Skid Steer Bale Spears

Overview of Skid Steer Bale Spear Attachments

Skid steer bale spear attachments are purpose-built tools designed to help agricultural operators move, stack, and transport round or square hay bales with speed and control. Built for use with skid steers and compact track loaders, these attachments turn a general-purpose machine into a high-efficiency bale mover for farms, ranches, and feedlots.

Operators who handle hay know the importance of minimizing wasted time and avoiding damaged bales. Whether you're loading a trailer, feeding livestock, or organizing a storage yard, the right bale spear streamlines the entire process while improving safety for the machine and the operator.

Manufactured by Stinger Attachments and distributed by Forge Claw, these spears are built tough to handle heavy-duty demands in real agricultural conditions. This page goes beyond surface-level specs to explore what matters most—real-world use cases, design considerations, and how these attachments fit into the work that keeps operations moving forward.

Why Skid Steer Bale Spear Attachments Matter on Real Job Sites

In everyday farm operations, moving hay bales is more than a simple task—it’s part of a larger workflow that demands speed, safety, and precision. Skid steer bale spear attachments serve as essential tools in the bale handling chain, bridging the gap between harvest and feeding, or storage and sale.

The role of Skid Steer Bale Spear Attachments in modern equipment workflows

On most modern farms and ranches, time is tight and labor can be hard to come by. Bale spears help cut down on the hours spent handling hay by letting one operator do the work of several. Mounted to a skid steer or CTL, a bale spear attachment lets you lift, move, and position bales without dismounting or manual involvement.

In many operations, these attachments are in use daily—especially during feeding season or when stocking barns after harvest. Their versatility allows the skid steer to become a full-time bale mover or a multi-tasking utility machine, depending on the day’s demands.

Why standard attachments are not always enough

General-purpose forks or buckets can technically move bales, but they come with drawbacks. They risk puncturing, collapsing, or dragging the bale instead of supporting it cleanly. Worse, they can obscure the operator’s view or shift unexpectedly, causing safety concerns or wasted hay.

Bale spears, on the other hand, are built specifically for this task. They deliver clean penetration, controlled lift, and secure transport—all with visibility and confidence. That’s why pros trust a dedicated spear over a makeshift tool.

How the right attachment impacts efficiency, safety, and productivity

A properly matched bale spear makes fast work of feeding and stacking. By using one that fits your machine and matches the size and weight of your bales, you’ll reduce operator fatigue, avoid breakdowns, and get the job done with less effort.

Skid steer bale spear attachments don’t just make life easier—they help maintain consistent productivity across seasons. When paired with a reliable quick-attach system and durable tines, they become an everyday asset to the operation.

Why Professionals Choose Forge Claw for Skid Steer Bale Spear Attachments

Choosing where to buy your bale spear is just as important as choosing the right attachment. Forge Claw is trusted nationwide by agricultural professionals who expect durability, availability, and support that’s actually useful. We're more than a vendor—we’re a partner to the people who make their living with machinery.

Focused on professional-grade attachments only

We don’t deal in low-end or disposable equipment. Every skid steer bale spear we offer is built for real work on real farms—no shortcuts, no gimmicks. Manufactured by Stinger Attachments and distributed by Forge Claw, these spears are engineered to last through heavy use and tough conditions.

We choose to carry only attachments that meet the high standards of our customers—because that’s who we built Forge Claw for.

Nationwide distribution with consistent availability

Farmers and ranchers operate on tight seasonal schedules. You can’t afford to wait weeks for equipment to show up. That’s why we maintain consistent inventory and fast fulfillment times, backed by free nationwide shipping on every attachment we sell.

Whether you're in Iowa or Idaho, your spear shows up on time and ready to work.

Equipment selected for durability, compatibility, and real-world use

We don’t just sell attachments—we understand how they’re used. That’s why every bale spear we carry is vetted for its real-world compatibility with modern skid steers and CTLs. Load ratings, tine spacing, frame design, and quick-attach systems all matter—and they’re all part of what we consider before bringing a product into our lineup.

