Out Of The Way Bale Spike

Out of the Way Bale Spike HAY & FORAGE HARVESTING Bale Handling (5) 10-6-7 "I needed a big bale spike that wouldn't interfere with a gooseneck trailer hitch in the bed of the pickup or stop me from using the tailgate," says Pat Murphy, Fort Scott, Kan., who built his own "out of the way" spike. "The spike is operated by an electric hydraulic unit under the seat in the cab through a cylinder mounted in front of the bumper under the bed floor. The cylinder is connected to the spike by a floating link which rides on carrier bearings in channel iron. These bearings support the bale weight which guarantees there's no damaging side load pressure on the cylinder ram. "The spike attaches to the top of the bumper in line with the truck frame. Because it's attached by three 1-in. pins, it can be attached or removed in seconds. When removed, the cylinder retracts the floating link which leaves nothing to interfere with the normal use or appearance of the truck. "Safety of the spike when carrying a bale is improved by locating the shorter stabilizing spike low and centered under the main spike. The spike is made from square tubing so it's light enough that anyone can handle it while attaching or removing. "I've used this spike for over 2 years and it's never required alteration or repair," says Murphy. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Pat Murphy, Rt. 3, Fort Scott, Kan. 66701 (ph 316 223-1549).

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