Hay or Bale Spear

On a loader, I guess one of the big points would be to unload or stack bales. A spear is much more practical for that on a loader.

While any operator should know what he's doing, some fellas do a few 100 bales a day, and stack 1000 at a crack. I don't know about you, but I get tired after a while. It's kinda easy to misjudge/ forget/ be sloppy. And with a bale fork on a loader, it would only take one time out of that 1000 bales that day.

I find myself arguing both sides of the safety issues - I just can't stand a tractor with all the modern interlocks that prevent any movement at all unless a person is buckled into the seat - pto, gear, starting. Me, I like the interlock that prevents starting the tractor while it is in a gear - the mid 50's Fords had that already and it is a good safety feature. Beyond that, they are quite a hinderence.

But I would give some thought to safety when it comes to stacking round bales. I would be more comfortable with a spear than a fork on a loader, aside from it seeming much more useable.

--->Paul

• Hay King

There are the fork-lift type with 2 prongs that go under the bale, but those are _not_ good for a loader as it is too easy for the bale to tumble down the loader on top of the operator.

I've seen some good ones that allow both 3pt mount & loader mount, mostly I see them on farm auctions as well so not sure of the names etc.

I'm not too sure about that strap on top of the pictured one as well.....

I got a Fred Cain (Cane???) brand one that is 3pt & has a scissors mech on it with a tilting hyd cyl, can lift 2 high with the 3pt.

I see lots of them at farm supply stores, most would be able to find a loader mount.

--->Paul