Bale Spear Safety Checklist
A safety checklist for bale spears, helping operators check the spear, mounting, and stabilizers and handle bales in a safe way.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
ChecklistMachinery & EquipmentFree PDF
What is on this checklist
- Spear tip is straight and not bent
- Spear mount and bolts are tight
- Stabilizer spears are installed if needed
- Welds show no cracks
- Loader or tractor is rated for the load
- Spear is covered when not in use
- Bales carried low and close
- No riders or bystanders near loads
- Bale stacks checked for stability
How to use this checklist
Work down the list in the same order each time so nothing gets skipped. Anything marked FIX should be handled before the job starts and written down.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with OSHA and eXtension.
For more in this area, see the farm equipment repair advice. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Hay Bale Fail, and farming farm stories.