How to Make a Homemade Bale Spear for Loader Bucket

To make a homemade bale spear for your loader bucket, you'll need a few basic materials, including a steel rod or pipe, a bucket attachment, and some welding equipment.

The steel rod or pipe should be at least 1/2 inch in diameter and 6 feet long, as specified in the "Choosing the Right Materials" section.

You can use a variety of materials for the bucket attachment, such as a steel plate or a piece of angle iron, but it should be at least 1/4 inch thick and have a hole drilled in the center for the rod to pass through.

A welding torch and some welding wire will be necessary to attach the rod and bucket attachment together securely.

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Making a homemade bale spear for your loader bucket can be a cost-effective option, but it's not always the best choice. JDemaris suggests that buying a used one can be cheaper, especially if you find a good deal.

A homemade bale spear can be made from a 3/4 or 1 ton truck axle, sharpened with a torch and a grinder. GeneMO shares his experience of making one for his son's shop class, but it broke on the first bale.

Old suggests that buying used ones at an auction can be a cheaper option, with two used spears costing less than $50.

To make a homemade bale spear for your loader bucket, you'll need some basic materials.

A 1 1/2" steel rod is ideal for the spear shaft, as it provides the necessary strength and durability.

You'll also need a 1/2" steel rod for the spear point, which should be at least 12 inches long.

A steel plate or a piece of 1/4" steel rod can be used for the spear point reinforcement.

You'll need some wire rope or cable to create the spear's handle attachment.

A pair of metal brackets or a U-bolt can be used to attach the wire rope to the loader bucket.

Some wood or a piece of steel can be used to create a handle for the spear.

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You can make a homemade bale spear from a 3/4 or 1 ton truck axle. Sharpen the end with a torch and a grinder for a strong and effective spear.

The other end of the axle, with the flange, makes a good mounting surface. This design has never bent or broken, making it as strong as a factory spear.

A local farm and home store, Orschlens, sells main spears for around $90.00. However, one user had a bad experience with a $90.00 spear that broke on the first bale.

You can also find used spears at auctions. One user found two used spears for less than $50, a cost they couldn't match with homemade construction.

It's worth noting that some users swear by certain brands, like SCHHHHH ! John Deere spears, which have two spikes on the bottom. These spears have been known to pick up heavy loads without breaking.

To make your homemade bale spear more versatile, consider adding a quick-release mechanism to the bucket attachment. This feature allows you to easily remove the spear when not in use.

You can also experiment with different spear tip designs, such as a pointed or angled tip, to better suit your specific baling needs.

For heavier bales, a reinforced spear shaft made from steel or aluminum is a good idea, as it can withstand the added weight and stress. This will help prevent breakage and ensure a secure grip on the bale.

By considering these tips and variations, you can create a more effective and efficient homemade bale spear for your loader bucket.

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Here's Tip #2. The AB12G Loader-Mount Bale Spear can handle large round bales weighing up to 2500 pounds. Raise the loader and tilt the carrier so the primary tine is roughly level with the ground. Then move forward and insert the primary tine just above the center point of the bale. This helps distribute the bale's weight more evenly.

You can use a variety of materials to create unique and eco-friendly designs, such as repurposed wood, reclaimed metal, or sustainable fabrics.

For example, using reclaimed wood can add a touch of history to your design, as seen in the "Wooden Furniture" section.

Some designs, like the "Geometric Patterns" example, can be created using a combination of natural and synthetic materials.

The "Textile Art" section highlights how different textures and patterns can be achieved using various materials.

By experimenting with alternative materials and designs, you can create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personal style.