bale spear attachment to forklift frame

[panampefa]

Any one have any experience using a bale spear attachment product that interchanges w. the forks on a pallet fork frame.
My main question is the stability factor. I can't go look at these anywhere.
The one I'm looking at in particular is one built for Bobcat pallet fork frames.
Here is the web link..

Bale Forks for Pallet Fork Frame, 6815781

Bale Forks for Pallet Fork Fame, 6815781 is a set of 2 bale forks with mounts to attach directly to your pallet fork attachment, turning the pallet fork into a bale handler. Easily switch out pallet fork teeth for bale forks Includes brackets, teeth, and hardware to mount to the standard or...

shop.bobcat.com

 

[Vigo327]

That seems like an absurd amount of money for what it is. Lots of fork frames for tractors/skidsteers already have bale spear sleeves welded on to them, but those are at fixed width, not adjustable like the forks themselves. I figure that's ok because guess what's also at a fixed width.. the bales!!

If you are ok with fixed width i would seriously consider just welding the bale sleeves to your existing fork carriage. As long as you have more depth available than the sleeve is long, and access on the backside to remove the nut when you take the bale spears out, it is a much cheaper and simpler solution than having what is essentially a 2" bale sleeve with 16" worth of fork mounting base on it. My .02

 

[Hoss710]

while not liked by everyone. titan makes a inexpensive setup that also has a area for trailer receiver. so you can move your trailers around with it.

 

[TxSteveS]

while not liked by everyone. titan makes a inexpensive setup that also has a area for trailer receiver. so you can move your trailers around with it.

I have the Titan forks with the spear receiver welded on. While not the most convenient option to install and remove the forks to use the spear, it's a well built setup.

I purchased the spear from vevor.com later. I think its the same one Titan sells. (Note - the one I bought from vevor came with the sleeve you could weld to the fork frame if you already have one)

 

[Jchonline]

Any one have any experience using a bale spear attachment product that interchanges w. the forks on a pallet fork frame.
My main question is the stability factor. I can't go look at these anywhere.
The one I'm looking at in particular is one build for Bobcat pallet fork frames.
Here is the web link..

Bale Forks for Pallet Fork Frame, 6815781

Bale Forks for Pallet Fork Fame, 6815781 is a set of 2 bale forks with mounts to attach directly to your pallet fork attachment, turning the pallet fork into a bale handler. Easily switch out pallet fork teeth for bale forks Includes brackets, teeth, and hardware to mount to the standard or...

shop.bobcat.com

How many bales a year are you moving? What size/weight?

 

[Jchonline]

I ask because unless you are moving multiple bales a day or have really uneven ground pallet forks (4 ft length) are just fine. I moved 50 or so bales in no time with pallet forks a couple of years ago. You get good at it....and one less attachment to deal with.

 

[Wagtail]

I do and my 'set-up' is very stable as the spears are mounted low... which means I can carry them low and it's very easy to 'flip' the rounds onto the end.

The ones that you're looking at would be too high for my taste/experience.

 

[panampefa]

How many bales a year are you moving? What size/weight?

300-400 bales at 800 lbs ea.

 

[BlueKnife]

If you are ok with fixed width i would seriously consider just welding the bale sleeves to your existing fork carriage. As long as you have more depth available than the sleeve is long, and access on the backside to remove the nut when you take the bale spears out, it is a much cheaper and simpler solution than having what is essentially a 2" bale sleeve with 16" worth of fork mounting base on it. My .02

I'd agree. OP, I can weld them for you if you don't have the capability. I'm not too far away. This company, Hay Bale Spear 39" CrossBolt 1 5/8" Dia Heat Treated Fluted makes good stuff.

 

[sea2summit]

Think I was into this one about $175. Worked great, haven't used it in a while because I started baling my own and only do squares for now.

 

[BlueKnife]

The other option would be a dedicated hay spear, which would be the quickest, easiest option to switch back and forth. Plus, it's still cheaper than those Bobcat spears. Skidsteer 2 Spear Hay Bale, Heavy Duty Spear

 

[Jchonline]

300-400 bales at 800 lbs ea.

Thats barely 1 a day. Just use pallet forks In my opinion…unless you have really uneven ground to work with.

If you already have pallet forks…give it a try for a year. Then you will know if you need a spear or not.

 

[TxSteveS]

Thats barely 1 a day. Just use pallet forks In my opinion…unless you have really uneven ground to work with.

If you already have pallet forks…give it a try for a year. Then you will know if you need a spear or not.

Pallet forks are tough to use unloading and loading a trailer. If you are just picking them up from the ground, then they will work ok.

I bought my spear after having to unload a 20 bales from a trailer. The spear is way easier.

 

[panampefa]

Pallet forks are tough to use unloading and loading a trailer. If you are just picking them up from the ground, then they will work ok.

I bought my spear after having to unload a 20 bales from a trailer. The spear is way easier.

yes I agree ... kind of a pain to load round bales on a tractor trailer with forks. I load my hay harvest (~ 300-400 round bales) all at once once the hauling trailer is in the field ... the hauling trailer carries 14 round bales at a time so stacking/strapping for road hauling is important. Additionally, w/ a double spear spaced correctly, I can lift (and transport across the field for loading) 2 bales at a time. That was the purpose my main question regarding stability of spears on a pallet fork frame (i.e not the welded on application). I'll likely go the traditional separate attachment route as I don't think welding on the spear receptacle would apply very easily to the bottom frame rail my brand pallet fork (Virnig - see image)..
...and TY BlueKnife for you kind offer of your welding services!

 

[Jchonline]

Pallet forks are tough to use unloading and loading a trailer. If you are just picking them up from the ground, then they will work ok.

I bought my spear after having to unload a 20 bales from a trailer. The spear is way easier.

I agree there, but we don't really load on trailers. We bale it and move it from field to storage (on same property). I guess it depends on what OP needs to do.

 

[BlueKnife]

I'll likely go the traditional separate attachment route as I don't think welding on the spear receptacle would apply very easily to the bottom frame rail my brand pallet fork (Virnig - see image)..
...and TY BlueKnife for you kind offer of your welding services!

Good call. Much quicker and simpler switching implements.