John Deere Bale Spear Attachment Buying Guide
Choose the right bale spear for your John Deere skid steer, compact track loader, or compact wheel loader. Tine count, tine capacity, bale type, and coupler fit decide how safely it lifts, carries, and stacks your hay. Models handle round bales up to 4,000 lb, plus a model built for square bales.
Bale Spears Overview
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Browse All John Deere PartsChoosing a Skid Steer Bale Spear by Application
| Application | Models to Consider | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Lighter round bales moved one at a time | AB21 | Your heaviest bale stays under 2,000 lb |
| Heavier round bales with a single tine | AB31 | Bale weight up to 3,000 lb |
| Round bales that spin or shift on one tine | AB32 | Two main tines to hold the bale steady |
| The heaviest round bales and wet baleage | AB42, AB43 | 4,000 lb tine capacity against your loader's rated operating capacity |
| Stacking bales and loading trailers | AB32, AB42, AB43 | Clear view of the tine tips while you place the bale |
| Square bales | Square Bale Spears | Bale size and the 375 lb attachment weight |
What to Look For When Buying a Bale Spear
| Factor | What To Know |
|---|---|
| Machine Compatibility | Quik-Tatch models fit G Series skid steers, track loaders, and L Series compact wheel loaders. |
| Tine Capacity | Capacity runs from 2,000 to 4,000 lb, so match it to your heaviest bale. |
| Number of Main Tines | One tine lines up faster, while two tines stop the bale from turning. |
| Bale Type | Round bale models and the square bale model are built for different bale shapes. |
| Attachment Weight | Weights run from 145 to 375 lbs and count against your loader's rated operating capacity. |
| Coupler Type | Quik-Tatch mounting needs a skid steer-style coupler on your loader. |
| Visibility | A low-profile frame keeps the tine tips in view as you spear the bale. |
| Wear Parts | Cross bolts hold the tines, so a bent tine comes out for quick replacement. |
How a Bale Spear Attachment Works
Each stage moves the bale from the field to where you want it placed.
- Loader Hydraulics
- Quik-Tatch Coupler
- Spear Frame
- Main Tines
- Bale Lift
- Stack or Trailer
Safety & Maintenance Tips
- Spear the bale at its center so it stays balanced on the tines.
- Carry bales low and travel slowly, especially on slopes and rough ground.
- Never let anyone stand under or near a raised bale.
- Keep the combined bale and attachment weight within your loader's rated operating capacity.
- Check tines for bends, cracks, and loose cross bolts before each use.
- Lower the spear to the ground before parking or disconnecting.
- Store the attachment with the tines down so no one walks into them.
Why Buy a Bale Spear from Doggett?
We offer genuine John Deere bale spears backed by expert parts support and fast delivery. Our team helps you match tine count, tine capacity, and coupler fit to your loader so you can move hay safely and quickly.
- Genuine John Deere Attachments
- Expert Parts Support
- Large Parts Inventory
- Fast Shipping & Availability
- Multiple Locations Across Texas & Louisiana
- Dealer-Backed Service
Not sure which spear fits your bales?
Our team can match tine capacity and coupler fit to your loader and bale weight before you order.
Ordering ahead of hay season? Find your nearest Doggett branch:
Find a DealerFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a round bale spear and a square bale spear?
The difference is the bale shape each one is built to carry. Doggett's AB models are made for round bales and come with one or two main tines, while the square model is made for square bales, which sit flat and stack tightly. Match the attachment to the bale you handle most, and ask the parts team if you work with both.
Which John Deere machines fit these bale spears?
The AB21, AB31, AB32, and AB43 use Quik-Tatch mounting and fit John Deere 316GR, 318G, 320G, 324G, 330G, and 332G skid steers, 317G, 325G, 331G, and 333G compact track loaders, and 204L, 244L, 304L, and 324L compact wheel loaders. For the AB42 and the square model, ask a Doggett parts specialist to confirm the fit for your machine.
How much weight can a bale spear lift?
Tine capacity is 2,000 lb on the AB21, 3,000 lb on the AB31 and AB32, and 4,000 lb on the AB42 and AB43. Your loader's rated operating capacity is the real limit, and the attachment's own weight counts against it, so check both before you lift a heavy or wet bale.
Should I choose a single tine or a double tine bale spear?
A single tine is quicker to line up and suits lighter bales moved one at a time. Two main tines keep the bale from spinning or sagging, which helps with heavier bales and with stacking or loading trailers.
Can I replace the tines on a bale spear?
Yes. On the Quik-Tatch AB models, the tines are held with cross bolts, so you can remove a bent or worn tine and fit a new one without replacing the whole attachment. Contact the Doggett parts team for the right replacement tine.
Can I put a John Deere bale spear on a tractor?
These models mount to a skid steer-style Quik-Tatch coupler. Many tractor front loaders use a different coupler, so check yours before ordering, or ask the Doggett parts team about a bale spear made for your tractor loader.