jhambley
Well-known member
I purchased the Bale Buster and I'm happy with the purchase.
Here are some of my observations:
1. The assembly instructions did not match the parts I was sent. Clearly the product has been changed and the instructions never updated.
2. I would have used pins instead of bolts to form the pivot joints.
3. They sent an eye bolt to attach to the top end of the pivot arm. The bolt was too short and didn't have enough threads to tighten properly. I'm going to weld on my own attachment point (like the original instructions show).
4. One of the uprights had a small "burr" on one end that prevented the piece from sliding into place. It only took a few minutes with my hand grinder to correct this problem.
5. The winch is usable (1200 lb capacity) but does seem a bit lightweight when I'm staring at a 1600lb bale. I'm thinking of using a low cost 12V winch.
6. It takes a bit of practice backing up to a bale as the trailer is well below the sight line of my one ton truck. The trailer has a rather short wheelbase which causes you to "chase" it around a bit. I found it easier to leave the spear in the upright position so I can see where I'm backing, then stop and lower the spear for the final few feet. Maybe you could add some bicycle flags to the trailer to allow for better positioning?
7. The pivot arm that the bale rest upon (when in the loaded position) pentrates into the bale which makes it nearly impossible to place the locking pin in place to lock the pivot for traveling. I haven't figured out a solution to this one yet.
8. The bale Buster is light enough to move by hand but I think I'm going to add a hitch stand to the front end to prevent the hitch from laying on the ground when not in use. I also thought it would be nice to store the unit already backed up and spearing the next bale. Without a hitch stand however, it was impossible to lift the Bale Buster off my truck hitch as the spears (and the weight of the bale) prevent me from lifting the trailer hitch off the ball.
Hope you find this "mini" review helpful. The Bale Buster is a great idea and works as advertised. I just think there are a few things that could be improved on.
<Edited to add some of the positives>
1. The unit was shipped in two cardboard boxes. The pieces were all very well wrapped and perfectly powder coated. The tires were delivered strink-wapped together. UPS delivered it directly to my farm.
2. The square tubing all feels like it is heavy enough to do the job. The spear is very heavy.
3. Even when transporting a very heavy bale, the unit was very stable. I don't know how it might feel on the back of a 4 wheeler however.
4. Loading and unloading a bale only took a few minutes.
Jerry
Here are some of my observations:
1. The assembly instructions did not match the parts I was sent. Clearly the product has been changed and the instructions never updated.
2. I would have used pins instead of bolts to form the pivot joints.
3. They sent an eye bolt to attach to the top end of the pivot arm. The bolt was too short and didn't have enough threads to tighten properly. I'm going to weld on my own attachment point (like the original instructions show).
4. One of the uprights had a small "burr" on one end that prevented the piece from sliding into place. It only took a few minutes with my hand grinder to correct this problem.
5. The winch is usable (1200 lb capacity) but does seem a bit lightweight when I'm staring at a 1600lb bale. I'm thinking of using a low cost 12V winch.
6. It takes a bit of practice backing up to a bale as the trailer is well below the sight line of my one ton truck. The trailer has a rather short wheelbase which causes you to "chase" it around a bit. I found it easier to leave the spear in the upright position so I can see where I'm backing, then stop and lower the spear for the final few feet. Maybe you could add some bicycle flags to the trailer to allow for better positioning?
7. The pivot arm that the bale rest upon (when in the loaded position) pentrates into the bale which makes it nearly impossible to place the locking pin in place to lock the pivot for traveling. I haven't figured out a solution to this one yet.
8. The bale Buster is light enough to move by hand but I think I'm going to add a hitch stand to the front end to prevent the hitch from laying on the ground when not in use. I also thought it would be nice to store the unit already backed up and spearing the next bale. Without a hitch stand however, it was impossible to lift the Bale Buster off my truck hitch as the spears (and the weight of the bale) prevent me from lifting the trailer hitch off the ball.
Hope you find this "mini" review helpful. The Bale Buster is a great idea and works as advertised. I just think there are a few things that could be improved on.
<Edited to add some of the positives>
1. The unit was shipped in two cardboard boxes. The pieces were all very well wrapped and perfectly powder coated. The tires were delivered strink-wapped together. UPS delivered it directly to my farm.
2. The square tubing all feels like it is heavy enough to do the job. The spear is very heavy.
3. Even when transporting a very heavy bale, the unit was very stable. I don't know how it might feel on the back of a 4 wheeler however.
4. Loading and unloading a bale only took a few minutes.
Jerry