Nortrac 51457 User manual

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
3-Pt. Bale Spear
Owner’s Manual
WARNING: Read carefully and understand all ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION
INSTRUCTIONS before operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic safety
precautions may result in serious personal injury.
Item #51457

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Thank you very much for choosing a Nortrac™product!
For future reference, please complete the owner’s record below:
Serial Number/Lot Date Code: ________________________________
Purchase Date: ____________________________________________
Save the receipt, warranty, and this manual. It is important that you read
the entire manual to become familiar with this product before you begin
using it.
This 3-Pt. Bale Spear is designed for certain applications only. Northern
Tool & Equipment is not responsible for issues arising from modification
or improper use of this product such as an application for which it was
not designed. We strongly recommend that this product not be modified
and/or used for any application other than that for which it was designed.
For technical questions, please call 1-800-222-5381.

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Table of Contents
Intended Use..........................................................................................................................................4
Important Safety Information...............................................................................................................4
Specific Operation Warnings...............................................................................................................5
Assembly Instructions..........................................................................................................................6
Before Each Use....................................................................................................................................6
Operating Instructions..........................................................................................................................7
Maintenance ..........................................................................................................................................8
Parts Diagram........................................................................................................................................9
Parts List................................................................................................................................................9
Replacement Parts..............................................................................................................................10
Limited Warranty.................................................................................................................................11

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Intended Use
This Nortrac 3-Pt. Bale Spear is designed to lift the heaviest round bales, up to 2000 lbs. It features a
heavy-duty, replaceable, heat-treated upper spear and two welded stabilizer bars for extra hold and
security. The bale spear fits category 1 hitches.
Important Safety Information
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result in serious injury
or property damage.
The warnings, cautions, and instructions in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions or
situations that could occur. Exercise common sense and caution when using this bale spear.
Always be aware of the environment and ensure that the bale spear is used in a safe and
responsible manner.
Do not allow persons to operate or assemble the bale spear until they have read this manual and
have developed a thorough understanding of how it works.
Do not modify this bale spear in any way. Unauthorized modification may impair the function
and/or safety and could affect the life of the bale spear. There are specific applications for which
the bale spear was designed.
Use the right tool for the job. DO NOT attempt to force small equipment to do the work of larger
industrial equipment. There are certain applications for which this equipment was designed. It will
be safer and do the job better at the capacity for which it was intended. DO NOT use this
equipment for a purpose for which it was not intended.
Industrial or commercial applications must follow OSHA requirements.
WORK AREA SAFETY
Inspect the work area before each use. Keep work area clean, dry, free of clutter, and well lit.
Cluttered, wet, or dark work areas can result in injury. Using the bale spear in confined work
areas may put you dangerously close to other cutting tools and rotating parts.
Do not allow the product to come into contact with an electrical source. The bale spear is not
insulated and contact will cause electrical shock.
Keep children and bystanders away from the work area while operating the bale spear. Do not
allow children to handle the bale spear.
Be aware of all power lines, electrical circuits, water pipes, and other mechanical hazards in your
work area. Some of these hazards may be hidden from your view and may cause personal injury
and/or property damage if contacted.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating the bale spear. Do
not use the bale spear while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
A moment of inattention while operating the tool may result in serious personal injury.

