49BX 49 Inch Bracketed Hay Spike with 175BU Bracket

The HAYSTIX® 49BX 49 inch bracketed hay spike provides a complete bolt-on mounting package for bale-handling frames built with compatible 3 inch by 3 inch square tubing. The assembly combines a straight 49 inch by 1.75 inch square-profile spear with the 175BU bolt-on bale spear bracket, two 58X3U U-bolt assemblies, and the required fastening hardware. The individual spear is rated at 3,500 pounds at a 30 inch load center.

This configuration allows installation or service without welding the bracket to the frame. Compatibility still depends on tubing size, wall thickness, frame condition, bracket position, clearance, and intended load.

How the Cross-Bolt and U-Bolt Connections Work

The 49BX uses two separate fastening systems, and each performs a different job. The straight spear slides into the 175BU bracket until their cross holes align. A cross-bolt then passes through both components to retain the tine. This spear connection does not use a tapered sleeve, conical retaining nut, or Doublenut® system.

The bracket attaches to the frame with two 58X3U U-bolt assemblies. Each U-bolt wraps around compatible 3 inch by 3 inch square tubing and is secured with its matching nuts and washers. The mounting surface should be straight, clean, and free from damage that could prevent the bracket from seating evenly.

Position the bracket for suitable working clearance and spear alignment. If multiple tines are used, their spacing and projection should follow the frame design so they engage the bale together. The hardware must be tightened using the applicable product instructions and inspected again after initial operation. Do not invent a torque value when the correct specification is unavailable.

The bolt-on layout keeps the components accessible during maintenance. A damaged spear can be removed by releasing the cross-bolt rather than cutting the bracket from the frame. However, not every 1.75 inch cross-hole spear is interchangeable. The profile, cross-hole location, bracket dimensions, hardware, and operating clearance must all match.

Bale Handling Capacity, Equipment Fit, and Inspection

The 49 inch reach provides deep engagement in properly sized round bales, square bales, straw, silage, and other baled feed. A compatible carrier may support feeding, stacking, transport, or trailer-loading work with a tractor front-end loader, skid steer, telehandler, three-point bale mover, or other suitable agricultural equipment.

Those machine categories describe possible applications rather than direct universal fit. The 49BX mounts to the bale-handling frame, not directly to every tractor or loader. Buyers must verify the tubing, frame structure, bracket location, coupler, spear spacing, operating clearance, attachment weight, ballast requirements, and machine limits before use.

PRO-Link’s Top 5 best-selling hay bale spears guide ranks the 49BX fourth among the company’s individual spear models and explains how its bracketed mounting system differs from tapered and weld-in cross-bolt assemblies.

The published 3,500 pound capacity applies only to the individual spear at the stated load center. It does not establish or increase the rating of the bracket, frame, coupler, loader, telehandler, tractor, skid steer, or completed attachment. Bale weight changes with size, moisture, density, and material, so the lowest-rated part of the complete system determines the working limit.

Inspect the spear point, shaft, cross hole, cross-bolt, bracket, U-bolts, nuts, washers, and frame tubing before use. Stop operating if anything is loose, bent, cracked, stretched, distorted, or excessively worn. The 49BX is covered by PRO-Link’s one-year limited warranty against manufacturer’s defects, subject to the complete terms.

Questions & Answers

Is the 49BX tapered or cross-bolted?

It is a straight cross-hole spear. A cross-bolt passes through aligned holes in the 49BX spear and 175BU bracket to retain the tine.

Does installation require welding the 175BU bracket to the frame?

No. Two 58X3U U-bolts secure the bracket around compatible 3 inch by 3 inch square tubing. The frame itself must still be properly designed and strong enough for the intended application.

Will the 49BX fit every loader bale attachment?

No. Confirm the tubing dimensions, wall thickness, frame condition, bracket position, coupler, clearance, spear spacing, hardware, and capacity of the complete machine and attachment.