What size bales can the Stinger Series 2 Bale Spear handle?
The Series 2 Bale Spear is designed for medium to large round bales and square bales, with a rated capacity of 3,500 pounds at 30 inches. This capacity handles standard round bales easily and gives you headroom for oversized or wet bales without maxing out your machine. The key is choosing the right tine length for your operation. The 39-inch tines (33 inches usable) work well for standard-sized bales, while the 43-inch option (37 inches usable) offers more versatility. The 49-inch tines (43.5 inches usable) are ideal for larger operations or dense, tightly wrapped bales that require maximum penetration. The dual-tine design with 39-inch spacing on center provides excellent stability regardless of which size you choose. If you're handling a variety of bale sizes throughout the season, the 43-inch or 49-inch models give you the most flexibility without sacrificing performance on smaller loads.
How does the 70-degree back angle improve bale handling?
The 70-degree back angle is one of the smartest design features on the Series 2 Bale Spear, and it makes a real difference in daily operation. This angle helps keep bales securely positioned on the tines during transport, especially when you're moving across uneven ground, over ruts, or through muddy conditions. Instead of the bale wanting to roll forward or shift during transport, the back angle naturally cradles the load and keeps it stable. This design also makes stacking easier because you can position bales more precisely in tight quarters or when building vertical stacks. When it's time to unload, the angle works in reverse—you simply tilt forward gently and the bale slides off cleanly without getting stuck or requiring excessive force. This saves time and reduces wear on both the attachment and your machine's hydraulics. Over the course of moving dozens or hundreds of bales, that angle translates into faster cycle times, less operator fatigue, and fewer dropped loads.
Are the tines really replaceable, and how hard is it to change them?
Yes, the tines on the Series 2 are completely replaceable, and Stinger Attachments designed the system to be straightforward for operators to handle. Each tine is secured with a double nut fastening system, which provides excellent holding power while still allowing removal when it's time for replacement. You'll need basic hand tools—typically a wrench set and socket set—to remove the old tines and install new ones. The process involves removing the double nuts, sliding out the worn tines, positioning the new tines, and torquing the nuts back to specification. Most operators can complete a tine replacement in under an hour, even without specialized mechanical experience. This replaceable design is a significant cost saver compared to attachments where worn tines mean replacing the entire unit. When you consider that tines naturally wear over time from penetrating hundreds of bales, having the ability to swap them for a fraction of the cost of a new spear makes this attachment much more economical over its lifetime.
Will this bale spear fit my skid steer?
The Series 2 Bale Spear is designed with a skid steer universal quick attach mounting system, which is the industry standard for the vast majority of skid steer loaders manufactured in recent decades. This means it should mount directly to your machine without requiring custom brackets, welding, or modifications. Before ordering, you should verify that your skid steer uses a universal quick attach system—most brands including Bobcat, Cat, John Deere, Kubota, Case, and others use this standardized mounting. The attachment clicks into the quick attach coupler just like any other skid steer attachment, and you'll be ready to start moving bales within minutes of delivery. If you're running an older machine or a less common brand, it's worth double-checking your mounting system specifications. The team at Forge Claw can help you confirm compatibility if you're unsure. Once mounted, the 245-pound weight of the 49-inch model is substantial enough to stay planted during operation but won't overwhelm your machine's hydraulic capacity or significantly impact fuel efficiency.
What maintenance does the Series 2 Bale Spear require?
One of the advantages of the Series 2 is that it requires minimal maintenance, though some basic care will extend its service life significantly. The most important regular check is inspecting the double nut fasteners on the tines to ensure they remain tight, especially during the first few weeks of use as everything settles in. A quick visual inspection before each use helps catch any loose hardware before it becomes a problem. You should also inspect the welds and tubing periodically for any cracks or damage, particularly if you're using the spear daily or handling very heavy loads. After working in muddy conditions or around manure, clean off debris to prevent corrosion on the steel surfaces. The Grade 50 steel construction is durable, but keeping it clean helps prevent rust. If you notice paint chips or scratches, touch them up with appropriate paint to seal the metal. Store the attachment out of direct weather when possible, though the heavy-duty construction tolerates outdoor storage better than lighter-duty alternatives. With these simple maintenance steps, the Series 2 will deliver years of reliable service.
How does the Series 2 compare to lighter-duty bale spears?
The difference between the Series 2 and lighter-duty bale spears becomes obvious after your first season of use. Many economy bale spears use thinner tubing, lower-grade steel, and weaker mounting plates that flex under load or crack after repeated stress. The Series 2 uses 4x4x1/4-inch bottom tubing and 3/8-inch Grade 50 steel side plates specifically to resist this kind of failure. The heavier construction means the attachment stays rigid even when you're carrying multiple bales or working with wet, heavy loads that exceed normal weight. Lighter spears also often lack replaceable tines, meaning when they wear out, you're buying a complete new attachment. With the Series 2's replaceable tine system, you're just swapping the wear components and keeping the main frame working. The 70-degree back angle is another feature often missing on budget models, and it makes a measurable difference in how securely bales stay positioned during transport. While lighter spears might cost less upfront, the Series 2's superior durability, lower long-term maintenance costs, and better performance make it the smarter investment for anyone moving bales regularly.
Can I use this spear for square bales as well as round bales?
Absolutely. The Series 2 Bale Spear handles both round bales and square bales effectively, making it a versatile choice for operations that work with different bale types. For square bales, the dual-tine design with 39-inch spacing on center allows you to spear multiple bales at once, significantly improving efficiency when moving or stacking. The tines penetrate square bales cleanly, and the 70-degree back angle helps keep them secure during transport. The key is positioning your approach so the tines enter the bales at a good angle without catching on twine or netting. For round bales, the spacing and tine length provide excellent penetration and stability, especially with the longer 43-inch or 49-inch tine options. The 3,500-pound capacity gives you plenty of headroom for handling large round bales or multiple square bales simultaneously. Many operators appreciate this flexibility because it eliminates the need to own separate attachments for different bale types. Whether you're feeding livestock, organizing storage, or clearing fields after baling, the Series 2 adapts to whatever your operation requires.
Is the Series 2 Bale Spear worth the investment compared to renting?
For anyone who moves bales more than a few times per year, owning the Series 2 Bale Spear makes strong financial sense compared to renting. Rental costs for bale handling attachments typically run anywhere from $75 to $150 per day or $300 to $600 per week, depending on your location and the rental company. If you're moving bales during feeding season, at harvest time, or regularly throughout the year, those rental costs add up fast. The Series 2 is priced between $1,025 and $1,095 depending on tine length, which means you've paid for the attachment after just 7-15 rental days. Beyond the math, ownership means the attachment is always available when you need it—no scheduling around rental availability, no last-minute price increases, and no wasted time picking up and returning equipment. You can also customize maintenance and care to your standards rather than dealing with worn rental equipment. Forge Claw offers flexible financing options that make ownership even more accessible, and with free nationwide shipping, there's no logistics hassle. For working operations, the Series 2 represents a solid investment that improves efficiency and pays for itself quickly.