Support built around contractors and operators

Our customer service is built for people who operate machines, not corporate buyers. When you call us, you’re talking to someone who understands how your equipment fits into your day—and how to help if something doesn’t work right. We’re here to keep your operation moving, with support that’s as practical as our tools.

What Skid Steer Bale Spear Attachment Types Exist and Their Roles

Not all bale spears are built the same—and that’s a good thing. Depending on the size of your bales, the terrain you’re operating in, and how often you’re moving hay, different spear configurations serve different purposes. This section breaks down the most common types and their real-world roles.

Primary attachment subtypes within the Skid Steer Bale Spear Attachments

At the core, most bale spears fall into three categories: single-spear, double-spear, and multi-spear configurations. Each has its own balance of simplicity, support, and efficiency depending on your workflow.

General-purpose of each subtype

Single-spear attachments are ideal for round bales, offering clean entry and balanced lift. Double-spear configurations add lateral stability and are better suited for square bales or awkward loads. Multi-spear setups allow for dual-bale lifting or better weight distribution for high-density hay.

Heavy-duty and reinforced configurations

Heavier or wetter bales require reinforced frames and thicker spears. These heavy-duty models typically use hardened steel tines, gusseted frames, and load-tested welds to withstand high-pressure lifts. If your bales are pushing your machine’s limits, this is the class you want.

Application-specific configurations

Some spears are designed specifically for wrapped bales, featuring sleeve protections or blunt tips to avoid tearing netting or film. Others may include back guards or roll bars to help stabilize the bale during transport or prevent rollback toward the cab.

Specialty variations designed for specific job-site needs

Specialized spears may include quick-swap tine systems, integrated back racks for dual-use with pallets, or modular frame setups for changing tine placement. These variations are perfect for custom workflows or operators managing varied bale types across different locations.

Material handling roles

Bale spears aren't just for hay. They’re also used for straw, silage blocks, and other bundled feed products, depending on tine design. Some operations even use them for large foam or insulation blocks in unique agricultural builds.

Land clearing and site preparation roles

In certain cases, operators use bale spears to move large brush bundles or tightly wrapped debris. While not their intended use, the long tines and visibility make them helpful in limited land-clearing scenarios—especially on smaller properties.

Construction and demolition support roles

Though less common, bale spears have been used to transport lightweight demolition waste (like foam insulation or compacted materials) when fork spacing or shape makes pallets inefficient.

Agricultural and property maintenance roles

This is where bale spears shine. Day in and day out, they help farmers and ranchers feed livestock, organize hay storage, load trailers, and clean up yards. No farm tool works harder over more seasons than a reliable bale spear.

What to Know Before Choosing a Skid Steer Bale Spear Attachment

Before adding a bale spear to your fleet, it's worth understanding how job site conditions and material types can affect what you need. Not all bales are equal, and not all attachments are built for every task.

How job type influences attachment requirements

Feeding cattle in close quarters requires tighter visibility and a low-profile frame. Stacking in a barn may demand taller frames for lift height. Transporting bales across uneven fields? You’ll want reinforced spears and wide tine spacing to minimize tipping.

Every job presents a slightly different demand, so knowing your most common task is key to avoiding underperformance or overkill.

Why material type affects attachment performance

Dry, loosely packed hay behaves very differently than tightly compacted, wrapped silage. If your bales tend to deform under pressure, you'll want smooth-entry tines with sharp spear points. If they’re dense and heavy, load ratings become the top priority.

Wet hay is heavier. So is straw that’s been compressed into square form. The more you understand the material you’re handling, the better your equipment can match it.

How operating environment changes attachment expectations

Bale work in open fields is forgiving. But tight barns, sloped feedlots, or snowy conditions can change everything. You’ll need to consider visibility, traction, and even tine length based on your terrain.

And remember—seasonality plays a role too. What works great in the summer might need reevaluating during icy or muddy conditions.

