SM49FX 49 Inch Cross-Bolt Bale Stab – Fluted Replacement

The HAYSTIX® SM49FX 49 inch cross-bolt bale stab is a spear-only replacement for serviceable hay frames using a compatible straight cross-hole mount. It measures 49 inches long, has a 1.75 inch four-sided fluted profile, and is rated at 3,500 pounds at a 30 inch load center. It allows a worn or damaged tine to be replaced without automatically removing a usable collar from the frame.

The SM prefix follows the same inclusion rule as an S model: no sleeve or collar is supplied. The cross-bolt, retaining nut, and other mounting hardware are also excluded. Buyers who need the spear, 175 weld-in sleeve, and hardware together should choose the complete 49FX bolt-up hay spear assembly.

Fluted Replacement Tine for Existing Hay Frames

The SM49FX is straight and non-tapered. Its four-sided fluted shape narrows toward the point, helping the tine enter compressed material progressively. Its 49 inch reach provides useful engagement when lifting, feeding, unloading, carrying, or stacking properly supported round and square bales.

Hay and forage materials do not all behave the same way. Alfalfa, Bermuda grass, prairie hay, mixed-grass hay, straw, cornstalk material, silage, and haylage can vary substantially in density and moisture. A wet or tightly compressed bale may be much heavier than dry hay with similar dimensions. Large square bales may also require multiple primary tines, stabilizers, or another frame arrangement to provide adequate support and control.

When installed in the correct attachment, the SM49FX may replace a tine in compatible tractor front-end loader frames, skid steer bale movers, telehandler carriers, wheel-loader frames, commercial feeding equipment, and certain AG-GO hay attachments. These examples are potential applications rather than universal fit claims. The existing carrier must provide the correct sleeve position, spear spacing, structure, coupler geometry, clearance, and complete equipment rating.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s hay-handling safety guidance recommends equipment designed specifically for large round bales, sufficient counterweight, low travel height, and smooth operation without sudden starts or changes of direction. Those practices remain important after any replacement spear is installed.

Checking the Sleeve and Cross-Bolt Connection

A 1.75 inch inside diameter does not prove that an existing sleeve fits the SM49FX. Confirm the straight mounting section, insertion depth, cross-hole size and location, frame clearance, and specified retaining hardware. The mount must allow the holes in the spear and sleeve to align without forcing either component.

Inspect the collar’s internal surface, cross holes, surrounding steel, and welds before reuse. Do not install the replacement tine in a sleeve that is cracked, distorted, loose, heavily corroded, excessively worn, or elongated around the retaining hole. When the collar also requires replacement, the 175 cross-bolt bale spear mount provides the verified PRO-Link sleeve used in the complete 49FX assembly.

Slide the tine into the serviceable mount until the holes align. Insert the correct cross-bolt through both parts and secure it with the retaining nut. The cross-bolt mechanically retains this straight spear; it does not use a tapered seat, conical nut, or Doublenut® connection. Buyers uncertain about the mounting family can compare PRO-Link’s HAYSTIX® cross-bolt bale spears and replacement tines.

The published capacity applies only to the individual spear at the stated load center. The lowest rating among the tine, sleeve, bolt, welds, frame, coupler, loader, and machine sets the working limit. Inspect the point, flutes, shaft, cross hole, hardware, collar, welds, and frame regularly. The SM49FX 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 SM49FX?

The SM49FX includes the 49 inch fluted replacement spear only. A sleeve, cross-bolt, retaining nut, and mounting hardware are not included.

Will this 49 inch cross-bolt bale stab fit any 1.75 inch sleeve?

No. The collar must match the straight mounting profile, insertion depth, cross-hole position, hardware, support, and operating clearance.

When should I choose the complete 49FX instead?

Choose the complete 49FX when the installation also requires a new 175 weld-in sleeve and cross-bolt hardware. Select the SM49FX when the existing compatible mount remains serviceable.