I think that is a key point - the quick tach loaders such as the ALO Euro connection system are so quick and easy to change attachments that there is no need to leave the bucket and its weight on the loader when feeding hay. I am amazed at how INconvenient it is to change attachments on some of my customers loaders. 

Not too long ago I was at a customers farm in W MN and he had a bucket on his loader. We had to lift something and discussed the relative merits of using chains off of his loader bucket vs just hooking up the pallet forks I saw on the other side of the shed...  After watching him go through the process of changing I saw why he seemed to prefer the chains to switching to the pallet forks.

With a smaller tractor, using a spear and not carrying that heavy bucket around is a lot safer when handling 1500-1600 lb 5x6 rounds. I do see a lot of grapples out west where folks are feeding portions of twine tied big squares or using it to chew off a pile, etc.

Another benefit of a spear is I can move my OD wrapped bales without putting a hole in the plastic. Visibility is better with a spear also.

Jim at Dawn