How Skid Steer Bale Spear Attachment Design Impacts Job-Site Performance

The right design makes a difference you can feel—especially when you're handling heavy bales in less-than-perfect conditions. Spear geometry, frame layout, and visibility features all play a role in how smooth, safe, and productive your operation runs.

Structural and functional design considerations

Bale spears may seem simple, but their performance depends on smart design. From tine placement to frame reinforcement, small engineering choices can have big operational impacts.

Overall attachment geometry

Tine length, width spacing, and spear angle all affect how easily the spear enters the bale and how stable it feels in transport. Round bales typically benefit from a single long spear centered low. Square or heavy bales often do better with dual spears spaced wide to prevent roll or tilt.

Frame height matters too—taller back frames offer better support and allow for stacked transport, while low-profile options improve visibility when working near animals or structures.

Reinforcement and stress distribution

Not all spears are rated equally. The better-built ones use reinforced gussets, boxed tubing, and load-distributing welds that spread stress during lifting. This prevents tine flex, weld cracks, or sudden failure under load—especially important with wet or compacted hay.

Visibility and operator control factors

When you're working in tight barns or approaching livestock, sightlines matter. A well-designed spear frame should offer open sight channels and low obstructions between the operator and the bale. Poor visibility leads to misaligned lifts, damaged bales, or worse—injury.

How design choices affect day-to-day operation

You feel design choices in every job. If the spear tines are too short, they won’t penetrate fully. If they’re too long, maneuvering becomes difficult. If the frame’s too tall, you might hit low-clearance areas.

The best designs strike a balance: enough structure to support big loads, but open enough to give the operator full control. That balance is what sets a professional-grade attachment apart from a generic one.

Ownership vs Rental Considerations for Skid Steer Bale Spear Attachments

Should you own a bale spear or rent one when needed? The answer comes down to how often you handle bales, how tight your seasons are, and how much flexibility you need.

When ownership makes sense for contractors and operators

If you’re feeding livestock daily or moving hay regularly during harvest, ownership is a no-brainer. Renting every week adds up fast—and there’s no guarantee the attachment you need is available when you need it.

Ownership gives you peace of mind. Your equipment is always ready, spears stay matched to your skid steer, and you’re not wasting time coordinating rentals or pickups. For most working farms and ranches, the cost pays off fast—especially with our flexible financing options.

However, if you only handle bales a few days a year, rental might be a temporary solution. But keep in mind: owning a high-quality bale spear also opens the door to offering bale-moving services or expanding into other tasks when things are slow.

What to Consider Before Selecting a Skid Steer Bale Spear Attachment

Choosing the right bale spear is about more than just dimensions. It’s about how your machine, material, and environment come together. Matching the attachment to your real-world needs makes all the difference.

Machine size, class, and operating limits

Always check your skid steer’s lift capacity and front-end weight rating before choosing a spear. Too large a spear on too small a machine can make things unstable, especially when fully loaded or lifted high. Choose a spear that matches your skid steer’s class for best results.

Hydraulic and control system compatibility

While bale spears typically don’t require hydraulic hookups, it’s important to ensure they integrate cleanly with your quick-attach system and allow full range of motion. Avoid spears that block tilt function or cause ground interference during lift.

If you plan to swap frequently between a spear and a hydraulic attachment (like a grapple), check your coupler clearances and frame fit to ensure quick transitions.

Typical workload and material characteristics

What are you really moving—light dry grass bales, or dense wrapped silage? Is it single-bale work, or trailer loads? Know your material type, average weight, and frequency. It’ll help you decide how many spears you need, how long they should be, and what your frame strength should look like.

Storage, transport, and job-site logistics

If you’re transporting the spear between farms or through narrow gates, a low-profile frame or shorter tine length might be worth considering. Make sure your trailer or storage shed accommodates the full footprint. You’d be surprised how often that’s overlooked.

Common Job-Site Challenges Skid Steer Bale Spear Attachments Help Solve

Skid steer bale spears solve more than just “how do I move this bale.” They address real operational headaches that farmers, ranchers, and ag professionals deal with daily.

