Best bale spike 3 point linkage

kay 9

As titled folks, looking to get this folding version https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/new-foldable-bale-spikes/14404325
Or this dowds folding which looks more rugged.

https://www.donedeal.ie/otherfarmmachinery-for-sale/folding-bale-spike-bale-trailers/11166010

It'll be primarily used for loading and unloading a bale trailer similar to the one in the dowds spike link.
Will both spikes be able lift the bale the same height?
I'm tempted to adapt the bale handler to hydraulically Foldable

Ps. Can't seem to add a second link.
If a mod could add a pic of each from the links, I'd be very grateful.

kay 9

https://www.donedeal.ie/otherfarmmachinery-for-sale/folding-bale-spike-bale-trailers/11166010 dowds version

cacs

kay 9 wrote: »

As titled folks, looking to get this folding version https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/new-foldable-bale-spikes/14404325
Or this dowds folding which looks more rugged.

https://www.donedeal.ie/otherfarmmachinery-for-sale/folding-bale-spike-bale-trailers/11166010

It'll be primarily used for loading and unloading a bale trailer similar to the one in the dowds spike link.
Will both spikes be able lift the bale the same height?
I'm tempted to adapt the bale handler to hydraulically Foldable

Ps. Can't seem to add a second link.
If a mod could add a pic of each from the links, I'd be very grateful.

Don't use a spike I bring six bales on a Maloney trailer the last me three weeks I found the last two bales were very poor quality because the air had got them so long. Also I found I damaged the last to bales a lot trying to get them on to the back two spaces as I had not got enough height to lift them on. Now I have two bale handlers one at each shed. It works a dream zero damage to bales and loads of lifting height.

kay 9

cathal irwin wrote: »

Don't use a spike I bring six bales on a Maloney trailer the last me three weeks I found the last two bales were very poor quality because the air had got them so long. Also I found I damaged the last to bales a lot trying to get them on to the back two spaces as I had not got enough height to lift them on. Now I have two bale handlers one at each shed. It works a dream zero damage to bales and loads of lifting height.

I'm managing with the handler but a few neighbours want me to shift a few and it's a pain in the neck doing double runs with the bale handler. The lad I was shifting for today unloaded with the spike and didn't mind the punctures. I loaded with the bale handler so it kind of defeated the purpose.
What tractor have you as that's what I was concerned about is the clearance. Heavy fusions sag a lot on spikes I found.
Front loader be the right job I know but I can't warrant it right now for my own work.

cacs

kay 9 wrote: »

I'm managing with the handler but a few neighbours want me to shift a few and it's a pain in the neck doing double runs with the bale handler. The lad I was shifting for today unloaded with the spike and didn't mind the punctures. I loaded with the bale handler so it kind of defeated the purpose.
What tractor have you as that's what I was concerned about is the clearance. Heavy fusions sag a lot on spikes I found.
Front loader be the right job I know but I can't warrant it right now for my own work.

I am in the exact same boat. I have s case jx 90 tractor. I would love a front loader too much money alright. The malone bale trailer is lower than most bale trailers also

kay 9

Going to try load a couple with neighbours spike before I buy. If it's not suitable, I'm going to adapt the handler. Loaders come into big enough money when all is considered such as mounts, loader, control spool and then fitting cost.

Bass Reeves

With winter bale handling it all depends on how fast bales are fed. If you can get through the load in a week to 10 days it little matters if they are punctured. March is more of an issue some cattle gone out and maybe demand halved. If I am buying bales I buy them when cattle will get through the them in a week.

I am wondering about the foldable handlers if they will stand up to bale handling over time or if the folding mechanism will give trouble

kay 9

Bass Reeves wrote: »

With winter bale handling it all depends on how fast bales are fed. If you can get through the load in a week to 10 days it little matters if they are punctured. March is more of an issue some cattle gone out and maybe demand halved. If I am buying bales I buy them when cattle will get through the them in a week.

I am wondering about the foldable handlers if they will stand up to bale handling over time or if the folding mechanism will give trouble

Curious about the Foldable myself. The dowds one look better made imo

ELP

I got one of them at the start of the winter. It's lifting bales for me ok but I wouldn't have that many to move. I don't know what it will be like over time or what it would be doing hard work.
The way I look at it is it wasn't too dear ( £145 stg plus vat ) and it could always be welded solid if needed.

kay 9

ELP wrote: »

I got one of them at the start of the winter. It's lifting bales for me ok but I wouldn't have that many to move. I don't know what it will be like over time or what it would be doing hard work.
The way I look at it is it wasn't too dear ( £145 stg plus vat ) and it could always be welded solid if needed.

Have you a link for the one you got? Does it lift it as high as a bale handler? Cheers

9935452

bale 2.jpg

bale.jpg

This is what we have at home .
Its a hydraulically foldable bale handler .
I think it was originally manufactured by hamilton engineering in the north.

ELP

The lifter is branded Spares.
The spikes are 350mm off the ground but I can't say if it will lift high enough for trailer.
I don't move to many the next time I move some I can measure for you.

kay 9

9935452 wrote: »

bale 2.jpg

bale.jpg

This is what we have at home .
Its a hydraulically foldable bale handler .
I think it was originally manufactured by hamilton engineering in the north.

Thanks for that, ideal for what I want. Do you know if Hamiltons are still making these? If I can't source one I'm going to make one when time allows. Would you mind taking few more pics for me? Be very grateful

larthehar

kay 9 wrote: »

Thanks for that, ideal for what I want. Do you know if Hamiltons are still making these? If I can't source one I'm going to make one when time allows. Would you mind taking few more pics for me? Be very grateful

https://www.donedeal.ie/balers-for-sale/folding-bale-handler/14000691

Expensive enough!

kay 9

larthehar wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/balers-for-sale/folding-bale-handler/14000691

Expensive enough!

Thanks, yeah crazy money.! May price a manual folder and if it too is extortionate I'll make one.

larthehar

kay 9 wrote: »

Thanks, yeah crazy money.! May price a manual folder and if it too is extortionate I'll make one.

If you have a normal one already i would just butcher that!
Even if you bought one that designed for tipping bales the other way and literary cut the stopper plate off the bottom and move to the top.. would still stick out one foot or so but at that money!

tanko

kay 9 wrote: »

Thanks, yeah crazy money.! May price a manual folder and if it too is extortionate I'll make one.

I assume you have a hydraulic top link. They make a great job of any bale spike/lifter.

kay 9

tanko wrote: »

I assume you have a hydraulic top link. They make a great job of any bale spike/lifter.

I have but I need a Foldable for use with a bale trailer. Hydraulic top link is a gift though at times.

kay 9

larthehar wrote: »

If you have a normal one already i would just butcher that!
Even if you bought one that designed for tipping bales the other way and literary cut the stopper plate off the bottom and move to the top.. would still stick out one foot or so but at that money!

The one I have is made from plate and a small box section at links. If I'm going to make one I'll probably get 5mm box and start from scratch.