Kubota size able to handle round bales

[crazyal]

For what you're talking about you would want a Grand L. I know some of the GL40s had the option of a MMM, I think up to the 3940. I think the larger loader would be able to handle a round bail as long as you were careful. I don't know much about the newer 60 series GL tractors but maybe the 4060 might be able to have a MMM?

 

[Xfaxman]

If your going to stay with a smaller, machine, I saw where Everything Attachments has a high lift bale spear. That might make things more feasible with a smaller machine. I have a standard bale spear that fits my L3400 and don't have any trouble moving our round bales around if needed, granted that's pretty rare since the spear on the quick attach for the JD makes things more user friendly. These bales are on the smaller side (4'x4') but i figured it was worth mentioning anyways.

Tractor 3 Point Hitch Scissor High Lift, Hay Lift #3F, uses #3F Bale Spear

The scissor lift will also work with forks or any 3 point attachment. the disadvantage is you lose lift capacity because the load is farther back.

Back in the day when I had a tractor, I considered a high lift adapter for round bales, but I got a 3 point forklift instead.

 

[AaronS]

I think lift capacity and weight of the tractor may play more of a role than just a general rule of "it has to be 50+ hp". Our 46 hp LS handles 5 ft bales with no problem, including loading and unloading 2 high on a trailer, if properly ballasted.

 

[MH8675309]

Somebody else was moving large square straw bales with a tractor of similar size - had it ratchet strapped onto the front loader bucket and it picked the rear wheels up off the ground. Then he jumped off and took a picture of it so everyone would believe it really happened. These smaller tractors seem to have the hydraulics for it but they lack the weight. Not knocking these machines because they have their uses but round bales aint one of em. Just my 2 cents

 

[wmonroe]

I think lift capacity and weight of the tractor may play more of a role than just a general rule of "it has to be 50+ hp". Our 46 hp LS handles 5 ft bales with no problem, including loading and unloading 2 high on a trailer, if properly ballasted. http://smg.photobucket.com/user/aarons47575/media/20140526_100412_zps9f9a86c3.jpg.html

Proper ballast is the key. I don't think I would have any issue loading two high if my rear tires were filled.

 

[jayman30]

My Dad's compact MF 1749 HST can handle 2 round bales front and rear or just one on the front. He runs water ballast in the big 16.9 R1 rear tires. The only downside is the 9.5 front tires looked really loaded with a big bale in the front and nothing on the 3ph. Didn't cause any problems, but after he noticed it he started putting something heavy like another bale, or his 6' Bush Hog or box blade on the 3ph to balance the load. View attachment 408650