Bale Fork / Bale Handling Tool
Handles round or square bales with loaders.
What it is used for
Handles round or square bales with loaders.
How to operate it
Centre the tool on the bale, secure it using the attachment design, lift low and transport carefully.
Selection and setup
Check the in-game shop for power requirement, working width, capacity, supported fill types, hitch/header compatibility and optional configurations before purchase or leasing.
Operating procedure
Before starting, confirm the machine is compatible with the crop/material and that the power unit meets the shop requirement. Attach or enter the machine, unfold/prepare it, position at the start of the work area, lower/activate the working components where applicable, then work consistent passes at the machine’s rated working speed. Monitor fill level, material type and missed strips. Stop/lift the working parts before tight headland turns, reposition, then resume.
Before you buy or lease
Check working width, working speed, power requirement, capacity, supported fill/crop types, hitch/header compatibility, wheel/tyre options and whether the tool combines another field operation. Lease highly specialised equipment when it will only be used for a small acreage.
Compatibility & attachments
This shows what the equipment connects to, which attachment families work with it, and what each combination is used for. For a specific model, the in-game shop Combinations panel is the final compatibility check.
| Compatible connection / attachment | Used for | Important notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front loader | Lift/stack bales using the FL version. | Pick the correct handler for round/square/wrapped bales. |
| Telehandler | High stacking and bale handling using TL tools. | Use compatible TL tool. |
| Wheel loader | Heavy bale handling using WL tools. | Use compatible WL tool. |
| Skid steer loader | Bale handling in tight yards. | Use skid-steer bale spear/handler. |
Procedure
- Attach the bale handling tool to a compatible loader machine.
- Approach the material squarely at low speed and keep the attachment close to ground level.
- Engage the load fully before lifting so weight is centred and secure.
- Carry the load low while travelling; avoid abrupt steering with a raised load.
- Position over/at the destination, unload gently, then lower the attachment before reversing away.
Detailed procedure guides
Alternative options
Bale loader for high-volume collection.
Practical tips
- Use an attachment suited to bale shape and size.
- Operate at the tool’s rated working speed and allow space at headlands for clean turns.