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Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects, or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing
and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving
parts. Air vents on the tool often cover moving parts and should be avoided.
Wear the proper personal protective equipment when necessary. Use ANSI Z87.1 compliant
safety goggles (not safety glasses) with side shields, or when needed, a face shield. Use a dust
mask in dusty work conditions. Also use non-skid safety shoes, hardhat, gloves, dust collection
systems, and hearing protection when appropriate. This applies to all persons in the work area.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
Remove keys or wrenches before connecting the tool to an air supply, power supply, or turning on
the tool. A wrench or key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may cause personal
injury.
Secure the work with clamps or a vise instead of your hand when practical. This safety precaution
allows for proper tool operation using both hands.
PRODUCT USE AND CARE
Do not force the bale spear. Products are safer and do a better job when used in the manner for
which they are designed. Plan your work, and use the correct product for the job.
Check for damaged parts before each use. Carefully check that the bale spear will operate
properly and perform its intended function. Replace damaged or worn parts immediately. Never
operate the bale spear with a damaged part.
Store the bale spear when it is not in use. Store it in a dry, secure place out of the reach of
children. Inspect the bale spear for good working condition prior to storage and before re-use.
Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for use with your bale spear.
Accessories that may be suitable for one product may create a risk of injury when used with
another tool. Never use an accessory that has a lower operating speed or operating pressure
than the tool itself.
Keep guards in place and in working order. Never operate the bale spear without the guards in
place.
Specific Operation Warnings
To prevent serious injury or death:
Read and understand the Owner’s Manual before operating, servicing, or repairing the
equipment.
Stop the engine, remove the key, and set the brake before dismounting the tractor.
Operate from the tractor seat only.
Never allow riders on equipment.
Keep bystanders at least 25 feet away while operating.
Always insert spears in bale-never under bale. Failure to do this can result in bale falling off when
the loader is raised causing injury or death.
DO NOT tilt bale when it is above 8 feet. Keep tines level.
DO NOT operate or transport on steep inclines.

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DO NOT exceed this implement’s maximum speed of 5 MPH. Exceeding this speed may result in
loss of control during transport or braking.
DO NOT use if the implement is damaged. Repair before continuing use.
DO NOT exceed load capacity
Park and store on a hard, level surface.
Store out of reach of children. Not for use by or around children.
Assembly Instructions
THE FOLLOWING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY UNDERSTOOD BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO BEGIN ASSEMBLING THIS PRODUCT.
1. Select an area for assembly that is clean and free of any debris which might cause persons working
on the assembly to trip.
2. Do not lift heavy parts or assemblies. Use a crane, jack, tackle, fork trucks, or other mechanical
lifting devices.
3. Preview the assembly instructions in your operator’s manual before proceeding further.
4. If the assembly instructions call for parts or assemblies to be blocked up, use only blocking
materials that are in good condition and capable of handing the weight of the assembly to be blocked.
Insure that the blocking material is on a clean, dry surface.
5. Never put hands, or any part of body, under blocked up assemblies, if at all possible.
6. After completing assembly, thoroughly inspect the machine to be sure that all nuts, bolts, hydraulic
fittings, or any other fastened assemblies have been thoroughly tightened.
7. Before operating equipment –if you have any questions regarding the proper assembly or
operation, contact you dealer or representative.
Before Each Use
Operating Checklist
Hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and
proper training involved in the operation, transport, storage, and maintenance of the bale spear.
Therefore, it is absolutely essential that no one operates the bale spear without first having read, fully
understood, and become totally familiar with the Operator’s Manual.
Make sure the operator has paid particular attention to:
Important Safety Information
Assembly & Set-up
Adjustments
Operating Instructions
Maintenance
Pre-Field Inspection
Make the following inspections with the bale spear attached to a tractor:
1. Fully inspect the tractor safety equipment to make sure it is in good working condition.

