Abstract: The bale handling apparatus has a portable frame with a forwardly projected tongue connectible with a tractor and rear end sections pivotally connected to wheel and axle units secured together by a transverse connecting means. A bale engaging and lifting structure on the transverse connecting means is pivotally movable about the axes of rotation of the wheels from a bale loading position projected upwardly and rearwardly from the connecting means to a bale transport position projected upwardly and forwardly from such connecting means wherein the bale is supported on the frame forwardly of the wheel axes. When a bale is to be loaded, the apparatus is manipulated to initially locate the bale engaging and lifting structure such that opposite ends of the bale are engaged when the structure is backed into the bale.