Simple attachment, one important consideration: do you know what your bales actually weigh?
Bale weight varies enormously with size, crop, density, and especially moisture. A dry 4x4 grass round and a wet 5x6 alfalfa round can differ by a factor of two or three. Buying a machine around "round bales" without the number is how people end up with equipment that can't do the job.
Weigh one, or get the number from whoever bales them. Then spec against your heaviest routine bale.
Load Center Reduces Your Capacity
A round bale on a spear sits well forward of the machine, and a large round bale's center of mass is farther out than a dense load like a pallet.
That geometry means effective capacity is meaningfully below the machine's rated figure. A machine rated for a given weight may not safely handle a bale of that same weight on a spear. Build in margin — rated operating capacity already includes a stability factor, and load center spends part of it.
What You'll Use It For
- Moving round bales from field to storage
- Feeding — moving bales to feeders and pastures
- Loading and unloading bale trailers
- Stacking bales in storage
- Moving large square bales
- Inventory rotation in hay storage
- Loading customer trucks at a hay operation
How to Spec It
Single vs. dual spear. A single center tine is simpler. Dual tines grip better on soft or loosely wrapped bales and resist the bale spinning on the tine. For consistent handling, dual is worth it.
Tine length. Longer tines penetrate deeper and hold better, but add forward load center. Match to your bale diameter — a tine that doesn't reach past center lets the bale pivot.
Stabilizer tines. Short upper tines that keep the bale from rotating on the main spear. Genuinely useful on round bales.
Tine rating. Tines have their own load rating. It's usually well above what the machine lifts, but confirm.
Frame construction. The spear frame takes bending load. Check gusseting where tines attach.
Wrapped Bales Need Different Handling
Don't spear wrapped baleage. Puncturing the wrap admits air, which spoils the feed — an expensive mistake repeated across a stack.
For wrapped bales use pallet forks, a bale hugger, or a purpose-built wrapped-bale handler that grips rather than penetrates.
Which Models Run It
Non-hydraulic — capacity and stability are the constraints.
YJ1000. The practical choice for most round bale handling.
YJ1200. Wide track adds the lateral stability that matters with a heavy forward load. The better choice if bale handling is routine.
YJ2000. Large round bales and higher volume.
Tell us what you bale and we'll check it honestly against rated capacity.
Trades That Use It Most
Farm & Agriculture · Horse Farms & Equestrian · Livestock & Poultry · Homeowners & Acreage
Bale Spear FAQ
How much does a round bale weigh?
Highly variable — size, crop, density, and moisture all move it substantially. Weigh one rather than estimating; wet bales are dramatically heavier than dry.
Can it handle a 5x6 round bale?
Depends on that bale's actual weight and the model. Some configurations yes, the heaviest wet bales exceed the class. Get the weight and we'll tell you straight.
Single or dual spear?
Dual for better grip and less bale rotation, especially on soft bales. Single is adequate for firm dry bales.
How long should the tines be?
Long enough to reach past the bale's center so it can't pivot. Match to your bale diameter.
Can I stack bales?
Limited by lift height and stability — both the machine's and the stack's. Be conservative. A stack that shifts with a machine underneath is a serious situation.
What about wrapped baleage?
Don't spear it. Use forks or a wrapped-bale handler.
Why do I have to carry it low?
A heavy load forward and high is the tipping scenario, and round bales are heavy enough that a tip-over is serious. Travel low, turn slow, and load uphill on slopes.
Will one from another brand fit?
If it's a universal mini skid mount, yes.
Get a Quote
Tell us your bale sizes and weights and we'll spec the spear and confirm the machine match.
Request pricing · Call (330) 825-2307