48FX 48 Inch Cross-Bolt Bale Fork with 155 Sleeve – Hayspears®

Description

The PRO-Link Hayspears® 48FX 48 inch cross-bolt bale fork is a complete spear-and-sleeve assembly for building or repairing compatible hay-handling frames. It combines a 48 inch by 1.625 inch fluted spear with the matching 155 weld-in sleeve or collar, cross-bolt, and retaining nut. The individual spear is rated at 3,000 pounds at a 30 inch load center.

Although the product is commonly described as a bolt-on bale fork, the 155 collar does not bolt onto the attachment. The empty collar must be welded into suitable frame steel. “Bolt-on” describes how the removable spear is retained inside the sleeve by a cross-bolt. The 48FX is also the current model name for the discontinued 48SX.

Fluted 48 Inch Cross-Bolt Bale Fork for Hay Handling

The 48FX has fluted sides that reduce the amount of compacted material contacting the full spear shaft. This profile helps the point enter dense hay progressively and can support easier withdrawal when unloading, stacking, or opening a bale for feeding. Install the fluted sides parallel to the ground so the working profile is oriented as intended.

Its 48 inch reach provides deeper engagement than shorter 33 inch or 39 inch tines. That added length can help a properly designed carrier maintain contact with large round bales or supported square bales during feeding, trailer loading, transport, and placement. Longer reach does not increase the spear’s published capacity or correct an unsuitable frame layout.

The assembly may be incorporated into compatible tractor-loader frames, skid steer hay attachments, three-point bale movers, telehandler carriers, and custom agricultural equipment. These are potential fabrication applications rather than universal direct-fit claims. Confirm the frame structure, coupler, sleeve position, spear spacing, clearances, attachment capacity, and machine rating before use.

Hay, straw, silage, haylage, and cornstalk bales can vary considerably in moisture, density, dimensions, and weight. Some loads may require multiple primary spears or stabilizer tines to control rotation and shifting. Keep the bale low during travel, operate at a controlled speed, and avoid sudden turns or stops.

Installing the 155 Weld-In Collar and Cross-Bolt

The included 155 cross-bolt hay fork collar is designed for permanent installation in suitable supporting steel. Remove the tine, bolt, and nut before welding. A qualified fabricator should determine the collar position, projection, alignment, joint preparation, surrounding support, and welding procedure for the completed frame.

After the collar and frame cool, inspect the opening and remove any dirt, scale, or weld spatter that could interfere with installation. Slide the straight mounting end into the sleeve until the cross holes align naturally. Insert the supplied bolt through the collar and spear, then secure it with the retaining nut. Never force the bolt through misaligned holes or substitute a tapered, nut-retained tine.

PRO-Link’s bale spear sleeve and collar guide explains cross-bolt installation and the differences between straight and tapered mounting systems. Buyers comparing popular models can also find the 48FX and its former 48SX name in PRO-Link’s Top 5 best-selling hay bale spear guide.

The individual spear’s rating does not establish or increase the capacity of the collar, welds, frame, coupler, loader, or carrying machine. Always follow the lowest-rated component. Inspect the point, flutes, shaft, cross hole, bolt, nut, sleeve, and frame regularly. The 48FX is covered by PRO-Link’s one-year limited warranty against manufacturer’s defects.

Questions & Answers

What comes with the 48FX assembly?

The 48FX includes the 48 inch fluted cross-hole bale spear, 155 weld-in sleeve or collar, cross-bolt, and retaining nut. The attachment frame is not included.

Does the 48 inch cross-bolt bale fork mount without welding?

No. The 155 sleeve must be welded into a suitable frame. The removable spear then slides into the cooled collar and is retained by the supplied cross-bolt.

Is the 48FX the replacement for the discontinued 48SX?

Yes. PRO-Link’s current product record identifies the 48FX as the current name for the former 48SX while retaining the verified 1.625 inch cross-bolt configuration.