3pt hay unroller questions

[scf84]

building a 3pt hay unroller that pulls the hay on the ground to unroll and have couple questions.
1. do the spears need to turn with a disc with ears on it to grab into the side of the bale or can i just weld spear to the end of the arms and let the bale roll on the spears.
2.and where the bale arms meet the main frame of the unroller would it be better to weld the brackets onto the frame or onto the arms? i have seen them both ways but not sure which would be strong or if it matters?

and if anyone has any measurements of one that would be helpful but i think i can figure it out by measuring my hay and building it to what i think it needs.

 

[herefordlover]

The spears need to turn and i would weld the brackets the the main frame

 

[John SD]

The spears need to turn and i would weld the brackets the the main frame

Brackets should be welded to the main frame. IMO, the spears don't need to turn.

Local fabricator/welder in his day made hundreds, if not thousands of bale unrollers. I own 2 of them.

He used 1" grade 5 bolts at hinge points. The spears were welded 2" round solid steel about 2' long. Operated by a standard 8' stroke double acting cylinder through linkage with pivot point in the center in an oscillating motion.

2" diameter cyl probably would do but most people used 4" or whatever they had. Also many folks use a length of good heavy log chain instead of a top link.

Guy started building these when round bales became popular in the late 70's. Now he is retired and hasn't made a new bale unroller for at least 10 years. Every one of his rigs sold at auction sales brings more than the original cost because they are darn near indestuctible 8)

 

[scf84]

john SD do you have any pics of yours? they would be greatly appreciated thanks.