Abstract: Bale carrier apparatus for rapidly and easily handling and transporting large cylindrical hay bales. The bale carrier has a main support frame including a pair of spaced apart longitudinal support arms and hitch means connected to one end of the main support frame for detachably connecting the support frame to a towing vehicle. Means are provided to selectively raise or lower the support arms in relation to the ground surface between a lowered position wherein the support arms are positioned at a height below the axial height of a bale to be loaded and spaced apart by a distance less than the diameter of the bale, and a raised position wherein the support arms supportively engage the bale so as to lift the bale above the ground to a load carrying position. In operation, the support frame is positioned adjacent the bale to be loaded so that the axis of the bale projects between the support arms.