What size bales can the Series 1 Standard Bale Spear handle?
The Series 1 Standard is designed for medium to large round bales typically in the 4 to 6-foot diameter range, as well as square bales. The upper spear is rated at 3,500 pounds at 30 inches and provides 43.5 inches of useable penetration, which is sufficient for most standard hay bales used in cattle feeding, livestock operations, and general farm work. The two lower spears add 1,700 pounds of capacity each and create a stable three-point grip that prevents bales from twisting during transport.
Whether you're moving tightly wrapped round bales or stacked square bales, this spear configuration handles the load securely. If you regularly work with oversized bales exceeding 6 feet or extremely heavy wet bales, you may want to confirm capacity with Forge Claw before ordering to ensure this model meets your specific needs.
How do I know if this bale spear will fit my skid steer or tractor?
This bale spear uses a standard skid steer quick-attach mounting system, which is the most common hookup style for skid steers, compact track loaders, and many tractor loaders manufactured in recent decades. If your machine has a universal skid steer quick-attach plate, this spear will connect in seconds without tools or modifications. Most modern skid steers from major brands use this standard system.
If you're running an older tractor loader or a machine with a proprietary mounting system, you may need an adapter plate to achieve compatibility. Before ordering, check your loader's mounting plate or consult your machine's manual to confirm it uses a standard quick-attach hookup. If you're unsure about fitment, Forge Claw's team can help verify compatibility based on your specific machine make and model to ensure a proper fit before shipping.
What maintenance does the bale spear require?
Maintenance for the Series 1 Standard is minimal but important for long-term performance. After each use, clear hay, twine, and debris from the spears to prevent buildup that can interfere with penetration on your next job. Periodically inspect the mounting plate and quick-attach mechanism to ensure all pins and latches function properly and aren't worn or damaged. Check welds and frame components for cracks, especially if you work in demanding conditions or frequently handle oversized bales.
The replaceable tines are the primary wear component and should be inspected regularly for blunting, bending, or damage. When a tine shows significant wear, simply unbolt it using the double-nut system and install a fresh replacement. Keeping a spare set of tines on hand ensures you're never stuck waiting for parts when you need to make a swap. This simple routine keeps your spear performing like new for years.
Why are replaceable tines important on a bale spear?
Replaceable tines are one of the smartest long-term value features on this spear because spear tips take constant abuse. Every time you punch through tightly wrapped twine, compacted hay, or frozen bales in winter, the tips experience wear and impact stress. Over hundreds or thousands of bales, even the toughest steel tips will eventually blunt or bend. Without replaceable tines, you'd need to cut off the damaged tips and weld on new ones, which requires fabrication skills, welding equipment, and downtime waiting for repairs.
With the Series 1 Standard's replaceable tine system, you simply unbolt the worn tine using the double-nut fastening system and bolt on a fresh replacement in about ten minutes. This keeps your spear performing at peak penetration efficiency without expensive repairs or extended downtime. Over the life of the attachment, replaceable tines save you hundreds of dollars and countless hours compared to non-replaceable designs.
Can I use this bale spear in winter for frozen bales?
Yes, the Series 1 Standard is built to handle winter bale handling, including frozen bales, though you should approach frozen bales with care to protect both the attachment and the hay. The Grade 50 steel construction and heavy-duty tubular frame are designed to withstand the increased resistance that comes with penetrating frozen or ice-coated bales. The 70-degree back angle helps improve your approach and reduces the force needed to start penetration.
However, frozen bales are significantly harder than fresh hay, so you should approach at controlled speeds and avoid ramming the spear at high force, which can damage tines or cause the bale to split. If bales are extremely frozen, allowing them to thaw slightly before spearing can reduce stress on the equipment. Regularly inspect tines during winter use, as frozen conditions accelerate wear, and replace them as needed to maintain clean penetration and avoid bent tips.
What's the advantage of the triangle spear configuration?
The triangle spear configuration is a smart engineering choice that improves load stability and reduces the risk of bales twisting, sliding, or falling during transport. The single large upper spear does the primary lifting work with its 3,500-pound capacity, while the two lower spears rated at 1,700 pounds each provide critical stabilization from below. This three-point contact distributes weight evenly across the bale and creates a secure grip that holds the load in place no matter how you maneuver your loader.
Single-spear designs are simpler but allow bales to rotate or shift, especially on rough terrain or during turns. The triangle layout prevents that movement and keeps your bale centered and controlled from the moment you spear it until you set it down. This stability saves time because you're not constantly re-positioning loads, and it reduces the risk of dropped bales that waste hay or create safety hazards.
Is this bale spear worth the investment compared to a basic farm store model?
If you're moving bales regularly and need equipment that lasts for years instead of seasons, the Series 1 Standard is absolutely worth the investment. Basic farm store spears often use thinner steel, lighter frames, and non-replaceable tips that wear out quickly under real-world use. You'll spend less upfront, but you'll pay for it in repairs, replacements, and wasted time dealing with bent or broken attachments.
The Series 1 Standard is built with 3/8-inch Grade 50 steel side plates, a 4x4x1/4-inch bottom tube, and replaceable tines that extend the life of the attachment by years. Stinger Attachments manufactures this spear in the USA and backs it with a 2-year warranty, which reflects their confidence in the build quality. Over the course of handling thousands of bales, the durability and performance of a heavy-duty spear like this pays for itself many times over through reduced downtime, fewer repairs, and reliable daily operation.
How does the 70-degree back angle improve bale spearing?
The 70-degree back angle is optimized to improve your approach angle and make it easier to penetrate bales cleanly on the first attempt. When spears are angled too steeply, you have to position your loader at an awkward angle or make multiple passes to get the tips into the bale. When they're too shallow, the spears can deflect off the surface instead of penetrating.
Stinger designed the 70-degree angle to balance these factors, allowing you to approach bales at a natural loader position and drive the spears straight in without excessive repositioning. This saves time on every single bale you move, which adds up fast when you're handling fifty or a hundred in a day. The improved geometry also reduces strain on your loader's hydraulics because you're not fighting the angle to force penetration. It's a simple design detail that makes daily operation smoother and more efficient.
What shipping and financing options are available?
Forge Claw includes free nationwide shipping on the Series 1 Standard Bale Spear, so you're not paying extra freight fees on top of your purchase price. We ship directly to your farm, ranch, or job site anywhere in the United States, and delivery timelines depend on current production schedules and your location. If you're working on a tight timeline, reach out to confirm availability and estimated shipping dates before ordering.
We also offer flexible, easy financing options that make it simple to get the equipment you need without a large upfront payment. Our financing process is straightforward, and our team can walk you through the options to find a payment plan that works for your operation. Whether you're paying in full or financing, you'll get the same top-quality Stinger Attachments product backed by a 2-year warranty and the support of a distributor that stands behind every unit we sell.