48BX 48 Inch Bracketed Bale Spear with 155BU Bracket

The HAYSTIX® 48BX 48 inch bracketed bale spear is a complete bolt-on assembly for compatible hay frames built with 3 inch by 3 inch square tubing. It combines a 48 inch by 1.625 inch heat-treated, straight cross-hole spear with a 155BU bracket, two 58X3U U-bolts, and the required fastening hardware. The individual spear is rated at 3,000 pounds at a 30 inch load center.

This bracketed arrangement gives farmers, equipment owners, and fabricators a serviceable alternative to welding a separate spear sleeve into the attachment frame. It can be used on properly designed carriers for moving suitable round bales, square bales, straw, silage, and other baled feed. Buyers comparing bracket sizes and spear capacities can also review PRO-Link’s HAYSTIX® bracketed bale spear assemblies.

Cross-Bolt Spear Retention and U-Bolt Frame Mounting

The 48BX uses two separate fastening methods. The straight spear slides into the 155BU bracket until the retaining holes align. A cross-bolt then passes through both the bracket and spear to hold the tine in position. This is a straight cross-hole connection, not a tapered sleeve, conical nut, or Doublenut® mounting system.

Two 58X3U U-bolt assemblies attach the bracket to compatible 3 inch by 3 inch tubing. Each U-bolt wraps around the frame and tightens through the bracket with its matching hardware. The cross-bolt retains the spear, while the U-bolts secure the bracket to the carrier. Keeping those functions separate helps owners identify the correct replacement parts and inspect each connection properly.

Before installation, confirm the tubing dimensions, wall condition, bracket location, and available clearance. Paint buildup, dents, weld beads, rounded corners, added plates, or damaged tubing can prevent the bracket and U-bolts from seating evenly. Install and tighten the hardware according to the applicable instructions, then recheck the bracket position and nuts after the first operating cycles. A custom or repaired frame should be evaluated by a qualified fabricator or equipment professional.

Bale Handling with Compatible Loader Attachments

When mounted on a properly rated attachment, the 48BX can support feeding, trailer loading, staging, stacking, and moving hay from storage. Its 48 inch reach provides useful penetration into suitable bales, while the bracketed mounting system keeps the retaining hardware accessible for inspection, service, or spear replacement.

The completed bale carrier may be used with a compatible tractor front-end loader, skid steer, telehandler, or other suitable agricultural machine. The spear does not connect directly to every machine in those categories. Fit depends on the attachment’s 3 inch square tubing, structural design, bracket position, spear spacing, coupler, operating clearance, and approved capacity.

The published 3,000 pound rating applies to the individual spear at the stated load center. It does not establish or increase the capacity of the bracketed frame, loader, coupler, or machine. Bale weight changes with size, crop, density, and moisture, so operators must stay within the lowest-rated component of the complete system.

Inspect the spear point, shaft, cross hole, retaining bolt, bracket, U-bolts, nuts, washers, and surrounding tubing regularly. Stop using the assembly if anything becomes loose, bent, cracked, stretched, distorted, or excessively worn. The 48BX is covered by PRO-Link’s one-year limited warranty against manufacturer’s defects, subject to the complete warranty terms.

Questions & Answers

What is included with the 48BX?

The complete package includes the 48 inch by 1.625 inch heat-treated spear, 155BU bracket, two 58X3U U-bolts, cross-bolt, and required fastening hardware.

How does this 48 inch bracketed bale spear attach to the frame?

A cross-bolt retains the spear inside the 155BU bracket. Two U-bolts then wrap around compatible 3 inch by 3 inch square tubing and secure the bracket to the frame.

Will the 48BX fit every tractor or skid steer attachment?

No. Verify the tubing dimensions, frame condition, bracket position, spear spacing, coupler, clearances, and total equipment capacity before installation. Machine category alone does not confirm compatibility.