Abstract: A bale stacker and method of using a bale stacker for consolidating a plurality of bales into a bale stack. The bale stacker including a bale stacker chassis supported for translational motion over a surface and one or more: of a bale lift, a bale receiving platform disposed over the bale stacker chassis to receive bales released from the bale lift, a bale transfer table disposing a plurality of bales in bale stack, a bale stack bed having at least one fork movable to abut a bale stack on said bale stack bed, a bale shuffler operable to engage the bale stack to align the bales in the bale stack, and a bale stack push of operable to engage the bale stack disposed on said bale stack bed in primarily vertical orientation to push a plurality of bale stacks off from the bale stack bed.

Abstract: A trailer having a deck and a flip-over ramp. The deck and one side of the flip-over ramp are convertible from a flat position to a position with cradles that are configured to hold one or more round hay bales. The deck may tilt, and side rails may cooperate to form the cradle region. The flip over ramp may also pivot about a horizontal axis to form a pathway from a ground surface to the deck. Side rails may pivot both about a horizontal axis, and about a vertical axis near the flip-over ramp to allow clearance when the ramp is deployed.

Abstract: A lifting device for use in lifting towable irrigation towers mounted on an all terrain vehicle (ATV). The lifting device having a support frame fitted beneath the ATV, a parallelogram linkage attached to the support frame operable with a hydraulic cylinder between a collapsed and upright position with saddles on an upper rail for lifting an axle of the tower such that the tower wheels can be rotated, a winch for raising and lowering the support frame and a suspension limiter for stopping movement of the support frame in the up position such that the frame does not damage the underside of the ATV.

Abstract: A fishing rod holding apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a crossbar and one or more rod receivers affixed to the crossbar. Each of the rod receivers may be configured to receive a fishing rod. Further, the apparatus may include at least one bracket engaged with the crossbar and configured to engage a boat. The apparatus may additionally include an actuator engaged with crossbar and configured to rotate the crossbar to change an angle of the one or more rod receivers with respect to the vertical plane. A related boat and a related boat accessory operation method are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle supported implement for handling separate loads independently, and related methods of use, are presented. The implement is configured to move a load, such as a hay bale, rotating the load radially about an axis, from a first position at a first elevation to a second position at a second elevation. It includes a first frame member and a second frame member pivotally connected to the first frame member at a joint. The axis of rotation intersects the joint normal to the back side of the first frame member and the second frame member rotates radially about the axis of rotation between the first position and the second position. The implement includes an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, connected to the frame members to control the rotation. The implement includes an attachment feature on the back side to secure it to a vehicle.

Abstract: Lift assemblies and methods of operating same. A lift assembly for a vehicle includes a base configured to be attached to a roof of the vehicle and a first support member coupled with the base. Also, the lift assembly includes a boom coupled with a second support member, and the boom is pivotable with respect to the second support member about a first axis. Further, the lift assembly includes a bearing disposed between the first and second support members. The bearing includes an inner ring and an outer ring. The second support member is rotatable relative to the first support member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A gear is engaged with one of the inner ring and the outer ring, and a lift line is coupled with the boom.

Abstract: A tugger cart includes a tugger frame having a first side member, a second side member, and a locking member disposed in between the first side member and the second side member. A first roller assembly is coupled to an inner surface of the first side member and a second roller assembly coupled to an inner surface of the second side member. Each of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly include a roller assembly frame and a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the roller assembly frame. The roller assembly frame supports the plurality of wheels at a slant that declines from a rear of the tugger frame to a front of the tugger frame. An actuator is configured to raise and lower the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly relative to the first side member and the second side member respectively.

Abstract: A pallet jack assembly for use with a pallet jack is provided. The pallet jack assembly includes a tug assembly configured for attachment to a towing vehicle and a frame assembly configured to support the tug assembly. A plurality of caster assemblies is supported by the frame assembly. Each of the caster assemblies is configured to support a wheel. The pallet jack assembly facilitates use of the pallet jack as a hand-powered pallet jack or for towing by a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A retention mechanism for retaining an agricultural machine in engagement with a fork assembly. The mechanism may be provided on the fork assembly, agricultural machine or split between them. The retention mechanism may be actuated by a foot associated with either the fork assembly or the agricultural machine. The retention mechanism may employ pivoting latches or a clamping mechanism that clamps upon the forks or tines.

