What's the difference between the BS5-3XD and BS5-5XD bale mover models?
The BS5-3XD is a single-row configuration that carries three large round bales side by side in one trip. It's ideal for operations that need excellent capacity without the complexity of stacking bales vertically. The BS5-5XD steps up to a three-wide, two-high configuration that transports five bales simultaneously—three on the bottom row and two on top.
The five-bale model includes additional vertical support structure and specialized conus short spears positioned on the upper row to secure the second tier and prevent bales from shifting or rolling during transport. Both models maintain the same 12-foot overall width for legal road travel and easy maneuverability through gates. Your choice depends on your volume needs and whether you're comfortable managing stacked loads. For most high-volume operations moving hundreds of bales per season, the BS5-5XD delivers maximum efficiency and the fastest return on investment through reduced trips and labor time.
Will this bale spear work with my tractor and what mounting options are available?
The Series 5XD Bale Mover ships standard with a universal skid steer quick-attach mounting plate that's compatible with most modern utility tractors equipped with standard quick-attach systems. If your tractor uses a different mounting configuration, Stinger Attachments offers optional compatibility with common Global and ISO agricultural and construction mounts, covering a wide range of European and international tractor brands.
The critical factor is ensuring your tractor has adequate lift capacity to safely handle the combined weight of the attachment plus your loaded bales—when you're carrying five large round bales that can each weigh 800 to 1,500 pounds, you're dealing with several thousand pounds total. Most large utility tractors handle this without issue, but it's important to verify your specific machine's rated capacity. If you're unsure about compatibility with your equipment or need help selecting the right mounting option, contact Forge Claw directly and our team will help you determine the best configuration for your tractor model and ensure proper fit before you order.
How much time can I actually save using a multi-bale spear versus a standard single spear?
The time savings are substantial and compound quickly across large volumes. If you're currently using a single or double bale spear, you're making five separate trips for every five bales moved—that means five approaches, five spearings, five transports, and five unloading cycles. With the BS5-5XD, you complete the entire job in one pass. For a typical operation moving 200 bales during hay season, that's reducing 200 trips down to 40 trips.
Factor in the time spent driving between bale locations, positioning your tractor, engaging each bale, and traveling to storage or feeding areas, and you're easily cutting your total hay-moving time by 60-80%. What used to take two full days might now take half a day. That time savings translates directly to labor cost reductions, less fuel consumption, reduced equipment wear, and more importantly, the ability to respond quickly when weather windows close or feeding schedules change. For custom hay haulers working multiple properties, the efficiency gain means you can serve more clients in the same timeframe and increase your overall revenue potential per day worked.
Is the 12-foot width really legal for road travel and will it fit through my gates?
Yes, the 12-foot overall width keeps you within legal limits for road travel in most states without requiring special permits or oversized load designations. This was a deliberate design choice by Stinger Attachments—they could have built a wider unit to handle even larger bales, but that would create legal and practical problems for operators who need to move equipment between fields or properties via public roads. The 72-inch lower tine spacing is optimized to handle large six-foot diameter bales while keeping the total carrier width manageable.
For gate clearance, most standard farm gates are 12 to 16 feet wide, so you'll clear typical openings without issues. Older or narrower gates might require more careful alignment, but the 12-foot width gives you reasonable maneuverability that wider designs wouldn't provide. Barn door clearances vary more widely, so measure your specific buildings if you plan to move bales indoors. The smart engineering here balances maximum bale capacity with real-world operational constraints, giving you serious hauling capability without creating transportation headaches or limiting where you can take your loaded equipment across your property or down country roads.
How does the double spear vertical configuration improve performance over single spears?
The double spear vertical configuration on the lower tines provides two critical advantages: better penetration force distribution and superior load stability during transport. When you're spearing large, dense round bales that can weigh over 1,500 pounds, a single spear has to do all the penetration work and bear all the weight at one point. The double spear setup distributes that force across two entry points, which reduces the pressure required for clean penetration and minimizes the chance of the spear deflecting or the bale spinning during pickup.
Once loaded, the dual spears create much better stability because the bale is secured at two vertical points rather than one, preventing rotation or wobbling as you travel across uneven ground. This matters especially when you're hauling multiple boles simultaneously—any instability in one bale affects the entire load. The vertical positioning also allows the spears to engage more bale material depth, creating a more secure grip that won't slip or lose hold during transport. You'll notice the difference immediately in how confidently the attachment holds heavy bales and how smoothly you can navigate rough terrain without constant worry about loads shifting or dropping.
What maintenance does this bale spear require and how long will it last?
Maintenance requirements are minimal thanks to the straightforward mechanical design with no hydraulics, motors, or complex moving parts to service. Your primary maintenance tasks involve regular visual inspections of all welds and structural components for cracks or stress signs, particularly after heavy use periods during peak hay season. Check spear tips periodically for excessive wear, bending, or damage—dull or bent spears make penetration harder and can tear bales rather than piercing cleanly.
