Why one vs. three tines for a bale spear?

[bxowner]

As the thread name suggests, I am wondering why I'd opt for a single tine over a three tine bale spear attachment. Three seems more stable - I can't imagine the savings are that much.

Anyone have an opinion or experience?

Thanks

 

[jlsmith]

I prefer the bale fork which has 2 long spears at the bottom. I can use it to move hay or logs or brush.

 

[Zebrafive]

The bale spears I've seen have one big centered spear and two small stabilizing spears, lower and to each side, are for round bales. The three spear bale spears with three spears same size and in a row at the bottom are for large square bales.

 

[Grateful11]

With 3 spikes when stacking you spear them off center to get into a tight spot. With one it will just rotate/swings until gravity finds center. When they stack here they use all 3 spikes. Luckily we bought a QA Spear that you can remove the 2 short stabilizer spikes. My wife feeds her cattle by spinning hay off into troughs, it would be impossible to do that the stabilizers in place.

 

[RickB]

The bale spears I've seen have one big centered spear and two small stabilizing spears, lower and to each side, are for round bales. The three spear bale spears with three spears same size and in a row at the bottom are for large square bales.

Absolutely. The only advantage of a single spear is initial cost. After you write the check, it's all downhill.

 

[Localmotion]

I just use a muck fork (6 tines) and remove half of them for bale work. The muck fork cost about the same as a purpose built 3 tine bales spike, and has the advantage I can also move muck, grass and even unload light pallets with it.

Definately would recommend more that one tine for bale work - you'll notice the difference over single tine spikes, even on round bales. :thumbsup: