Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and carrying large cylindrical hay bales is formed by a base frame and a lift frame longitudinally interconnected for vertical pivoting movement of the lift frame. One end of the base frame is connected to the three point hitch of a tractor. Hydraulic cylinders pivot the lift frame and a tine-equipped bale supporting frame upwardly. Parallel linkage forming a part of the lift frame maintains the tines of the bale lift frame in upwardly inclined relation to prevent unauthorized movement of a lifted hay bale off the tines. A tilt cylinder on the lift frame permits the bale frame tines to be inclined in a downward direction for depositing the bale at a selected or elevated position with respect to the surface of the earth.