Bale Spear v Bale Carrier

[jinman]

I have both a 3ph spear and forks. I think I actually like the forks better on the 3ph, but I have an adapter for my FEL that lets me put 3ph implements onto the quick-attach. This last weekend, we had 10 big round bales delivered on a flatbed trailer. I groaned when the truck came into sight and I realized the hay was stacked in two rows of four and two bales on top. That put the center of the top bales almost 9' from the ground.

I was sure I couldn't unload those top bales with my NH TC45, but with the spear on the FEL, I was able to lift those bales and carefully lower them to within a foot of the ground for transfer to the hay stack. I even was able to reach across the trailer to the second row of bales and lift them with ease.

If you can get a set of forks for your 3PH and a spear for your FEL, I think you will have the very best setup for any situation of handling round bales with your tractor.

 

[Charolais]

Been working with round bales since 86. Tried a bunch of different kinds of spears. With tight rolls fresh baled I had lots of problem spearing the hay in the field. The last spears I bought were forged tapered spears. They are worth every penny too. It's now very rare to not spear the bale the first time. I wouldn't use anything else now. Saves me from a lot of cussing. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Slippy]

Just did a count, I have about 800 round bales to move. Will have to move them to different staging areas then onto trailer. I did pick up the HD 3pt bale spear at TSC and the bucket spear as well. I don't have a QA on front end and my guess is that it's about 800 bucks to change everything over and get spear. The bucket spear was $168.00. Problem is I'm not real keen on the way it goes on. I have to take my tooth bar off, then put the spear on, and drill a hole through my bucket to secure it to bucket. Seems like a lot of pressure at that point. Some of the bales are kinda broken down and I can see where the carrier would be a big advantage for moving those. By the way, what does a 1000 lb bale sell for?

 

[Charolais]

I've seen buckets collapse with the bucket spears. Those were the types that use chains on the top of the bucket. If you have to move over any rough ground just slow down so the loader doesn't start that bouncing motion.

Hay is dirt cheap in my area. Can't hardly give it away now. So I have no idea what hay would be selling for in your area.

 

[Soundguy]

35$-50$ for barn stored coastal here in florida.

Soundguy