S48FX 48 Inch Fluted Cross-Bolt Bale Spear – PRO-Link Hayspears®

The PRO-Link Hayspears® S48FX 48 inch fluted cross-bolt bale spear is a spear-only replacement for compatible hay frames that already have a serviceable straight cross-hole mount. It measures 48 inches long by 1.625 inches in diameter and is rated at 3,000 pounds at a 30 inch load center. Its reach and fluted working profile suit everyday feeding, stacking, trailer unloading, and bale transport when the complete attachment is designed for the load.

The S prefix means the product does not include a sleeve, bracket, cross-bolt, retaining nut, or attachment frame. Buyers needing a new weld-in collar and mounting hardware should choose the complete 48FX cross-bolt bale fork assembly, which includes the matching 155 sleeve.

48 Inch Fluted Cross-Bolt Bale Spear Profile

Unlike the two-sided fluted profile used on some other PRO-Link Hayspears®, the S48FX has fluting on four sides of its shaft. The shaped surface narrows toward the point, helping the tine enter compressed forage progressively and reducing the amount of material contacting a broad, plain shaft during withdrawal. The cross-hole mounting section remains straight and is retained mechanically with a bolt rather than a tapered seat or conical nut.

The 48 inch reach provides deeper engagement than compact 33 inch or 39 inch spears. Depending on the bale and frame arrangement, it may be used for suitable round bales, supported square bales, grass hay, alfalfa, straw, cornstalk bales, haylage, or silage. Moisture and density can change bale weight considerably, so outside dimensions alone do not determine whether the spear or machine is appropriate.

When installed in the correct hay attachment, the tine may serve a tractor front-end loader, skid steer, three-point bale mover, telehandler, livestock-feeding frame, or custom agricultural carrier. These applications do not mean the spear connects directly to every machine. Compatibility comes from the sleeve or bracket, spear placement, frame structure, coupler, clearance, and rating of the finished attachment.

K+K Vet Supply also lists the PRO-Link 48 inch cross-bolt Superstix spear as an agricultural dealer option.

Matching and Installing the Cross-Hole Mount

The verified PRO-Link weld-in mount is the 155 cross-bolt hay fork collar. Another straight sleeve or bolt-on bracket may be suitable only when it accepts the same 1.625 inch mounting section and provides the correct insertion depth, cross-hole location, bolt size, structural support, and operating clearance. Do not install the S48FX in a tapered collar or assume that diameter alone confirms fit.

Before reusing an existing mount, inspect its internal surface, aligned holes, retaining hardware, welds or U-bolts, and supporting frame. Do not reuse components that are cracked, loose, distorted, heavily corroded, elongated at the holes, or excessively worn.

Slide the straight mounting end into the compatible sleeve or bracket until the holes align naturally. Insert the specified cross-bolt through both components and secure it with the correct retaining nut. Never force a bolt through misaligned holes or substitute unidentified hardware. PRO-Link’s bale spear sleeve and collar guide explains how cross-bolt mounts differ from tapered sleeves and U-bolt-mounted brackets.

The published 3,000 pound rating applies only to the individual tine at the stated load center. It does not increase the capacity of the sleeve, bracket, cross-bolt, frame, coupler, loader, or machine. Follow the lowest-rated component, carry bales low, and avoid sudden starts, stops, or turns. Inspect the point, flutes, shaft, cross hole, bolt, mount, and frame regularly. The S48FX is covered by PRO-Link’s one-year limited warranty against manufacturer’s defects.

Questions & Answers

What comes with the S48FX?

The S48FX includes one 48 inch four-sided fluted replacement spear. A sleeve, bracket, cross-bolt, nut, frame, and other mounting hardware are not included.

Can the S48FX fit a weld-in sleeve or bolt-on bracket?

Yes, when the mount accepts its straight 1.625 inch profile and the insertion depth, cross holes, bolt, support, and clearances match. The 155 collar is the verified PRO-Link weld-in option.

How does the S48FX differ from the complete 48FX assembly?

The S48FX is the replacement tine only. The complete 48FX includes the spear, 155 weld-in collar, cross-bolt, and retaining nut for a new installation or a repair requiring the mount as well.