A break-away apparatus for a boom arm is positioned at a joint between a main boom portion and a boom tip to allow the boom tip to assume a neutral position and forward, rearward, and upward positions. First and second plates are disposed at the joint and a hinge assembly is positioned between the first and second plates. The hinge assembly includes a first ball joint； a first hinge pin； and a second hinge pin. The first and second plates are in a first position when the boom tip assumes the neutral position, and the first and second plates are movable with respect to each other about the first hinge axis, the second hinge axis, and a pivot point defined by the first ball joint. A first spring assists a return of the first and second plates to the first position.