Handling irregular or difficult materials

Some bales just don’t behave. Loose or misshaped bales can crumble when mishandled. Wet or wrapped bales can slip. A well-designed spear gives you better control over imperfect loads and minimizes the risk of damage.

Reducing manual labor and rework

Manhandling bales is dangerous and inefficient. With a spear, one operator can do in minutes what used to take multiple people and more time. That efficiency means fewer injuries, less burnout, and more consistency in feeding or storage routines.

Improving site cleanliness and organization

Bales scattered across a field or yard create waste and chaos. With a skid steer spear, you can stack tightly, transport safely, and keep your farm organized. That means less wasted hay, better drainage around storage areas, and safer footing for both humans and animals.

Increasing control in demanding environments

Whether you're loading a stack in a tight barn or navigating muddy feedlots, control matters. A bale spear gives you that precision—tipping, backing out, and placing bales exactly where you want them. That kind of control adds up over hundreds of bales a season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skid Steer Bale Spear Attachments

What type of bale spear is best for round hay bales?

For round hay bales, a single-spear design centered on the frame is often the most efficient. It allows for clean penetration through the core of the bale and balanced lift, reducing side shift during transport. However, for heavier bales or those handled on uneven terrain, a dual-spear configuration may add extra stability.

Can I use a skid steer bale spear for wrapped or netted bales?

Yes, but with caution. Spearing wrapped or netted bales can puncture the wrap and cause spoilage. If you regularly handle wrapped bales, look for spear attachments designed with protective sleeves or blunt tines to minimize damage. Alternatively, consider lifting from underneath using a specialized cradle if preservation is a top priority.

How do I choose the correct spear length?

The right spear length depends on the size of the bale and your transport needs. For most round bales, a spear between 39 and 49 inches is typical. Too short, and the spear won't fully support the bale; too long, and you risk reduced maneuverability or ground contact. Always measure your bale diameter and match it accordingly.

Does the number of spears matter?

Yes. Single spears are ideal for round bales and quick loading. Dual spears offer more lateral control and are better for square or heavy bales. Multi-spear frames can carry more than one bale or provide increased support—but they require a larger machine to stay balanced. Choose based on your material and volume.

Are these spears compatible with all skid steers?

Most spears from Forge Claw are designed for standard skid steer quick-attach mounts (also called universal or “Bob-Tach” style). If your machine uses a proprietary or older coupler, check compatibility before purchasing. Always confirm your skid steer’s mounting system before selecting any attachment.

How much weight can a skid steer bale spear handle?

It depends on the model. Standard bale spears typically handle 2,000–3,500 pounds per tine, but the frame and machine lift limits are also important. Never exceed your skid steer’s rated lift capacity. If you're handling wet or oversized bales, go for a heavy-duty model with reinforced construction.

What’s the difference between a bale spear and pallet fork for hay?

Pallet forks can move bales, but not as effectively or safely. They often lack the pointed penetration of a spear, can slip under uneven loads, and don’t provide the same balance. Bale spears are designed specifically to enter and support bales through the core, giving more control and reducing damage.

Can I switch between attachments easily?

Yes. Our bale spears are built for quick-attach compatibility. You can easily swap between a spear, pallet fork, grapple, or bucket in minutes—ideal for operators who run mixed workloads and need versatility throughout the day.

How do I avoid damaging bales during lifting?

Always spear bales straight through the center (for round bales) or evenly spaced (for square bales). Avoid sharp turns or lifting while reversing. For wrapped bales, use protective features or choose blunt spears to preserve wrap integrity.

Is it better to buy or rent a bale spear?

If you’re moving bales more than a few times per season, buying is usually the better investment. Rental costs add up fast, and owning gives you year-round flexibility. Forge Claw also offers flexible financing to make ownership affordable, even for small operations.

Order your Skid Steer Bale Spear Attachments from Forge Claw today. We offer flexible, easy financing and free nationwide shipping so every operator can get their hands on top-quality equipment.