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2. Inspect the bale spear for loose bolts and nuts. Tighten all loose bolts and nuts.
3. Carefully raise and lower the implement to ensure the drawbar, tires, and other equipment on
the tractor do not contact the bale spear frame.
4. Verify that the bale spear is level from left to right and front to back.
Field Inspection
Do not use the bale spear in wet conditions. Wet material will build up causing the bale spear to lose
effectiveness.
5. Thoroughly inspect the area to be worked for ditches, drop-offs, stumps, post, rocks, and
other unforeseen objects that the bale spear or the tractor can snag on or hit. Mark all
potential hazards before working the area.
6. Verify the bale spear is set at the correct working height.
7. After the first 50 feet, stop and check to see that the bale spear is adjusted properly.
8. Periodically turn the tractor off, remove the switch key, and check for foreign objects wrapped
around the spear. Block the bale spear up before removing objects.
9. Frequently inspect the spear for loose bolts and nuts. Tighten all loose hardware.
Operating Instructions
Do not operate the bale spear with loose pins, bolts, or nuts. Loose hardware can result in a serious
breakdown, causing bodily injury or death.
Transporting
When traveling on public roads, use accessory lights, SMV signs, clean reflectors, and other
adequate devices to warn operators in other vehicles of your presence. Always comply with all federal,
state, and local laws.
1. Reduce the tractor ground speed when turning, and leave enough clearance so the bale
spear does not contact obstacles such as buildings, trees, or fences.
2. Limit the transport speed to 20 mph. Transport only with a tractor of sufficient size and
horsepower.
3. When traveling on roadways, transport in such a way that faster moving vehicles may pass
you safely.
4. Shift the tractor to a lower gear when traveling over rough or hilly terrain.
General Operating Instructions
Before using the bale spear, it is very important that you:
familiarize yourself with the Owner’s Manual,
properly attach the bale spear to your tractor,
make leveling and angle adjustments, and

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conduct pre-field and field inspections.
Before starting the tractor, make sure that it is out of gear, the park brake is engaged, and the bale
spear is resting on the ground. Start the tractor and set the engine throttle speed at a low idle. Raise
the bale spear with the tractor’s rear hydraulic lift control lever to transport position, making sure that
the tractor does not contact the bale spear. Lower the bale spear to the ground and position the 3-
point adjustable stop on the hydraulic lift lever so that the bale spear can be consistently returned to
the same 3-point hitch height for field work.
You should now be ready to transport to your bale spear site at a safe ground speed. On roadways,
transport in such a manner that faster moving vehicles can easily see you and pass you safely.
Reduce your speed when travelling over rough and hilly terrain. Avoid quick or sharp steering
corrections. Take extra care to ensure that the bale spear doesn’t come in contact with obstacles such
as trees, buildings, or fences. Use accessory lights and appropriate reflective devices to provide
adequate warning to pedestrians and other vehicle operators when traveling on public roads and in
the dark of night. Comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
Before or after you arrive at the site, it is important that you inspect the area you will be bale spear
and clear it of safety hazards and foreign objects. Never assume the area is clear. Bale spear only in
areas you are familiar with and those that are free of debris and unseen objects. In the event you do
strike an object, stop the bale spear and tractor immediately to inspect and make necessary repairs
before resuming operation. It’s always beneficial to inspect a new area and to develop a safe plan
before bale spear.
Now that you’re prepared and well briefed, you may begin using the bale spear. You will need to
maintain a 7 to 10 MPH ground speed to shatter residue. Make a tractor gear and range selection that
will enable you to maintain these speed combinations.
Avoid crossing the face of steep slopes and sharp drops. Cross diagonally through dips to prevent
hanging up the tractor and bale spear. When turning, use slower speeds and make wide turns when
possible. The 3-point hitch should be lifted into transport position to make tight turns and to turn
around in the field. Try increasing or decreasing ground speed to determine the effect on quality of
work. Remember to look back often.
With a little practice you will be pleased with what you and your bale spear can do. Whether you have
finished using the bale spear, need to take a break, or just need to make adjustments to it, remember
to:
reduce the tractor engine’s RPM,
stop the unit on level ground,
set the tractor park brake,
turn off the engine, and
remove the key before dismounting the tractor.
Maintenance
Clean, inspect, service, and make necessary repairs to the bale spear when parking it for long periods
and when parking it at the end of a working season. This will help ensure that the bale spear is ready
for field use the next time you hook up to it.