Abstract: Disclosed are hay bale spikes for tractors used to carry hay bales. A hay bale carrying system includes a frame attachable to a tractor. The frame includes a first spike rigidly connected and a second spike movably attached parallel to the first spike, where the second spike is movable to a position that is not parallel to the first spike. An opening in the frame may position a pin to matingly accept the second spike that includes a lever arm on the opposite side of the pin from the spike. The lever arm may include a connector near its end connectable to a hydraulic cylinder such that expansion and contraction of the hydraulic cylinder provides leverage through the pin to the second spike to move the second spike from a first parallel position relative to the first spike to a second non-parallel position.

Abstract: An improved stack bed wagon is provided for pickup of one or more mid-size or big bales in an agricultural field for transport that simultaneously tilts and rotates a longitudinal bale 90 degrees upwardly and transversely over, adjacent, and along the forward upper edge of a stack bed for pushback onto the stack bed for transport or for consolidation with one or more similar bales in a single layer stack load on the stack bed that can be offloaded from the wagon to the field for later pickup and movement or that can be used for transport of the stack load for deposit in a different place or that can be used for the retrieval of a stack load from a field, ground, or storage surface.

Abstract: A round module unwrapping method is disclosed. Said round module unwrapping method comprising: supporting one or more round modules on a module feeder floor of a round module unwrapping system, detaching a first flap from a second flap of a module wrapper of said round modules, and pulling said second flap of said module wrapper. Said round module unwrapping system comprises a module feeder floor, a first side and a second side. Each of said round modules comprise a module wrapper holding a packed fibrous material. Each of said round modules comprise a first side, a second side, a front, a back, a top, and a bottom. Each of said module wrappers comprise said first flap, said second flap, an inside surface, and an outside surface.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting relatively heavy and/or bulky items. Preferably, a single person is able to load and operate the trailer. The trailer has a frame, at least one wheel coupled to the frame, a platform pivotably coupled to the frame, and a link coupled to the frame and the platform. The platform moves between loading and transport positions. The platform has first and second sections that are generally perpendicular to each other. The first section is adjacent a ground surface when the platform is in the loading position. The platform pivots no more than approximately 60 degrees between the loading and transport positions. The link is operable to move the platform between the loading and transport positions. The link prevents the platform from rotating more than approximately 60 degrees between the loading and transport positions.

Abstract: A bale shredder apparatus may comprise a frame and a bale hopper mounted on the frame and defining an interior bale chamber for receiving a bale to be shredded with a bale feed opening. A bale shredding assembly may be in communication with the bale chamber through the opening to shred a bale in the bale chamber. A side wall of the hopper may be movable away from the primary side wall to permit removal of a bale from the bale chamber. A primary bale movement assembly may move a bale in a lateral direction toward the opening and a secondary bale movement assembly may move the bale in a direction substantially transverse to the lateral direction. A shredding rotor of the shredding assembly may include at least one brace including at least one leg extending outwardly from the outer surface of the rotor.

Abstract: A fork lift, and especially a fork lift for a truck, may have structure on a forklift carriage for selectively receiving any of a variety of attachment tools. Alternatively, an assembly may be secured to the carriage and the assembly may provide the structure for selectively receiving the attachment tools. The structure may include a bolt and lever mechanism for selectively securing and releasing the attachment tools. A method may include selectively securing any of a variety of attachment tools including, but not limited to, a trencher, an auger, a backhoe, and a hydraulic breaker. These attachment tools may be connected to a hydraulic system for control of the attachment tools. The method may include the preliminary steps of locking the forklift against movement along a mast and insertion of fork tips in pocket(s) supported in the truck.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that include rotatable skids for engaging the surface on which forage bales rest during bale loading.

