Abstract: A method of loading and stacking bales comprising the steps of vertically stacking the bales at a stacking station, laterally transferring the bales to form a row of stacks and moving the row of stacks rearwardly and downwardly while stripping the stacks of bales from the rack to transfer them to a remote location.

Abstract: Bale loading apparatus for loading and stacking hay bales in combination with a wagon, which is drawn therebehind and has a pluarality of longitudinal stripping fingers on the front end thereof, comprising a mobile frame adapted to be drawn forwardly by a draft vehicle, a bale support rack on said frame provided with a plurality of open ended openings in longitudinal alignment with the wagon stripping fingers and being movable between a raised bale stack receiving position and a lowered bale depositing position, lost motion draft bar connection means coupling said wagon to said frame for forward movement therewith when the frame is moved forwardly and for limited movement relative thereto when the frame is moved rearwardly and means for vertically moving the bale support rack between the raised and lowered positions when the frame is moved rearwardly to transfer the row of stacks from the rack to the wagon supported stripping fingers.