Modern AG Bale Spear - Manual (Page 6)

6 - Bale Spears & Carrier
aSSEMBlY & OPERaTiON
aSSEMBlY:
It is suggested that all the instructions be read
before beginning assembly. Check the exploded
view of the 3 pt. bale spear model you have in
this manual to get an idea of the relationship
between the parts.
aLL mODeLS:
Install the long forged main spear into the sock-
et in the main frame. The threads and nut are
metric – be sure correct tools are used. Locate
the lift pins for your hitch and tighten securely.
OPERaTiON:
Make sure all operators have read all the safety
warnings and precautions in this manual and
those in the tractor operator’s manual.
Be sure tractor is properly counterbalanced with
weights before attempting to lift any load with
the Bale Spear Attachment.
If you are handling bales with both the front end
loader and the 3 pt. hitch on the tractor, always
load the 3 pt. attachment first and unload last.
With the tractor, push the spear into the large
hay bale. Make sure you have penetrated the
hay bale far enough so the bale doesn’t want to
come off the end of the spear.
If, when you initially pick the bale up, it tends
to droop rearward, this would indicate you have
not penetrated the bale far enough.
NOTE: Soft center bales will tend to droop after
being lifted by a single spear. Placing the spear in
a lower position will allow for more lifting height
and lessen the load on the stabilizer spears.
NOTE: Always make sure bale spear fully pene-
trates the bale. Partial penetration locates all the
weight of the bale on the outer end and can dam-
age spear. Not covered under warranty.
NOTE: In cold weather, a bale frozen to the ground
may exceed the lifting capacity of spear. Damage
to spear may occur. Not covered under warranty.
HaNDlE ROUND BalES SafElY:
Improper use of loaders to handle round bales
can result in serious injury or death to the trac-
tor/loader operator. This could be caused by the
bale rolling back down the loader into the op-
erator’s station.
For optimum stability and visibility:
• Do not handle bales that exceed the bale
weight limitations of the bale spear.
• Carry the bale slowly and as low as possible to
the ground.
• Operate the hydraulic controls smoothly,
avoiding jerky operation.
• never use the tractor to stop a rolling bale.
• Only use a tractor equipped with a ROPS cab
or rollover protective structure.
• travel slowly over rough ground or when mak-
ing turns.
• allow for additional length of bale on tractor
while turning.
• use particular care when working on inclines
and hillsides.
MaiNTENaNCE:
periodically check all bolts to make sure they are
tight.
Check the large nut on the forged spears to
make sure it is tight.
Replace safety signs and instruction decals if
damaged or missing.
DaNGER