Abstract: A hydraulically tilting dual bale spear having multiple bale tines is presented. The bale spear has a first frame and a second frame connected to one another at a pivot point. A hydraulic cylinder is positioned between the first frame member and the second frame member. When activated, the hydraulic cylinder tilts the second frame with respect to the first frame member thereby providing a safer, faster and more efficient way to gather and pick up bales. The benefit over a non-tilting dual bale spear is that it allows the operator to pick up two bales without stopping or dragging the first bale across the ground and ripping the net wrap. It also allows the operator to level out the two bales once picked up for easier off load onto a truck or trailer.

Abstract: A folding bale spear system including a frame securable to a farm implement, particularly a tractor, left and right fork posts rotatable secured to the frame, left and right bale spears, one secured to the left fork post and one secured to the right fork post, and a system for rotation of the left and right fork posts about the frame such that in an open position, the bale spears are extended rearwardly from the frame, and in a closed position the bale spears cross each other and are rotated to a position substantially parallel to the frame.

Abstract: A grapple is arranged for stacking cylindrical bales, where a bottom row or rows has the axis vertical and a top row has the axis horizontal, and includes a base frame for attachment to front end loader and a grapple frame mounted on the base frame for rotation about a horizontal axis of the base frame. The grapple frame includes two fixed lower jaws side by side and two upper pivotal jaws. The lower jaws are arranged for engaging underneath a bale lying on the ground with its axis horizontal with the lower jaw being shorter in the forward direction than the second jaw so that the lower jaw can approach and engage the bale substantially without pushing underneath the bale and the upper pivotal jaws extend beyond the axis.

Abstract: A bale grab device is provided which includes: at least one frame member; a central projecting member; and at least two holding arms, wherein the holding arms are located on either side of the central projecting member and wherein each holding arm is configured to be capable of being independently moved between an open and a closed position wherein a separate gripping region is provided between each of the holding arms and the central projecting member.

Abstract: A method implemented by a programmable controller in a hauling machine having an engine, moveable ground engaging elements, and a bed actuable by at least one hoist cylinder controlled by an operator hoist control device, determines whether the bed is empty by determining a position of the operator hoist control device, applying a gain dependent upon the position, applying an integrator over time to provide a resultant hoist figure, comparing the resultant hoist figure to a hoist minimum constant, and, if the hoist figure is less than or equal to the hoist maximum constant, concluding that the bed is empty.

Abstract: A hay spear accessory apparatus for providing a secure and fixed mounting point for attachments such as ropes, chains, cables and the like, the apparatus being generally comprised of a an open-ended sleeve member having an interior diameter sized for slidable engagement over the distal end of a hay spear, the sleeve having attachment mounting means fixedly connected to the outer surface thereof. The interior of the sleeve has a varied diameter so as to accommodate the receipt of hay spears of various diameters. The apparatus of the subject invention is designed for frictional engagement with a hay spear, but optional securing means are also provided which prevent axial displacement of the apparatus along the hay spear once mounted thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus for gathering bales that substantially match conveyor speed to ground speed. Methods for gathering bales that use such apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods which use a conveyored loading assembly for gathering bales and, in particular, round bales such as a hay or corn stover bales.

Abstract: Hydraulic control systems for regulating the transfer of bales in an apparatus for gathering bales and methods for transferring bales that use such control systems are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus to tilt, flip, or rotate a round cotton module on a conveying system employs actuated arms includes that support a bar which fits in place of a roller on a provided conveyor system having multiple rollers. A cotton module can be easily rotated or flipped to a vertical position when the bar rotates between initial reclined and final elevated positions. The wrapping can be removed once the cotton module reaches the final elevated position.

Abstract: An improved hay bale spear implement comprises multiple spears and multiple support spikes extending outwardly from a frame. The arrangement of the spears and support spikes enables one or more spears and one or more support spikes to penetrate and support a single large round hay bale, two large round hay bales, or a large rectangular hay bale. The spears and support spikes may be positionable at various locations along the frame by a user of the implement. An attachment device couples the frame to a vehicle such as a tractor or loader. The attachment device may be removable from the frame to enable installation of a different type of attachment device to the frame.

