What types of bales can the Series 4 Bale Spear handle?
The Series 4 is designed to handle both large round bales and large square bales with exceptional efficiency. For round bales, the four-tine design and 61-inch outer tine spacing provide the stability needed to move multiple bales per trip safely. When you add the optional bolt-on supports, you can transport two large square bales side by side, which is a major time-saver during hay season or when loading trailers.
The 14,000-pound capacity means you're not limited by weight, even when handling the densest, heaviest bales. You can select from three tine length options—39, 43, or 49 inches—to match the specific bale sizes you work with most frequently. The usable length ranges from 33 to 43 inches depending on your selection, giving you the flexibility to adapt to different bale dimensions. Whether you're feeding livestock daily, storing hay for winter, or running a commercial hay operation, this attachment gives you the versatility to handle whatever bale type your operation requires. The construction quality ensures consistent performance across bale types without compromising safety or stability.
Will this bale spear fit my tractor loader?
The Series 4 is built with compatibility in mind and offers multiple mounting options to fit a wide range of tractor loaders. It's available with a universal skid steer mount plate as well as several common Global or ISO agricultural and construction mounts. This built-in adaptability means the attachment can work across different machines in your fleet without requiring custom fabrication or expensive modifications.
Before ordering, you'll want to confirm which mount type matches your specific tractor's loader system. Having your tractor's make, model, and loader specifications ready will help ensure you get the correct configuration from the start. If you operate multiple tractors or plan to upgrade equipment in the future, the Series 4's mount flexibility means one attachment can serve your entire operation. This saves money compared to buying attachment-specific equipment for each machine. The team at Forge Claw can help you identify the right mount configuration based on your equipment, making the ordering process straightforward and ensuring you receive an attachment that's ready to use immediately upon delivery.
How much time can I save using the Series 4 compared to moving bales one at a time?
The time savings with the Series 4 are substantial, especially during peak hay season when you're moving dozens or hundreds of bales. Instead of making individual trips for each bale, you can transport multiple round bales or two large square bales per trip when using the optional bolt-on supports. For most operations, this cuts transport time by 50% or more compared to single-bale methods.
Consider a scenario where you're moving 100 bales from the field to storage—with a single-bale approach, that's 100 trips back and forth. With the Series 4, you might reduce that to 30 or 40 trips, freeing up hours for other critical tasks. The 70-degree back angle and wide tine spacing also reduce the time spent on each individual load by making it easier to line up accurately on the first approach. You spend less time repositioning and making multiple attempts, which keeps the workflow moving at a steady, productive pace. Over the course of a season, these efficiency gains translate to significant labor cost savings and reduced equipment hours, allowing you to accomplish more with the same resources.
How durable is the Series 4, and what maintenance does it require?
The Series 4 is built for long-term durability under the demanding conditions of agricultural work. It features a heavy-duty 4x4x1/4-inch bottom tube for added strength where it counts most, along with 3/8-inch Grade 50 steel side plates that offer excellent resistance to bending and fatigue over time. This isn't lightweight equipment that'll need constant repairs—it's engineered to withstand the repetitive, high-stress use that defines hay handling and livestock operations.
Maintenance requirements are minimal but important for extending the attachment's life. Periodically inspect the tines for wear, bending, or cracking, especially at the tips and mounting points. Check the bolts that secure the tines and tighten them as needed, since vibration during transport can cause loosening over time. Keep the mounting plate clean and free of debris to ensure a secure connection to your loader. If you work in wet or muddy conditions, hosing down the attachment after use prevents buildup that can lead to rust or corrosion. A light coating of oil on exposed steel surfaces provides additional protection during storage. The tines are replaceable using a simple double-nut system, so when one does wear out after years of service, you can swap it quickly without replacing the entire unit.
Is the Series 4 worth the investment for a small farm operation?
For small farm operations that handle bales regularly, the Series 4 delivers a strong return on investment through improved efficiency and reduced labor costs. Even if you're working with fewer bales than a large commercial operation, the time saved on each handling task adds up quickly over a season. Moving two bales at once instead of one, making fewer trips between field and storage, and reducing the physical strain on yourself or your workers all contribute to a more productive operation.
The durability of the Series 4 means you're making a one-time investment that will serve you for many years, rather than repeatedly replacing cheaper equipment that can't handle the workload. The two-year warranty from Stinger Attachments provides additional financial protection and demonstrates the manufacturer's confidence in their construction quality. For most small farms, the attachment pays for itself within a single season through labor savings alone. After that, it continues to deliver value year after year. The ability to use the same attachment across multiple machines—thanks to its mount compatibility—also makes it a smarter long-term investment if you plan to upgrade or change equipment. Forge Claw offers free nationwide shipping and flexible financing options to make ownership accessible for operations of all sizes.
What makes the Series 4 safer than other bale handling methods?
Safety is built into the Series 4's design through several thoughtful features that reduce common risks associated with bale handling. The integrated safety step minimizes the chance of slips and falls when you're hooking up the attachment or performing inspections, which is especially valuable when working in early morning or evening hours with less-than-ideal lighting. The four-tine design provides exceptional stability during transport, reducing the risk of bales shifting or falling during movement across uneven terrain.
The 70-degree back angle improves visibility so you can see exactly where your tines are positioned as you approach a bale, helping you avoid accidents caused by blind spots or poor sightlines. When you use the optional bolt-on supports for large square bales, those heavier loads stay secure and balanced throughout the entire transport process, eliminating the tipping or sliding issues that can occur with improvised handling methods. The heavy-duty construction means the attachment won't fail under load, which is a critical safety consideration when you're working with thousands of pounds of hay overhead. All these features work together to create a safer working environment that protects both operators and bystanders. Forge Claw stands behind every Series 4 with free nationwide shipping and the support you need for safe, confident operation.