48SS Cross-Bolt Bale Spike – 48 Inch Hayspears® Assembly

Description

The Hayspears® 48SS cross-bolt bale spike is a complete 48 inch hay-handling assembly for building or repairing a properly designed bale spear frame. It combines a 1.625 inch fluted S48S spear with the matching 155 weld-in sleeve, cross-bolt, and mounting nut. Rated at 3,000 lb at a 30 inch load center, the 48SS provides long bale engagement for lifting, carrying, stacking, and feeding round or square hay bales.

The assembly may be installed in properly designed tractor-loader frames, skid steer hay attachments, bale movers, AG-GO attachments, or custom-fabricated equipment. Fit depends on the frame, sleeve placement, coupler, machine limits, and intended bale.

Fluted 48 Inch Spear and Cross-Bolt Retention

The S48S is a straight, non-tapered Hayspears® tine made from heat-treated, high-strength steel. Its forged fluted profile helps the point enter tightly packed or wet hay while reducing resistance as the spear is withdrawn. The flutes should be positioned parallel to the ground during assembly so the spear has the intended working orientation.

The 48 inch length reaches deeply into large bales, helping maintain engagement during transport and placement. Bale weight varies with size, crop, density, and moisture. Wet hay, silage, or haylage may weigh considerably more than dry hay or straw.

The spear’s 3,000 lb rating does not establish the capacity of the completed attachment. Always follow the lowest-rated part of the full system, including the spear, collar, welds, frame, coupler, loader, tractor or skid steer, tires, and required ballast. Keep the bale low while traveling and follow the equipment manufacturer’s operating instructions.

Unlike a tapered bale spear that seats in a conical sleeve and tightens with a retaining nut, the 48SS uses straight cross-hole retention. The spear slides into the 155 collar until the holes align, and the cross-bolt passes through both components. PRO-Link’s bale spear sleeve and collar guide explains how this system differs from tapered and bracketed mounting styles.

Complete 155 Weld-In Collar Assembly and Installation

The 48SS package includes:

• S48S 48 inch fluted hay spear
• 155 weld-in sleeve or collar
• Cross-bolt
• Mounting nut

Only the empty 155 cross bolt hay fork collar should be welded into the supporting frame. Remove the spear, bolt, nut, and other hardware before welding. A qualified fabricator should confirm the frame opening, sleeve position, spear angle, rear clearance, bolt access, supporting steel, and proper welding procedure. Allow the collar and frame to cool completely before inserting the spear.

After cooling, clean the opening and check for weld spatter, distortion, cracks, or blocked clearance. Insert the spear with its flutes parallel to the ground, align the cross holes naturally, and install the supplied bolt and nut. Do not force the bolt through misaligned openings or enlarge the holes to make unmatched parts fit.

The cross-bolt design keeps the spear serviceable after the collar has been welded into the frame. If the tine later becomes worn or damaged while the collar remains sound, operators can compare the spear-only S48S replacement hay bale spike. Confirm the complete straight mounting profile, cross-hole position, shank dimensions, hardware, and clearance before replacing any component; the 1.625 inch diameter alone does not guarantee compatibility.

Inspect the spear, collar, hardware, welds, and frame regularly, and stop use if any component is damaged or loose. The 48SS is protected by PRO-Link’s one-year limited warranty against manufacturer’s defects, subject to the full terms.

Questions & Answers

What is included with the 48SS cross-bolt bale spike?

The assembly includes the S48S 48 inch fluted spear, 155 weld-in collar, cross-bolt, and mounting nut. The removable spear is retained through aligned cross holes.

Is the 48SS a tapered bale spear?

No. The 48SS is a straight cross-hole spear. It slides into the matching 155 collar and is secured by a cross-bolt and nut rather than seating in a tapered sleeve.

What is the working rating of the 48SS?

The spear is rated at 3,000 lb at a 30 inch load center. The completed attachment and machine may have lower limits, so safe capacity is always determined by the lowest-rated part of the entire setup.