is simply not true and unsubstantiated. It may be your opinion, but that does not make it fact. We have tens of thousand of customers since 2013 that can attest to that, plus how many have drilled holes to mount toothbars? Where are all the bucket failure videos or threads on the forums? There aren't any because it's not true, that's all I'm saying. Your entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts. This is all I will write on this subject...have a great day WW.

[@cristianosilva6052]

Whats up with the tape Its funny how people are cautious not to scratch their loader bucket lol

[@oby-1607]

Driveway queens.

[@paulj2383]

Why you didn't just put the bolts in the other way. Then you wouldn't have had to grind them. Also use the impact wrench on the nut, not the bolt.

[@kdeckster]

This issue was addressed in the comment below, if you place the nuts on top then they will interfere with the chain going into the throat of the hook all the way and could be a safety issue.

[@travelinthru9519]

Won't work for the Swift attach Kubotas

[@kdeckster]

I don't know what "Swift attach" means but if its the same as SSQA (Skid Steer Quick Attach) then correct, these hooks with the spacers will not work (unless it's the new LA344 loaders), but our regular Bolt-On Hooks work perfectly. It's all outlined with details and pictures on the Kubota page at our website: www.boltonhooks.com/kubota.html

[@oldcountryman2795]

There's no point in hooks that have a greater capacity than the hydraulic cylinder.

[@MichaelMcbratney]

I would have run the bolts upward No cutting...

[@kdeckster]

Then the bolts and nuts get in the way of the chain going into the hook properly.

[@stevieg.4816]

Why in God's name would I need all that in my bucket??????

[@code2medic]

Who said you did doing be a douche bag.

[@countryboycharlie9793]

U make it difficult, why

[@kdeckster]

Because we are not smart as you I guess.

[@lost94133]

i just wield my hooks on all my tractor's It's a bucket for shit sake 1 hook and set culvert pipe all the time pipe is 1500 lbs no problems .ppl are in a constant state of trying to reinvent the wheel these day's

[@eyemanm6045]

Did not like the product. Safety Glasses could prevent eye injuries.