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1. Clean off any dirt or grease that may have accumulated on the bale spear. Scrape off
compacted dirt and then wash the surface thoroughly with a garden hose.
2. Check spear for wear and replace if necessary.
3. Inspect the bale spear for loose, damaged, or worn parts. Adjust and tighten loose parts or
replace if needed.
4. Clean dirt, oil, and grease from areas where paint has been worn, chipped, or scratched.
Prime bare metal surfaces after cleaning and repaint to prevent rust
5. Replace all damaged or missing decals.
6. Store the bale spear in a clean, dry place. Inside storage will reduce maintenance and make
for a longer spear life.
Parts Diagram
Parts List
Reference
Description
Quantity
1
Spear Frame
1
2
Locking Nut M16
4
3
Main Spear
1
4
Nut M14
4
5
Washer M14
4
6
Lower Spear
2
7
Bolt M14 x 100
4
8
Nut M22
2
9
Lock Washer M22
2
10
Lift Pin
2
11
U-Bolt M16
2
*12
Pin
1

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Reference
Description
Quantity
*13
Hair Pin
1
Replacement Parts
For replacement parts and technical questions, please call Customer Service at 1-800-222-5381.
Not all product components are available for replacement. The illustrations provided are a
convenient reference to the location and position of parts in the assembly sequence.
When ordering parts, the following will be required: Model Number, Serial Number/Lot Date Code,
Description, and Reference Number.
The distributor reserves the rights to make design changes and or improvements to product lines
and manuals without notice.

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Limited Warranty
Northern Tool and Equipment Company, Inc. ("We'' or '"Us'') warrants to the original purchaser only
("You'' or “Your”) that the Nortrac product purchased will be free from material defects in both
materials and workmanship, normal wear and tear excepted, for a period of one year from date of
purchase. The foregoing warranty is valid only if the installation and use of the product is strictly in
accordance with product instructions. There are no other warranties, express or implied, including the
warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. If the product does not comply with this
limited warranty, Your sole and exclusive remedy is that We will, at our sole option and within a
commercially reasonable time, either replace the product or product component without charge to You
or refund the purchase price (less shipping). This limited warranty is not transferable.
Limitations on the Warranty
This limited warranty does not cover: (a) normal wear and tear; (b) damage through abuse, neglect,
misuse, or as a result of any accident or in any other manner; (c) damage from misapplication,
overloading, or improper installation; (d) improper maintenance and repair; and (e) product alteration
in any manner by anyone other than Us, with the sole exception of alterations made pursuant to
product instructions and in a workmanlike manner.
Obligations of Purchaser
You must retain Your product purchase receipt to verify date of purchase and that You are the original
purchaser. To make a warranty claim, contact Us at 1-800-222-5381, identify the product by make
and model number, and follow the claim instructions that will be provided. The product and the
purchase receipt must be provided to Us in order to process Your warranty claim. Any returned
product that is replaced or refunded by Us becomes our property. You will be responsible for return
shipping costs or costs related to Your return visit to a retail store.
Remedy Limits
Product replacement or a refund of the purchase price is Your sole remedy under this limited warranty
or any other warranty related to the product. We shall not be liable for: service or labor charges or
damage to Your property incurred in removing or replacing the product; any damages, including,
without limitation, damages to tangible personal property or personal injury, related to Your improper
use, installation, or maintenance of the product or product component; or any indirect, incidental or
consequential damages of any kind for any reason.
Assumption of Risk
You acknowledge and agree that any use of the product for any purpose other than the specified
use(s) stated in the product instructions is at Your own risk.
Governing Law
This limited warranty gives You specific legal rights, and You also may have other rights which vary
from state to state. Some states do not allow limitations or exclusions on implied warranties or
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to You. This limited
warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to rules pertaining to
conflicts of law. The state courts located in Dakota County, Minnesota shall have exclusive jurisdiction
for any disputes relating to this warranty.

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Distributed by:
Northern Tool & Equipment Company, Inc.
Burnsville, Minnesota 55306
www.northerntool.com
Made in China