48SB 48 Inch Bracketed Hay Fork – PRO-Link Hayspears®

The PRO-Link Hayspears® 48SB 48 inch bracketed hay fork is a complete bolt-on assembly for adding a removable bale spear to compatible 3 inch by 3 inch square tubing. It combines a 48 inch by 1.625 inch fluted spear with a 165BU mounting bracket, two U-bolt assemblies, and the hardware required to retain the spear inside the bracket.

The individual spear is rated at 3,000 pounds at a 30 inch load center. Its 48 inch reach provides substantial bale engagement for properly supported round and square bales during feeding, loading, stacking, and transport. The assembly mounts to an existing hay frame; it is not a complete loader attachment or a direct connection for every tractor, skid steer, or other machine.

48 Inch Bracketed Hay Fork for 3 Inch Tubing

The complete 48SB package includes:

• S48S 48 inch fluted hay spear
• 165BU bolt-on hay tine bracket
• Two U-bolt assemblies for 3 inch by 3 inch square tubing
• Cross-bolt, retaining nut, washers, and applicable mounting hardware

The 48SB uses two separate bolt connections. The U-bolts wrap around the frame tubing and clamp the 165BU bracket in position. A separate cross-bolt passes through aligned holes in the S48S spear and bracket to retain the tine. The U-bolts do not hold the spear inside the bracket, and the spear-retaining bolt does not attach the bracket to the frame.

This design allows the complete bracket to be installed without welding it permanently to the attachment frame. It also makes future spear replacement more practical because the S48S can be removed from a serviceable bracket by taking out the cross-bolt. The connection remains load carrying and must be installed, tightened, and inspected correctly.

The spear has a two-sided fluted profile designed to help it enter compressed bale material and release with less resistance. Install the spear with the fluted sides parallel to the ground. Its 48 inch working length can provide useful engagement in suitable grass hay, alfalfa, straw, cornstalk bales, haylage, silage, and other baled forage.

Bale dimensions alone do not confirm suitability. Moisture, density, shape, weight, wrapping, and center of gravity affect the required spear arrangement. Large square bales or unstable loads may require multiple primary spears, stabilizers, or a different frame design.

Installation, Fit, and Routine Inspection

Before installation, verify that the mounting location is structurally sound 3 inch by 3 inch square tubing. Heavy paint, weld beads, dents, corrosion, added plates, crushed tubing, or incompatible corner radiuses can prevent the bracket and U-bolts from seating evenly.

Position the bracket according to the hay frame’s design. Install both U-bolts and tighten their nuts gradually and evenly so the bracket remains square against the tubing. Do not assume that one universal torque specification applies to every frame. Follow the applicable equipment or installation instructions.

Slide the S48S spear into the bracket, position the fluted sides parallel to the ground, and align the cross holes. Insert the correct retaining bolt without forcing misaligned components together, then secure it with the supplied hardware. Recheck the bracket position and fasteners after the first operating cycles.

Inspect the spear, cross-bolt, bracket, U-bolts, nuts, washers, tubing, and attachment frame regularly. Stop using the equipment if anything becomes loose, bent, cracked, stretched, excessively worn, or distorted. Additional installation and replacement information is available in PRO-Link’s bracketed bale spear guide.

The 48SB may be installed on compatible frames carried by tractor loaders, skid steers, front-end loaders, three-point bale movers, telehandlers, or other agricultural equipment. Machine type alone does not establish fit. Buyers must verify the frame, coupler, spear location, clearances, equipment limits, and bale weight. K+K Vet Supply’s 48SB listing independently identifies the S48S spear, 165BU bracket, U-bolts, tubing size, and published rating.

The 3,000 pound rating applies to the individual spear at the stated load center. It does not increase the capacity of the bracket, frame, coupler, loader, or carrying machine. Always follow the lowest-rated component. The 48SB is covered by PRO-Link’s one-year limited warranty against manufacturer’s defects, subject to the complete terms.

Questions & Answers

What comes with the 48SB bracketed hay fork?

The 48SB includes the S48S 48 inch fluted spear, 165BU bracket, two U-bolt assemblies, cross-bolt, retaining nut, washers, and applicable mounting hardware.

Does the 48SB require welding?

No welding is required to attach the bracket to compatible 3 inch by 3 inch tubing. U-bolts secure the bracket to the frame, while a separate cross-bolt retains the spear inside the bracket.

Will the 48SB fit every tractor or skid steer hay frame?

No. Confirm the frame has suitable 3 inch by 3 inch square tubing and verify its structure, bracket location, clearances, coupler, machine capacity, and intended bale before installation.