Abstract: A hay bale transporter apparatus and method are disclosed that provide a complete system for loading, unloading, and transport of large diameter type hay bales. The hay bale transporter may be utilized to handle individual hay bales or may be used to handle multiple hay bales simultaneously, including unloading or pickup thereof. The hay bale transporter includes a transport frame to which is pivotally secured, preferably on a lateral side thereof, a bale fork for lifting bales of hay onto a cradle. The cradle slidingly supports the hay bales and is pivotally mounted to the transport frame for unloading and pickup of single or multiple bales. A cylindrical hay bale or stack of hay bales may be picked up by means of a fork fixably secured to the cradle so that the transport frame is backed up with the cradle in the vertical position for pickup. In one embodiment of the invention, stabilizer arms secured to the cradle are provided to close around one or more hay bales.