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Implements & AttachmentsBale Spears and Hay Handling
A bale spear is one of the fastest ways to move hay, and one of the more dangerous loader tools if used carelessly. Know how it works and how to carry bales without a rollover.
Key points
- Spear a bale at the center and carry it low.
- Avoid slopes and keep bystanders away from the bale and spear.
- Consider a grapple for heavy daily bale handling.
- Store hay dry, and call the fire department for a hot stack.
How does a bale spear work?
A bale spear is a long steel tine that mounts on a loader or three-point hitch and pierces a round or large square bale. Some models use one spear, others add smaller stabilizer tines on either side to keep the bale from spinning.
You drive the spear into the center of the bale, lift and carry. It is quick, but the weight hangs on a single point well ahead of the front axle, and that is where the risk lies.
What are the main safety risks?
Round bales are heavy and roll. A bale that slips off a spear, or one that rolls toward the operator, can cause serious injury or death. A loader raised with a bale also moves the center of gravity upward and forward, which makes tipping more likely.
Never carry a bale high and never travel on slopes with a raised bale. Keep the bale low, tilted back slightly as the manual advises, and move slowly. Keep bystanders and livestock well back.
A heavy loader and a bale spear sit in the same hazard class as any raised-load tool, so treat every move as if the load could shift.
- Carry the bale just clear of the ground
- Avoid slopes and soft, uneven ground
- Keep the seat belt buckled with ROPS up
- Never stand where a bale could roll
- Do not stack bales higher than the manual permits
How do you spear and stack a bale correctly?
Approach squarely and aim the spear at the center of the bale's end face. Lift slightly and tilt back. When stacking, place the bale so that it sits stable and cannot roll into the lane or barn aisle.
Use a stabilizer attachment or the extra tines on a double-spear if your model has them. Stack according to your barn's design and the manufacturer's guidance. On a hay farm with long rows, plan a layout that keeps bale stacks on level ground.
When you remove bale twine or netting, shut the tractor off if you must dismount and never stand in front of a stack.
When is a grapple or bale handler a better choice?
A bale grapple holds the bale on its sides instead of through the middle, which reduces the risk of spinning or slipping off. For a rancher moving many bales every day, or working on bumpy fields, a grapple may be a safer and faster choice.
Spears punch a hole in the bale, which can let moisture in, so some operators prefer to avoid spearing bales they plan to store outside. Local extension agents can advise on storage and loss.
Netted and wrapped bales behave differently from twine-tied bales, and a bale that has been out in the rain may be heavier than it looks. Ask your supplier for typical bale weights and compare with your loader's lift rating, not with your guess.
How do you store hay safely?
Hay can heat if it is baled too wet, and a stack that heats can ignite. Stack and store bales according to the guidance of your extension office, and watch for signs of heating, such as a strong smell or steam. If you suspect a hot stack, call the fire department instead of tearing into it.
Keep hay away from ignition sources and give it enough room for air flow and for fire crews to reach. The NFPA offers fire-safety guidance for barns and hay storage.
What maintenance does a spear need?
Check the spear for bends, cracks and loose mounting bolts. A bent spear can fail under load. Inspect the quick-attach and locking pins every time you connect it.
Fit a cover or safety tip when the spear is not in use so no one walks into it. Store spears where they cannot fall or poke anyone, and do not leave them on a loader in a place where children play.
Sources and further reading
Organization homepages are linked so you can search them for current guidance on this topic.