Abstract: A tractor comprises a tractor frame, driven ground engaging means, and an electronic tractor controller. A baler comprises a baler frame coupled or connected to the tractor frame, a crop receiving means, a baling chamber, a bale size sensor associated with the baling chamber, and an electronic baler controller. The baler controller is operable to submit a halt signal to the tractor controller when a bale size signal provided by the bale size sensor indicates that a bale has reached a size equal to or exceeding a first predetermined size. A control method includes the baler controller generating a tractor halt signal in response to certain conditions of the baler system and the tractor controller preventing tractor motion in response to the halt signal.

Abstract: A large bale transporter and an accompanying bale wrapper create a system for wrapping plastic around large bales retrieved by the transporter. The transporter has a loading apparatus that deposits large bales onto the load bed of the transporter until filled. The transporter is then manipulated to connect to a bale wrapper physically and operatively so that the bales can be moved into the wrapping apparatus. The frame of the transporter is pivotally connected to the axle to allow the rear end of the frame to be lowered to the ground to engage the bale wrapper and/or retrieve previously wrapped bales. The wrapping apparatus is powered by the drive mechanism of the transporter and is automatically disengaged when a pusher member placed at the end of the bales being discharged engages the drive coupler. An endless chain drive is drivable in opposite directions to move the bales on the transporter.

Abstract: A round bale mover for attachment to either a tractor mounted front-end loader or a tractor three-point hitch for moving a pair of round bales. First and second bale teeth extend from a first end of the bale mover for supporting a first bale thereon. Third and fourth bale teeth extend from a second end of the bale mover for supporting a second bale thereon. The first and second bale teeth are selectively movable towards and away from the third and fourth bale teeth. The third and fourth bale teeth are selectively movable towards and away from the first and second bale teeth. The bale mover enables the first and second bales to be moved towards one another and moved away from one another.

Abstract: A bale sweep having a plate assembly mounted on a rearward side of an upright frame for attaching to a skid steer loader. The bale sweep includes a step mounted to a forward side of the upright frame for easy entry into the skid steer loader. A plurality of spaced apart parallel tines are secured to the upright frame and extend in a forward direction. A brace rod, provided for each tine, has an end secured to an upper portion of the upright frame and extends forwardly and downwardly toward a brace connector secured adjacent a forward end of each tine. The brace connector includes a faceplate facing the brace rod. The faceplate having an opening for slidably receiving a forward end of the brace rod. A tension spring is connected between the brace rod and face plate allowing each tine to move upwardly independent of one another.

Abstract: A folding bale spear system including a frame securable to a farm implement, particularly a tractor, left and right fork posts rotatable secured to the frame, left and right bale spears, one secured to the left fork post and one secured to the right fork post, and a system for rotation of the left and right fork posts about the frame such that in an open position, the bale spears are extended rearwardly from the frame, and in a closed position the bale spears cross each other and are rotated to a position substantially parallel to the frame.

Abstract: A grabber accessory for attachment to a prime mover is described, and may include a stanchion, pivotable arm having a proximate end attached to the stanchion to form a pivot point of the arm and a distal end extending generally transverse to the stanchion and terminating in at least one downward tine, and hydraulic cylinder attached between an upper end of the stanchion and a surface of the arm between the proximate and distal ends. The hydraulic cylinder may be configured to raise and lower the arm under hydraulic control from a main hydraulic feed of the prime mover. The accessory further includes a pair of vertically spaced clamping assemblies attaching a lower portion of the stanchion to frame member surfaces of the prime mover so as to secure the accessory in an upright position.

Abstract: A fork lift for a truck may have at least one mounting beam for pivotally supporting a fork lift mast on a truck frame. The mounting beam may be mounted in a bed of the truck via other structural members and bolts that extend through the members, bed, and truck frame. The fork lift may extend well below a level of the truck bed to enable engagement of palletized loads resting on the ground by the forks of the fork lift. The fork lift may have hydraulics including pumps, solenoids and motors that may be supported in a tool box that also helps to secure the mounting beam. An electric over hydraulic control system enables remote control from within the cab of the truck. Fork position during stabbing of a pallet may be viewed on a monitor in the cab, with the monitor operatively connected to one or more cameras.

