Bale Spear

meledward23 · Jul 16, 2012

I am thinking of getting a small tractor to move round bales around. What is the smallest size tractor that can handle a round bale on a 3ph.

Round bales dont weigh to much so most small tractors should be able to handle it.

Can a small 25hp with turf tires handle one. I suppose a suitcase on the front would be necessary.

(for those that really like details: I need a tractor around my small 1.5 acres. I have access to a 55da (still in the family) at the farm. The 55da spends most of its time moving hay bales, dragging the arena, and chomping on some grass. So I am thinking of getting a small tractor to put around the house and when I need the loader and a "real tractor" I can take the small tractor to the farm and leave it there so hay bales can be moved around and I don't have to run the 55DA back and forth as often, cause honestly hauling it is a PITA)

So I am wondering how small can reliably and conveniently handle round bales? I am wondering what is to small will it have lift and clearance issues. I have NEVER used a bale spear. The 55da moves hay bales with forks. The farm is not flatland, it has small rises and ditchs (nothing serious but it undulates)

Thanks,

MIKE R · Jul 16, 2012

A 25 hp tractor can lift a round bale on the 3point. The 3 point capacity would be about 1600lbs. The tractor would have to be a compact as a sub compact wouldn't be able to lift the bale high enough to get it to clear the ground. With a compact any cat 1 bale spear set up should fit just like any other implement.

mud23609 · Jul 16, 2012

A lot of it will come down what size bales you need to move. The smallest rounds can weigh as little as three or four hundred pounds and on up to a ton for the largest ones. The average around here depending on size is going to between 800 and 1200 pounds.

meledward23 · Jul 16, 2012

You know what, anyone have picture(s) (hyperlink to pic) of a compact with a bale on a 3ph spear? That would probably answer my questions faster than words.

Lifting capacity really isn't my concern. Its clearance, again never having used a 3ph spear I really dont know what to expect out one.

MIKE R · Jul 16, 2012

Take a look at this thread.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/203893-3-point-bale-spear.html

XSKIER · Jul 16, 2012

This is my favorite pic for round bale moving!

RPW · Jul 16, 2012

Lifting capacity should also ne a concern as also weight of the tractor. You mentioned that your farm is somewhat hilly so stability is also a factor. My JD is around 6k lbs. and the are times when I think I could use some more weight and a wider stance. Good luck.