Keep all mounting hardware tight and inspect quick-attach mechanisms if your tractor uses them, as loose connections create stress points that can lead to failure. Touch up any paint damage promptly to prevent rust from taking hold on exposed steel, and store the attachment under cover when possible to minimize weather exposure. With proper care and normal use, you should expect many years of reliable service from this attachment. The heavy-duty steel construction and reinforced stress points are engineered specifically to handle the extreme forces generated when moving multiple heavy bales repeatedly, season after season. Many operators run Stinger equipment for a decade or more with nothing more than basic inspection and occasional touch-up maintenance.
Can I use this bale spear for square bales or is it only for round bales?
The Series 5XD is specifically engineered for large round bales up to six feet in diameter, not square bales. The double spear vertical configuration, 72-inch tine spacing, and overall design are optimized for the size, weight distribution, and handling characteristics of round bales. Square bales require completely different handling equipment—typically squeeze-style bale handlers, specialized forks, or accumulator grapples designed for their rectangular shape and stacking patterns.
Attempting to use round bale spears on square bales would be inefficient at best and potentially dangerous, as square bales won't engage securely on round spears and could shift or fall during transport. If your operation handles both round and square bales, you'll need dedicated attachments for each type. The good news is that Stinger Attachments and Forge Claw offer a complete range of hay and material handling equipment designed for different bale types and operational needs. Focus this investment on your round bale handling where it will deliver maximum efficiency and safety, and consider separate purpose-built equipment for any square bale work you manage on your operation.
How quickly can I expect this attachment to pay for itself through labor and time savings?
For most commercial hay operations or large ranches moving significant bale volumes, the payback period is typically one to two seasons of use. Here's simple math: if you're moving 500 large round bales per season and switching from single-bale handling to five-bale capacity reduces your trips from 500 to 100, you've saved 400 trips. If each trip averages 15 minutes of total time including approach, loading, transport, and unloading, that's 100 hours saved per season.
At $25 per hour for labor costs, you've saved $2,500 in labor alone. Add fuel savings from reduced tractor hours, decreased equipment wear, and the value of completing hay work faster during critical weather windows, and the numbers add up quickly. The BS5-5XD priced at $3,600 could literally pay for itself in a single busy hay season for high-volume operations. Even smaller operations moving 200-300 bales annually will see clear return on investment within two seasons. Beyond the financial payback, there's substantial value in reduced physical strain, lower stress during time-sensitive hay operations, and the operational flexibility that comes from efficient equipment that doesn't bottleneck your workflow during peak season demands.
What happens if a bale shifts or falls during transport—is this attachment safe for road use?
Safety is built into the design through multiple features that prevent bale shifting and maintain load stability during transport. The double spear vertical configuration on lower tines provides secure engagement at two points per bale rather than one, significantly reducing the chance of rotation or slippage. On the BS5-5XD model, the conus short spears on the upper row are specifically positioned to lock the second-tier bales in place and prevent rolling or shifting even over rough terrain.
The additional vertical support structure reinforces the frame and prevents flex that could allow loaded bales to move. That said, operator responsibility is critical—you should always approach bales squarely for clean spear penetration, lift loads evenly without jerking, and adjust travel speed for terrain conditions. When hauling maximum loads over particularly rough ground, slower speeds reduce bouncing and stress on both the equipment and the bale engagement points. Inspect your loaded bales before traveling on roads and make sure all spears have fully penetrated and bales are seated properly. The attachment provides the structural capability for safe transport, but safe operation requires matching your speed and driving style to load conditions, just as you would with any heavy equipment moving substantial weight across varied terrain.
Why should I buy from Forge Claw instead of ordering directly or from another distributor?
Forge Claw has built a reputation as a top-rated nationwide distributor specifically because we focus on customer service, product knowledge, and making the buying process straightforward. When you work with us, you're getting access to staff who genuinely understand heavy equipment and can answer technical questions about compatibility, operation, and getting the most value from your investment. We provide accurate availability information and work with you on timing if you need equipment by specific dates for hay season or operational deadlines.
Our free nationwide shipping policy means the price you see is what you pay—no surprise freight charges or hidden fees that some sellers add at checkout. We also offer flexible, easy financing options that make it possible for more operators to access quality equipment without major upfront capital outlays. Beyond the purchase, we stand behind what we sell with responsive support if you have questions or issues after delivery. You're not just buying a piece of steel—you're gaining a relationship with a distributor that values your business and success. That difference matters when you're making significant equipment investments and need a partner you can trust for honest advice and reliable service, season after season. Plus, remember that Forge Claw offers free nationwide shipping and easy financing on all attachments.