Abstract: A baler with a bale pressing chamber for agricultural stalk materials is connected with a wrapping device comprising a wrapping table for the enveloping of a bale with foil via at least one support frame carried by a chassis, between the baler and the wrapping device at least one actively driven bale transfer device for the transfer of the finished bale from the bale pressing chamber to the wrapping table of the wrapping device is present, and as a function of the inclination of the baler and/or the wrapping device to the perpendicular the operational sequence of the transfer of the bale from the bale pressing chamber to the wrapping device is controlled.

Abstract: Taught herein is a trailer having a gooseneck that can be engaged with the fifth wheel of a road tractor, rear truck unit, and a detachable cargo deck connecting the gooseneck with the truck unit. The cargo deck may be detached from the gooseneck and rested on the ground to allow heavy equipment to be loaded onto the cargo deck. The cargo deck can be reattached to the gooseneck, and elevated and locked into any one of three positions, each substantially parallel with the road, by an elevating means in the gooseneck and the truck unit. Thus the trailer of the present invention can be configured to accommodate cargo have a wide range of weight and size.

Abstract: A round bale sled that is a combination round bale feeder and transport device. In one embodiment, the bale sled includes a bale holding portion and a base. The bale holding portion is configured to hold a round bale. The base is coupled to the bale holding portion. The base is configured to allow the bale sled to be pulled in a select direction. Moreover, the base is further configured to allow for a pivot loading of the round bale in the bale holding portion.

Abstract: A round bale mover for attachment to either a tractor mounted front-end loader or a tractor three-point hitch for moving a pair of round bales. First and second bale teeth extend from a first end of the bale mover for supporting a first bale thereon. Third and fourth bale teeth extend from a second end of the bale mover for supporting a second bale thereon. The first and second bale teeth are selectively movable towards and away from the third and fourth bale teeth. The third and fourth bale teeth are selectively movable towards and away from the first and second bale teeth. The bale mover enables the first and second bales to be moved towards one another and moved away from one another.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a telescoping boom extending outwardly from the vehicle. An attachment is operably connected to the boom, the attachment including opposed forks configured to be both urgable toward each other and urgable away from each other. The attachment is configured to be positionable over and substantially laterally surround at least one pair of round bales arranged substantially side by side and having corresponding diameters in close proximity of each other. The opposed forks are urgable toward each other with sufficient compressive force applied to opposed portions of the diameters of the at least one pair of round bales, at least elastically deforming the cylindrical profile of at least one of the at least one pair of round bales, so that the at least one pair of round bales can be vertically lifted and manipulated by at least the boom to a predetermined destination.

Abstract: A tractor attachment of the present invention may include a plurality of forks and also may include a spear. The plurality of forks and the spear are each attached to a tractor attachment frame such that the plurality of forks and the spears may be rotated between a lowered position and a raised position. As such, the spears and the forks may be raised or lowered depending on the needs of a user.

Abstract: Hay bale suspension systems for non-pivotal connection to hitches of vehicles are disclosed herein. The systems respectively comprise connector assemblies and hay bale support assemblies. The connector assemblies non-pivotally secure to a ball hitch or a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The hay bale support assemblies are non-pivotally secured to the vehicle via the connector assemblies.

Abstract: A cylindrical bale trailer for transporting cylindrical bales of crop material, such as hay, cotton and the like, from one location to another comprising a pair of elongate side frame rails in substantially parallel arrangement, being spaced apart at a distance less than the diameter of a cylindrical bale, and a generally arcuate overhead axle substantially perpendicular to the side frame rails and having each end respectively attached to one of the side frame rails. A wheel and brake assembly is operatively attached to each of the side frame rails adjacent the overhead axle, and a hydraulic lift assembly is operatively connected to each of the side frame rails and the wheel and brake assembly for selectively raising and lowering the cylindrical bale trailer during loading and unloading procedures. In cooperation with the overhead axle, a front frame rail maintains the side frame rails in parallel relation.

