Moving round bales without a spear??

[Soundguy]

I'm not sure what size ford it would size up to, but I would maybe guess a 3000. I think the hyd. cyls are less then 2".

if it sizes to a 3000 then it should be able to move rounds on a FEL

I move rounds on a FEL on prior model hundred series ford tractors. no heaveir or any better axle than a 3000 etc..

 

[Leejohn]

Now that was a guess. The guy down the road has one and he has a hard time with the large rolls with the 3pt. I'm almost sure he can't lift a 1000lb roll with the loader.

 

[KYErik]

Here are a few ideas if you just need to move the bales 1/2 mile or so and at low speeds.

If you have an older 1/2 ton or larger pickup truck and the bales are less than 1000 lbs, remove the tailgate and back up against the rounded side of the bale. Use a heavy duty ratcheting strap (one of those $30 10,000 lb capacity 20' long straps) to attach to the rear stake pockets and run the strap diagonally under the bale and tighten the strap until you get the bale just off the ground (it will take a bit of tightening as the suspension compresses. Each stake pocket on the truck bed should handle 500 lbs. Essentially, you are making a big "sling".

You may be able to so something similar with the tractor- lower the lift arms, remove the top link and attach the strap ends there. Back up to the flat side of the bale so that the end of the lift arms dig into the bale. Tighten the straps and then raise the arms slowly until you barely get it off the ground.