55TXJ 55-Inch Tapered Bale Spear with 144T Sleeve

The HAYSTIX® 55TXJ 55-inch tapered bale spear is a complete spear-and-sleeve assembly for building or repairing compatible hay-handling frames. It combines a 55-inch by 1.75-inch square-profile Conus II spear with the matching 144T weld-in sleeve and PRO-Link’s patented Doublenut® mounting system. Rated at 3,500 pounds at a 30-inch load center, this long hay tine provides deep engagement for handling suitable large round bales, square bales, straw, silage, haylage, cornstalk bales, and other dense baled feed.

The 55TXJ uses a tapered, nut-retained mounting system. It is different from the straight 55SX cross-hole model, which locks into its sleeve with a bolt through aligned holes. Understanding that difference is important when choosing a complete assembly, replacing a spear, or designing a custom hay frame.

Conus II Spear for Large-Bale Handling

The square HAYSTIX® shaft gradually narrows toward the point, allowing the bale spike to enter compressed material progressively instead of pushing its full width into the bale at once. This can support smoother penetration and withdrawal during feeding, stacking, trailer loading, unloading, and routine bale movement.

Its 55-inch reach allows the tine to extend deeply into properly sized bales. Deeper engagement can help a well-designed carrier maintain contact while the operator lifts and places the load. Bale stability still depends on correct spear spacing, frame angle, load placement, machine movement, terrain, and whether the attachment requires stabilizer tines. Keep the bale low during travel and avoid sudden starts, stops, or turns.

When installed in a compatible attachment, the 55TXJ can serve as a bale spear for tractor front-end loaders, a skid steer hay stab, or a long hay fork for suitable wheel-loader and telehandler frames. Tractor loaders may use it for carrying feed from storage to livestock, while skid steers can move hay through tighter barns and feeding areas. Telehandlers and larger loaders may use properly engineered carriers for stacking and trailer work.

These machine applications do not indicate direct fit with every tractor, skid steer, front-end loader, wheel loader, or telehandler. The 144T sleeve must be fabricated into a suitable frame with the correct structure, spear position, coupler geometry, clearance, and total rating. AG-GO offers different hay-frame styles that use sleeves and bale spears, but the exact frame configuration must be confirmed before selecting the 55TXJ.

144T Sleeve and Doublenut® Installation

The included 144T tapered sleeve is designed for weld-in installation in suitable steel tubing or another properly supported frame location. Remove the spear and mounting nuts before welding. A qualified fabricator should determine the sleeve direction, projection, alignment, supporting steel, and welding procedure required for the finished attachment.

After the collar and frame have cooled, insert the Conus II mounting end through the sleeve. The conical nut draws the matching tapered surfaces together, and the second jam nut locks against it to help resist loosening from vibration and repeated handling cycles. The parts should seat correctly without dirt, heavy corrosion, weld spatter, or damage interfering with the connection.

Although the complete 55TXJ includes the 144T, the spear is not restricted to that product number when used later as a replacement. A properly fitting sleeve designed to seat the same 1.75-inch tapered mounting profile may also be compatible. Confirm the sleeve’s inside diameter, taper, seating depth, support, thread clearance, and required nut system rather than relying on diameter alone.

The published capacity applies to the individual bale tine at the stated load center. It does not establish or increase the capacity of the sleeve installation, frame, welds, coupler, loader, or machine. Always follow the lowest rating in the complete system. Inspect the point, square shaft, mounting taper, threads, nuts, sleeve, welds, and frame regularly. The 55TXJ 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 55TXJ assembly?

It includes the 55-inch square Conus II bale spear, 144T weld-in sleeve, and applicable Doublenut® mounting hardware.

Is this 55-inch tapered bale spear compatible only with a 144T sleeve?

No. The complete assembly includes the 144T, but the spear may fit another sleeve designed to seat its 1.75-inch tapered mounting profile. Verify the complete fit first.

What machines can use the 55TXJ hay fork?

It may be fabricated into compatible tractor-loader, skid-steer, front-end-loader, telehandler, wheel-loader, bale-mover, or AG-GO hay frames. Machine category alone does not establish fit.