Spread-A-Bale
British-Built Straw Spreading and Bedding Machines
Invented and patented by former dairy farmer Michael Hughes over two decades ago, Spread-A-Bale provides livestock farmers with a streamlined solution to one of the most labour-intensive tasks – the bedding and feeding of straw, hay, haylage, corn stalks, and haulm. With machines built in their own British factory and a global dealer network spanning five continents and over 40 countries, Spread-A-Bale is synonymous with quality, reliability, and exceptional straw savings.
50%
Straw Savings
75%
Labour Savings
45s
Per Bale Spread
40+
Countries Served
- AVAILABLE: Worldwide
- Full Sales, Service & Parts Support
The Spread-A-Bale Innovation
Spread-A-Bale was born from practical farming experience. Former dairy farmer Michael Hughes invented, developed, and patented the machine over two decades ago whilst seeking a solution to take the hard graft out of manually spreading straw. Today, he heads up the British-based company which has evolved to become globally synonymous with high-quality machines for the agricultural and recycling markets.
In contrast to other mechanical blowers and spreaders that chop and blow straw using pneumatic forces, Spread-A-Bale’s innovative spreading rotors gently accelerate the product, skilfully teasing apart the bale and throwing it with minimal dust generation. This unique approach results in longer straw that creates a more enduring bed for livestock.
The company recently relocated to a new Deeside-based facility, increasing their workshop floor threefold to meet increasing demand from both domestic and global markets. With total sales exceeding 5,000 machines through their dealer network, Spread-A-Bale continues to demonstrate its commitment to helping farmers improve efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.
- British Design and Manufacturing - All machines designed and built in the UK
- Patented Technology - Unique spreading rotor system minimises dust
- Award-Winning Innovation - LAMMA Gold Livestock Innovation Award 2024
- Proven Results - Harper Adams University study confirms 50% time and 75% fuel savings
Key Features & Benefits
Spread-A-Bale machines are engineered to save time, labour, and straw whilst improving health and welfare for both farmers and livestock.
Up to 50% Straw Savings
The unique spreading rotor system produces longer straw that creates a more durable bed, with customers consistently reporting up to 50% straw savings over manual spreading.
Up to 75% Labour Savings
One person can spread a 700kg rectangular bale in just 45 seconds – faster than any other spreaders, shredders, choppers, or bale processors on the market.
Minimal Dust Generation
Unlike turbine systems, the gentle rotor acceleration minimises dust, reducing health risks including pneumonic conditions and eye infections for operators and livestock.
Truly Self-Loading
Self-loading capability from stack or floor means only one tractor or materials handler is required – no second tractor and pneumatic spreader tied up.
No Electrics Required
Simple, robust design operates from just one double-acting two-way hydraulic spool with no electrical connections needed, ensuring reliable operation.
Low Maintenance
Built for demanding applications with proven, durable components, resulting in very low maintenance and running costs with high resale value.
Spread-A-Bale in Action
Spread-A-Bale Products
Choose from Spread-A-Bale’s comprehensive range of straw spreading machines. Build your bespoke machine by selecting the body size to match your loader’s lift capacity and the head type to suit your spreading requirements.
Straw Spreading Machines
Micro
The ideal compact spreader for smaller loaders. Lightweight 595kg steel chassis designed for front-end tractor, skid-steer, and Hof loaders with 1 to 2 tonne lift capacity.
From 1t Lift
595kg Weight
Up to 15m Throw
1.5m Bale Diameter
Mini
Compact M-range machine for smaller loaders from 1.7 tonnes upwards. Ideally suited for confined spaces under 3m wide with highly maneuverable 1.0m high rotors.
From 1.7t Lift
Under 3m Wide
1.6m Bale Diameter
Front/Side Mount
Midi
The most popular model due to its exceptional versatility. Spreads all round bales up to 1.6m diameter and rectangular bales up to 1.0m high with compact 1.0m rotors.
From 2.5t Lift
1100kg Weight
6-9m Spread
XL Option
Maxi
Engineered to handle the largest bales effortlessly, including round bales up to 1.8m diameter and the biggest rectangular bales with powerful 1.3m high rotors.
From 1t Lift
1.3m High Rotors
1.8m Bale Diameter
Galvanised Option
Mega
The largest and most powerful model designed for large-scale producers. Features HD motors, HF hydraulic manifold, Hardox wear plates, and XL body for bales up to 2.8m long.
From 3t Lift
HD Motors
Hardox Plates
Up to 9m Spread
Optional Extras
ST (Side Throw) Head
Award-winning vertical rotor head spreading straw left, right, or forward with 0.8m wide spread pattern and up to 8m throw. Ideal for narrow passageways from 2m wide.
LAMMA Gold Award
Left/Right/Forward
0.8m Spread Width
Up to 8m Throw
Feed-A-Bale
Optional deflector canopy for feeding haylage or silage into troughs, along fences, or directly into mixer wagons. Also enables bedding of very small pens such as calf or lambing pens.
Dual Purpose
Trough Feeding
Mixer Loading
Small Pen Bedding
Re-Bale
LAMMA Bronze Award winner – the first dual-function machine combining feeding forage and straw spreading. Bladed-edge tines rotate anti-clockwise for feeding, clockwise for 15m throw spreading.
LAMMA Bronze Award
Dual Function
Feed and Spread
Up to 15m Throw
Why ChooseSpread-A-Bale
Proven Straw Savings
Customers consistently report up to 50% straw savings compared to manual spreading, with longer straw creating more durable beds.
Award-Winning Innovation
LAMMA Gold Livestock Innovation Award 2024 and Bronze Machine of the Year Award, recognising cutting-edge agricultural technology.
Time and Labour Efficiency
One person can spread a bale in just 45 seconds. Harper Adams University study confirmed 50% less time and 75% less fuel than turbine processors.
Global Dealer Support
Extensive dealer network spanning 40 plus countries across five continents, with Conagri providing expert support worldwide excluding UK.
Improved Health and Welfare
Minimal dust generation reduces respiratory risks for operators and livestock, decreasing antibiotic usage and veterinary costs.
Low Running Costs
Simple, robust design with no electrics required. Very low maintenance costs, high reliability, and excellent resale values.
Spread-A-Bale Video
Get in Touch About Spread-A-Bale
Whether you are looking for a new Spread-A-Bale machine, need advice on the best model for your operation, require spare parts, or want to discuss financing options, our team is here to help. Available worldwide excluding UK.