What makes this manure spear better than using a standard bucket for livestock waste?
The manure spear's 40-inch tines are specifically designed to slide underneath compacted bedding, matted straw, and bulk manure that standard buckets struggle with. The 8-inch spacing and angled tine ends allow materials to load efficiently without clogging, while the 75-degree back angle keeps everything secure during transport. You'll move more material per pass, make fewer trips, and spend less time on daily chores. The tines penetrate materials that buckets just push around, giving you better control and cleaner results.
For livestock operations, this means faster stall mucking, more thorough waste removal, and less physical strain on your body. The versatility also matters—this attachment handles bedding distribution, feed moving, brush clearing, and debris removal, giving you multiple tools in one implement instead of switching between different buckets for different tasks.
How do I know which width is right for my tractor and operation?
Width selection depends on three factors: your tractor's lifting capacity, your workspace constraints, and your typical load volumes. Compact tractors with lower hydraulic capacity work best with the 60-inch or 68-inch models, which provide excellent maneuverability in tight barn aisles and around obstacles. Mid-size tractors typically handle the 76-inch width comfortably, offering a good balance of capacity and control. Larger tractors with higher lifting capacity can efficiently operate the 84-inch model for maximum productivity in open pens and larger facilities.
Consider where you'll be working most often—if you're navigating narrow stable rows or confined spaces, smaller widths prevent scraping walls and give you better control. If you're working in open areas and want to minimize trips, larger widths move more material per pass. Your tractor's operator manual will specify maximum attachment width and weight recommendations, which should guide your final decision.
Can this attachment handle materials other than manure and bedding?
Absolutely. While it's designed primarily for livestock waste management, the manure spear excels at numerous farm and property maintenance tasks. The long, strong tines make it excellent for brush and branch removal after storms, clearing fence lines, and moving debris piles. Many operators use it for compost handling, mulch distribution, and relocating organic materials around their property. The spears work well for lifting and moving hay bales, though dedicated bale spears may be more efficient for high-volume hay operations.
Construction and landscaping professionals find it useful for sorting mixed materials, moving demolition debris, and handling bulk organic matter. The key is the combination of penetrating power from the angled tines and the strength of the grade 50 steel construction—this lets you tackle heavy, awkward materials that other attachments can't handle efficiently. Just avoid overloading beyond your tractor's capacity and be mindful of rocky conditions that could damage the tines.
What maintenance does this manure spear require?
Maintenance requirements are straightforward and minimal. After each use, especially when handling corrosive materials like fresh manure or wet compost, rinse the attachment to prevent buildup and corrosion. Periodically inspect all tines for bending, cracking, or excessive wear, particularly if you work around rocks or hard surfaces. Check all bolts and connection points monthly to ensure they remain tight—vibration during operation can loosen fasteners over time. Apply lubricant to any moving parts and connection points to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
If a tine becomes damaged, the removable design makes replacement simple: unbolt the damaged tine and install a new one without special tools or welding. Store the attachment under cover when possible to protect the steel from weather exposure and preserve the finish. With basic care, this attachment will provide years of reliable service. The heavy-duty construction and quality materials mean you're spending minutes on maintenance rather than hours on repairs.
Is the open back design better, or should I get the closed back option?
The open back design works best for most livestock and farm applications because it allows material to flow through naturally and prevents excessive buildup that can make dumping difficult. It's ideal for handling loose manure, straw bedding, brush, branches, and bulky materials that benefit from some drainage. The open design also keeps the attachment lighter, which matters for smaller tractors with limited lifting capacity.
However, the closed back option is worth considering if you regularly handle finer materials like sawdust bedding, wood shavings, fine compost, or materials that tend to fall through the tine spacing. The closed back provides better containment and prevents material loss during transport. Consider your primary use case—if you're mostly mucking stalls with straw or handling pen pack and bulk waste, the standard open back delivers excellent performance. If you work frequently with finer bedding materials or need maximum containment, the closed back upgrade provides that extra control without sacrificing the core benefits of the spear design.
How does the replaceable tine design save money over time?
The individually replaceable tine design is one of the smartest cost-saving features of this attachment. In traditional welded construction, if you bend or break a single tine, you face expensive options: attempt difficult field repairs, pay for professional welding that may not restore full strength, or replace the entire attachment. With bolt-in tines, a damaged spear is a simple maintenance item. You unbolt the affected tine, install a replacement part, and you're back to work in minutes. Replacement tines cost a fraction of a new attachment or professional repair work.
Over years of farm use, especially in demanding conditions with rocks or hard ground, some tine damage is inevitable. This design turns those inevitable incidents from major expenses into minor maintenance. The labor savings matter too—you handle the replacement yourself without scheduling downtime for shop repairs or waiting for welding work. For commercial operations where every hour of downtime costs money, this flexibility is invaluable. Forge Claw offers easy financing and free nationwide shipping, making it simple to keep your operation running smoothly.