Abstract: A bale wrapping apparatus having an infeed conveyor, a wrapping mechanism and an outfeed conveyor synchronized to convey bales through the apparatus while continuously wrapping a bale in the wrapping mechanism and forming a continuous protective cocoon around a row of bales. The wrapping mechanism includes a rotating cage and a pair of film dispensers that cooperatively wrap layers of film in successively overlapping helically wound paths around the bale. The apparatus is self-motivated when wrapping so as to discharge a continuous row of wrapped bales.

Abstract: A mower vehicle includes a vehicle frame and single front and rear driven wheels. The vehicle is adapted to conform generally to slopes and the like by maintaining the frame in a generally upright orientation. First and second blade housings are pivotally connected to the frame and swingable about an axis extending longitudinally of the frame. The first and second blade housings extend laterally from opposite sides of the frame. Each blade housing carries a driven cutting blade. The blade housings are open to one another and have a shared discharge passage at a center rear section thereof. The blades overlap slightly and rotate in synchronized reverse rotations relative to one another. Hydraulic cylinder assemblies are provided to actuate the first and second blade housings about the longitudinal axis in response to changes in slope of the surrounding terrain.

Abstract: A mower vehicle includes a vehicle frame and single front and rear driven wheels. The vehicle is adapted to conform generally to slopes and the like by maintaining the frame in a generally upright orientation. First and second blade housings are pivotally connected to the frame and swingable about an axis extending longitudinally of the frame. The first and second blade housings extend laterally from opposite sides of the frame. Each blade housing carries a driven cutting blade. The blade housings are open to one another and have a shared discharge passage at a center rear section thereof. The blades overlap slightly and rotate in synchronized reverse rotations relative to one another. Hydraulic cylinder assemblies are provided to actuate the first and second blade housings about the longitudinal axis in response to changes in slope of the surrounding terrain.

Abstract: A bale support arm is raised into the space between a bale trailer frame and the bale lift fork thereof to prevent a large round bale from sagging into that space, and possibly being damaged, during loading of the bale. Pairs of parallel frame links connected to the frame of the trailer and links connected to the fork are pivotally connected respectively to define hinge joints. In one embodiment of the invention for low-bed bale trailers, the bale support arm extends between the hinge joints. As the fork pivots upwardly, the arm is lifted as the links fold upwardly into the space between the fork and trailer and partially supports the tilting bale. In a second embodiment for high-bed bale trailers, a pair of arm lifting levers are connected to the hinge joints. The levers are connected by respective anchor links to the fork, and the bale support arm extends between the outer ends of the levers.

Abstract: A truck bed bale lift is provided for lifting large round bales of hay onto a flat bed truck. The bale lift assembly includes a pair of hugger arms which grip the hay bale to be manipulated and a mechanism for rotating the hugger arms through a loading/unloading arc. The lift mechanism comprises a rotatable crossbar on which the hugger arms are mounted. The crossbar is pivotally mounted to the rear of the truck and is rotated by a pneudraulic ram mounted underneath the flatbed to engage a series of links attached to the crossbar. The particular linkage system used provides adequate mechanical advantage for the lifting of the hay bale without needing an excessively large equipment structure. The particular structure described permits the flatbed portion of the truck to be kept relatively free of obstruction from portions of the bale lift assembly.

Abstract: A round bale loader, unloader and unroller for mounting on the rear of a flat bed vehicle. The loader grips the sides of a round bale on a ground surface. The bale is rotated by the bale loader in an arc over the rear of the vehicle and places the bale on the bed of the vehicle between the vehicle's cab and the rear of the vehicle. The loader can suspend a round bale above the rear of the vehicle or adjacent the rear of the vehicle. The loader can unroll a round bale by positioning the bale adjacent the ground surface and rolling the bale thereon.