Abstract: A carrier adapted to be drawn over the ground for handling and transporting bales of hay comprises a rigid framework assembly adapted to be connected to a towing vehicle for transporting a series of bales in side-to-side relationship substantially along the entire length thereof. A bale engaging structure is pivotally attached to the framework assembly about a first horizontal axis for lifting the bales from the ground to the framework assembly. The bale engaging structure is also slidably mounted to the framework assembly along a second horizontal axis substantially parallel to the first horizontal axis for engaging the ends of the bales. An alignment arrangement is constructed and arranged to shift the framework assembly without moving the towing vehicle so as to align the bale engaging structure with the ends of the bale before the bale engaging structure engages the bales on the ground.

Abstract: A tree harvester is rotatable about three distinct axes to increase the efficiency of cutting and stacking trees. A cut tree is rotatable about a first axis by a rotation bearing and an associated hydraulic cylinder to move the tree in a sideways direction from the vertical plane. The cut tree is also rotatable about a second axis by moving a second rotation bearing to allow the jaws to grip the selected tree even when it is surrounded by adjacent trees. The frame is rotatable about a third substantially horizontal axis so that the cut tree may be tipped forward from the vertical plane to facilitate stacking. The tree harvester also includes an improved grab jaw having greater gripping force, and an improved saw bar designed to minimize chain jumping.

Abstract: A tree harvester (3) is mounted on the front end of a steerable self-propelled vehicle (2) in line with the vehicle's longitudinal axis (8). The harvester frame (11) is pivotable about a longitudinal axis (13). A telescoping boom (15) having a plurality of grab jaws (24, 25) at one end is mounted on the frame for pivoting between a vertical and horizontal transverse position. Delimbing jaws (30, 31) are fixedly mounted to the frame. When the boom is vertical and retracted, the jaws are in line and form a pocket (36) which faces transversely so that the harvester can be steered sideways into the tree for grabbing and cutting off ahead of the vehicle. The harvester is then pivoted so that the boom and cut tree are disposed horizontally transversely and above the ground ahead of one side of the device. The boom is then extended so that the grab jaws thereon pull the cut tree trunk through the delimbing jaws.