Forks for FEL

Fallon · May 5, 2017

I lost a big square off my L3200. I'm sure I was several hundred lbs over lift spec capacity (allegedly 1,200lbs bales hanging a ways out + pallet forks on a 1,200lbs rated loader). Lots of ballast & it was still sketchy.

I'd previously tried moving those big squares with a 3pt bale spear, but it kept pulling out. Kept working its way up through the flakes. So I switched to pallet forks for the remainder.

Forks ran off with the old machine. So I got some new forks from Titan (palletforks.com) & got ones that do forks and/or a spear. Not sure if you can mount the small stabilizing spears At the same time you have forks on, but you could do the main spear & forks. Have yet to do any hay with the new setup but the forks work great.

A spear will be more secure but might not always work.

Fallon · May 5, 2017

Found a photo. All said I helped a friend liquidate a few dozen of these bales after they got rid of their goats. The 3pt spear wouldn't stay in and/or tried to break the bales in half. Worked great on my new L4060 with a round bale for about 2 miles (other than not being QH compatible yet & the top was chained to my QH).

I'd still recommend the combo unit from palletforks.com. Gives you the most options & adding a spear to the forks is only $100 or something.

P.S. bucket hooks become semi-useless when you get pallet forks. ;-)

CDN Farm Boy · May 5, 2017

dennisleary said:
I need to move a few hundred straw hay bales around my property and I'm wondering if I should buy a bale spear attachment for the FEL, or buy a set of pallet forks instead, with the idea that they might not do the job as well, but might be more versatile, in the long run. Anyone have an opinion on this? Thanks

Xfaxman said:
My guess is that they are small square bales and that you have Quick Attach on the FEL.

I have used forks (front and rear) for picking up small squares an it is hard to get them under without getting some dirt under the bale.

We need more details, like how many need to be moved at one time and how far?

I assume that you don't have a grapple.

I'm guessing they are either round or large square bales. Never heard of anyone thinking a spear is the way to move small square -- just pick them up and toss them where you want. A few hundred is only a couple wagon loads.

Buy a dual spear either 36" or 42", they are by far the most versatile. It will work well for either round or large square. Having separate spear and forks is money well spent, they aren't all that expensive. A single spear will work for round but as others have mentioned, they don't work well for big square.

Xfaxman · May 5, 2017

My guess of small squares was based on the quantity and that they are used for mulch when planting trees.

Also they aren't likely going into a barn to store for bedding cattle.

dennisleary · May 5, 2017

Sir you are correct I am mulching trees and canes.

dennisleary · May 5, 2017

Thanks all for the info

CDN Farm Boy · May 6, 2017

Xfaxman said:
My guess of small squares was based on the quantity and that they are used for mulch when planting trees.

Also they aren't likely going into a barn to store for bedding cattle.

Apparently you were accurate with your guess but there is no info in the original post suggesting that.

dennisleary said:
Sir you are correct I am mulching trees and canes.

Ok, so that's what you are doing but does that also mean that Xfaxman was right with his guess that they are small square? Maybe you are planting a few thousand trees?