Abstract: A skid steer bale spear has a single member, or cross tube, to which joins at least one spear and balance spikes. The member then has plates proximate each end welded to the member for connection to a tractor or skid steer loader following the spacing and orientation for the Universal Skid Steer Quick Attach. Additionally, this skid steer bale spear includes a rollback angle to the spear, foot grips, backstops, and detachable spears and spikes. This skid steer bale spear uses less resources, capital, labor, and materials for manufacturing. The member, spear, and balance spikes can be shipped and merchandised in a compact form. At the farm or the ranch, the skid steer bale spear assembles in minutes with hand tools and readily connects to a tractor or loader.

Abstract: For use with a hay wagon that has a lifting-cradle for picking up haybales from a field and depositing the bales on the platform of the wagon, ready for transport to a bale-wrapping machine. A bale-lifting-spear is mounted on the cradle. The first and last bales of a sausage have to be bagged; the spear, in conjunction with the cradle and its lifting mechanism, is used to lift the first and last bales off the ground, and thereby to enable a plastic bag to be placed over the bale.

Abstract: The practical use of this invention allows one person to transport a round hay/forage bale a short distance without assistance from a tractor or other vehicle. The power source is a cordless drill that rolls the bale along the ground essentially turning it into a large diameter wheel. The relatively low cost and unique feature of using a cordless drill as a power source to move such a large cylindrical object is new to the hay/forage transportation industry.

Abstract: A bale lifting device for the lifting, moving, and handling of cargo and/or bales of fibrous material such as hay. The bale lifting device having a pair of generally facing hydraulic cylinders configured for moving a pair of forks from a close inner position to a spaced apart outer position.

Abstract: A handling apparatus is provided that attaches to a three-point hitch of a farm implement/tractor. The apparatus allows for engaging multiple bales in a field while the tractor is driven in a forward direction. The bales are engaged while they are disposed beside the tractor such that they are in view of the operator. Once bales are engaged, the apparatus allows for rotating the bales from a position beside the tractor to a position behind the tractor. This allows, inter alia, the tractor to pass through openings (e.g., gates or doors) while carrying multiple bales.

Abstract: A feed support for use with a bale ring, a system for feeding animals, and systems and methods for moving bale rings are disclosed. The feed support has a generally vertical support member, an attachment plate, and a plurality of telescoping arm assemblies that are mounted on the attachment plate for rotation. As mounted, the telescoping arm assemblies can rotate between an operational position in which they are generally horizontal and radiate outwardly from the attachment plate and a stored position, in which they extend perpendicular to the attachment plate. The arm assemblies have primary sections and secondary sections that are mounted within the primary sections for sliding, telescoping movement. Ends of the secondary arm sections may carry engaging structure for attaching to the bale ring. The feed support may allow the bale ring to be picked up and moved with a tractor or other equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved combination hay trailer and tiltable bed and a method related thereto for loading and unloading round bales, the improvement comprising a rotary hinge assembly positioned along the combination and adapted for angular rotation of the bed about the trailer, the hinge assembly including an outer hinge structure spaced from an inner hinge structure, the inner hinge structure associated with one of the bed and trailer, the outer hinge structure being associated with the remaining bed or trailer, and a hinge sleeve extending through said hinge assembly, wherein said tiltable bed is biased downwardly.

Abstract: An implement for transporting and wrapping large round bales of forage material includes an elongated transporter having longitudinally extending rails and an endless chain associated with each rail to move large bales of forage material rearwardly along the rails toward the bale wrapper connected to the rearward end of the transporter. The bale wrapper can be devoid of wheels and is carried between job sites on top of the transporter bed, being loaded and unloaded through use of the endless chains associated with each rail. The bale wrapper receives operative power from the transporter drive mechanism. A bale loader elevates round bales from the ground onto the rails. Once fully loaded, a push gate pushes the round bales rearwardly toward the bale wrapper.