Safely Moving and Storing Large Hay Bales

Bale Handling with a Front-End Loader

The best approach when using a front-end loader is to remove the bucket from the loader and use an attachment designed to handle large bales, such as a grappling hook or bale spear. The advantage of using a grappling hook or spear on the front-end loader is that it reduces the potential for the bale to roll back onto the loader arms or the operator. Additional best practices include:

• When moving bales with a tractor, the tractor should have a rollover protective structure (ROPS). Ensure that both the tractor and the attachment can safely handle the weight and size of your round bales.
• Farmers should avoid overhead power lines and remember to "go slow and keep the load low" when moving bales with a front-end loader.
• The center of gravity on the tractor moves upward when carrying a bale. Farmers tend to raise the loader to increase their visibility, which raises the center of gravity and places the operator at an increased risk of a side overturn.
• An additional risk factor for a side overturn occurs because of reduced traction from driving on rough or wet terrain. Rear-mounted 3-point bale lifts solve the problem of being unable to see around large bales as you move forward, but can introduce stability problems of their own.
• When using a rear-mounted 3-point lift to move round bales, do not lift the bale too high because the center of gravity will shift to the rear of the tractor, which may raise the front. If the front raises enough that the front tractor tires barely touch the ground, the operator may have problems with steering and stability.
• Hauling bales simultaneously with a front-end loader and rear-mounted attachment can reduce the stability problem. Still, you must stay within the weight limit for the tractor's tire capacity. Remember to use counterweights on the front or rear end to ensure stability.

Hauling Large Round or Square Bales

When transporting large bales, use a tractor or truck and trailer that will safely handle the load. Do not overload a trailer or wagon; use adequately sized straps to safely secure the bales on the trailer, truck, or wagon during transport. If you are moving bales between farms and traveling on public roads, the brakes and lights should be in good working order on tractors, trailers, loaders, and trucks.

Specialized bale wagons and trailers that carry multiple bales at a time have several advantages, such as time savings, reduced risk of overturns, and reduced risk of overloading the tractor's hydraulic system. The first consideration is choosing the appropriate tractor that can handle and stop the wagon/trailer with the added weight of the bales. Additional best practices include the following:

• Always hitch the wagon to the tractor's drawbar and use a safety pin and chain.
• When using a trailer to move large bales, use a trailer equipped with brakes.
• If transporting large bales on a public roadway, follow all traffic laws regarding wide loads and adequately secure the bales on the wagon/trailer with straps with a tensile strength of 1.5 times the load.
• The trailer or wagon should be highly visible with an SMV emblem, reflectors, and working warning lights.
• If using a truck to tow the load, ensure it has the necessary braking power to stop it, and use a trailer with trailer brakes if possible.
• If the load is wider than the tractor or truck and reduces visibility, consider using an escort vehicle to travel behind the load.
• Pull off the road at a safe spot to allow traffic to pass. Do not wave traffic around, as this places the liability on the tractor or truck operator should an incident occur.
• When moving bales with a tractor, the tractor should have a rollover protective structure (ROPS). Ensure that both the tractor and the attachment can safely handle the weight and size of your round bales.
• Farmers should avoid overhead power lines and remember to "go slow and keep the load low" when moving bales with a front-end loader.

Bale Stacking in the Barn

To reduce the risk of bales falling over when stored inside, store large bales on their broadest base and one layer high if possible. For large square bales, start with a flat layer of large bales on their broadest base and then overlap them as you build a pyramid of bales (shown on the right). This method provides a strong base and more stable layers with a decreased risk for a bale to fall from the higher level. For large round bales, a one-bale level is recommended. Stagger the bales (shown above) if you need a two-level storage.

Inside Storage and Fire Risk Reduction

Properly harvesting and storing hay can reduce the risk of personal injury and the potential for a fire. A 14–18% moisture content level is ideal for the bale type to reduce the risk of overheating during storage. The weather is always an issue during baling season. Baling hay later in the day provides time to decrease moisture. Equipment such as hay rakes, tedders, and windrow inverters can help hay dry faster in the field before baling. Check with your agronomist about certain preservatives that can reduce bacterial growth. A moisture tester can determine when the hay is at the proper moisture level and ready to bale.

Sources

Grisso, R., Fike, J. (2020) Large round bale safety. Virginia Cooperative Extension. 

 Huhnke, R. (2017) Round bale hay storage. Oklahoma State University Extension. 

National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Student Manual. (2021) Pennsylvania State University.

Preventing hay fires due to excessive moisture. (2025) North Dakota State University.