SM33TXJ 33 Inch Compact Hay Spike with Doublenut®

Description

The HAYSTIX® SM33TXJ 33 inch compact hay spike is a spear-only replacement for compatible bale-handling frames that use a tapered Conus II mounting system. With a 33 inch length and 1.75 inch square profile, the individual tine is rated at 3,500 pounds at a 30 inch load center. Its shorter working length can suit feeding attachments, compact equipment, and multi-spear frames where a 49 inch or 55 inch tine would provide more reach than the application requires.

Like an S model, the SM prefix means no sleeve or collar is supplied. The SM33TXJ includes the applicable Doublenut® retaining hardware. Buyers who need both the spear and a new 144T collar should choose the complete 33TXJ tapered bale spear assembly.

Choosing a 33 Inch Compact Hay Spike

The square shaft tapers gradually toward the point, allowing the spear to enter compressed bale material progressively. Its 33 inch reach may provide better maneuvering clearance in barns, pens, storage areas, or feeding locations when the attachment and bale are suited to a shorter tine. Less forward projection can also make a parked attachment easier to work around.

Bale type, moisture, and density affect weight and penetration resistance. Dry grass hay, alfalfa, straw, silage, haylage, and other baled feed can behave differently even when the bales have similar dimensions. The SM33TXJ may suit certain compact round bales, smaller square bales, feeding bales, or engineered multi-spear arrangements, but length alone cannot establish compatibility.

Before selecting this model, consider how far the spear will enter the bale, the location of the bale’s center of gravity, the number and spacing of tines, and whether stabilizers are required. The published capacity applies to the individual spear, not the completed attachment. The frame, sleeve, welds, coupler, loader, and machine must all support the intended load.

When installed in the correct carrier, the SM33TXJ may serve a compact tractor loader, skid steer bale frame, three-point bale mover, telehandler attachment, or custom feeding tool. These are possible applications rather than universal fit claims. Penn State Extension’s large hay bale handling guidance advises matching the tractor and attachment to the bale, traveling slowly, and carrying the load low.

Sleeve Fit and Doublenut® Installation

The 144T Conus II sleeve is the verified collar supplied with the complete 33TXJ assembly. However, the SM33TXJ replacement tine is not limited to that product number. Another properly fitting collar may work when its internal taper, seating depth, dimensions, threads, nut clearance, alignment, and supporting structure match the spear correctly. The bale spear sleeves and collars guide explains why inside diameter alone cannot confirm fit.

Before reusing an installed sleeve, inspect its internal seat, surrounding steel, and welds. Do not reuse a collar that is cracked, distorted, loose, heavily corroded, excessively worn, or unable to seat the tapered shank fully. Replacing the tine cannot restore strength to a damaged sleeve or frame.

To install the spear, insert its Conus II mounting end through the compatible collar. The conical retaining nut draws the matching tapered surfaces together. The jam nut then locks against the first nut to help resist vibration-related loosening. Allow enough clearance behind the frame for the threads and both nuts, and inspect the connection regularly. Additional seating and inspection information is available in the Doublenut® bale spear mounting guide.

Stop using the attachment if the point, shaft, taper, threads, nuts, sleeve, welds, or frame become loose, bent, cracked, distorted, or excessively worn. Always follow the lowest rating in the complete system. The SM33TXJ 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 SM33TXJ?

The product includes the 33 inch square Conus II replacement spear and applicable Doublenut® hardware. It does not include a sleeve or collar.

Must the SM33TXJ use a 144T sleeve?

No. The 144T is the verified PRO-Link collar, but another sleeve may be suitable when the complete Conus II mounting profile, depth, threads, clearance, support, and alignment match correctly.

Is a 33 inch spear suitable for every bale?

No. Confirm adequate penetration, bale weight, center of gravity, tine arrangement, stabilizer requirements, attachment capacity, and machine limits before choosing the shorter spear.