Forks Bale Fork Using Lower Links of 3PT Only.

npalen · Oct 30, 2015

Saw this on Craig'sList and caught my eye as it appears to use only the lower links. Wondering if this would put undue stress on the lower links rather than distributing the load to the top link also.

RedNeckRacin · Oct 30, 2015

We used a 4 spear model on an older ford to pick up 2 bales at a time. Never had any issues with it.

npalen · Oct 30, 2015

It looks like the arc in which the lower arms swing would help get the bale(s) up higher for ground clearance.

930ck · Oct 30, 2015

Those tines are designed to slide under the bale and it allows them to float on uneven ground, have used one similar to this one in the past, just make sure to use the safety chains or when you pull away from the bale the tines will flip up.

npalen · Oct 30, 2015

So you leave a little slack in the safety chains which allows the float but prevents the "flip up"? That's interesting! Looks like you could also release the safety chains to fold the unit up against the back of the tractor when not used.
Looks like this concept could be used on other implements such as a rotary mower needing a little float. Have you (or anyone else) seen it used in other applications?

930ck · Oct 30, 2015

Bale forks are the only thing I have seen done this way and this setup did pick the bale up higher, I am sure on a small tractor it might stress the arms but we didn't have an issue.

RedNeckRacin · Oct 30, 2015

Yup, the safety chains are a good idea. We had actual spears and speared the bales low. This kept them from bouncing off when you got moving across the field. I wouldn't use it on a scut but anything with a cat 2 I wouldn't think twice.

pat32rf · Oct 30, 2015

In our case the two tines were made into a bucket/platform that rode on the back of our 30HP Massey. We could back into loose fill, then raise it and drive away to dump elsewhere. It rode sorta flat when loading, tilted when lifted