middleaged
New member
There is no "cheap" way of moving hay. But the 3pt spear is the cheapest. If you can lift 1190 lbs at the rear of the lift arms, just buy a 3 pt bale spear and buy smaller round bales (around 800 lbs). The reason I recommend the 800 lb bales is they are pretty common and when the bales get wet, they will weigh more but still should be less than your capacity.
I know guys that thought they would try and do it on the cheap and/or easy with these tumble bugs and homemade versions, even truck beds that have hydraulic spears in the bed. They are all either for sale or have been sent to scrap. In the end, if you feed cattle, you will end up using a 3pt spear and/or a spear on the FEL and you will use bale feeders or you will waste your hay. If you are not feeding enough to justify the expense, then use square bales. They are usually better quality and there is less waste. Each cow only needs 27 lbs of dry matter per day. One bale per day is easily enough for 2 head.
I know guys that thought they would try and do it on the cheap and/or easy with these tumble bugs and homemade versions, even truck beds that have hydraulic spears in the bed. They are all either for sale or have been sent to scrap. In the end, if you feed cattle, you will end up using a 3pt spear and/or a spear on the FEL and you will use bale feeders or you will waste your hay. If you are not feeding enough to justify the expense, then use square bales. They are usually better quality and there is less waste. Each cow only needs 27 lbs of dry matter per day. One bale per day is easily enough for 2 head.
