Abstract: A hydraulic bale trailer comprising: a frame, where the frame is elongate and has a long axis; an axle caddy, where the frame is connected to the axle caddy such that the frame is capable of tilting on its long axis; a lock assembly connected to the axle caddy such that the lock assembly is capable of preventing the frame from tilting when the lock assembly is in an engaged position; and a hydraulic assembly with a first end and a second end, where the first end is connected to the frame and the second end is connected to the axle caddy and where the hydraulic assembly is capable of releasing the lock assembly from the engaged position to a disengaged position, allowing the frame to tilt.

Abstract: A rebaling system may include a bale processing system that processes a first bale of a first size into unbaled material; a rebaler downstream of the bale processing system, the rebaler rebaling the unbaled material into a second bale of a second size different than the first size prior to being processed; a collection platform positioned below a portion of the rebaling system that collects stray unbaled material; and a recycling system including a first auger operatively engaged with the collection platform to move collected stray unbaled material to be reintroduced to the rebaling system.

Abstract: A loading assembly of a bale wagon includes a lift actuator configured to drive a clamp assembly to rotate about a local lateral axis and a rotation actuator configured to drive the clamp assembly to rotate about a vertical axis. The loading assembly also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the lift actuator and to the rotation actuator, in which the controller includes a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to selectively control the lift actuator to rotate the clamp assembly about the local lateral axis between a collection position and a longitudinal delivery position, and control the lift actuator and the rotation actuator to rotate the clamp assembly about the local lateral axis and about the vertical axis between the collection position and a lateral delivery position.

Abstract: A hay bale flaking device mountable on a wheeled vehicle such as a trailer is provided. The flaking device employs a ram to translate a hay bale on a ramp, and underneath a cutting blade which at timed intervals cuts flakes of hay from the distal end of the hay bale. The timing and thickness of the flakes may be adjustably controlled. A secondary bale of hay may be carried by the device for positioning upon the ramp subsequent to use of a previous bale to make flakes.

Abstract: A system for controlling the speed of harvested crop as it is discharged from a crop accumulator onto a field comprising a discharge mechanism for imparting a desired rearward travel speed to the harvested crop as it is being discharged from the crop accumulator and a speed measurement device for measuring forward travel speed of the crop accumulator. A processor is in communication with the discharge mechanism and the speed measurement device and is operable to adjust the discharge mechanism for imparting the desired rearward travel speed or the forward travel speed of the crop accumulator, to discharge harvested crop with a rearward travel speed that is substantially equal to the forward travel speed such that the harvested crop has a substantially net zero speed as it contacts the ground.

Abstract: A bale discharge for an outlet of a baling chamber of an agricultural baler has a first segment and a second segment that are moveable between an extended operating position and a retracted transporting position, wherein a support structure is provided for supporting, in the retracted position, a component of the second segment, wherein the support structure includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion.

Abstract: An improved rearward-hinged and forward-hinged, rotatable and tiltable receiving table for a agricultural bale transport vehicle that selectively tilts and rotates a layer of bales resting thereupon 90 degrees relative to a preceding bale layer on the transport vehicle to criss-cross tie a load of bales (a plurality of layers of bales) together in a load stack offloaded from the transport vehicle to the field for later pickup and movement or deposit in a bale storage area. Preferably, the bale transport vehicle is a mid-size or big bale stack wagon having a Mil-Stak® bale loader previously installed or concurrently being installed. The invention enables the lifting, tilting, rotating, and depositing of one mid-size or big bale or a plurality of mid-size or big bales from a rearward-hinged and forward-hinged bale receiving table of the bale transport vehicle onto a rear-hinged stack load table for consolation into a load with other layers of bales for transport from the field.

Abstract: A bale loading and transporting trailer apparatus comprises a transport assembly having wheels, and a bale support frame on the transport assembly to support the bale support frame above the ground surface. The bale support frame is movable with respect to the transport assembly between a load condition for supporting bales and a dump condition for rolling bales off of the bale support frame. A lift frame is configured to lift a bale positioned adjacent to the bale support frame onto the support frame. A bale shifting assembly is configured to shift a bale rearwardly from a load position on the bale support frame to a store position behind the load position. The bale shifting assembly may include a sled movable in a longitudinal direction on the bale support frame to carry a bale positioned thereon along the bale support frame.

Abstract: Biomass may become an important source of combustible fuel in the future. For biomass, such as switchgrass, to be economically viable as a fuel, the processes required to take the plant material from a green, growing plant in the field to an energy dense package must be efficient. A self-propelled bale picking truck simplifies and speeds bale collecting, stacking, and staging for loading onto a truck for transport over the road.

Abstract: An implement for transporting and wrapping large round bales of forage material includes an elongated transporter having longitudinally extending rails and an endless chain associated with each rail to move large bales of forage material rearwardly along the rails toward the bale wrapper connected to the rearward end of the transporter. The bale wrapper can be devoid of wheels and is carried between job sites on top of the transporter bed, being loaded and unloaded through use of the endless chains associated with each rail. The bale wrapper receives operative power from the transporter drive mechanism. A bale loader elevates round bales from the ground onto the rails. Once fully loaded, a push gate pushes the round bales rearwardly toward the bale wrapper.

Abstract: Apparatus for gathering bales that aligns itself during bale pick-up. Methods for transferring bales that use such an apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in farming and ranching for handling square hay bales. The farming apparatus is generally attached to a lift vehicle, and includes divider plates and divider walls removably attached underneath a frame body to define accumulation bays. The farming apparatus is moved around a field where square hay bales lie to scoop the hay bales into the accumulation bays in a predetermined arrangement. When the bays are full, a plurality of grapple hooks are rotated into the hay bales to hold them in place within the farming apparatus. The hay bales are then carried and placed atop a trailer or truck, and released from the farming apparatus by disengaging the grapple hooks. For offloading, the divider plates and divider walls are removed from the frame body and the process is generally reversed to remove bales from the trailer and move them to storage or another location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stacking hay bales. The hay bale stacker includes a trailer having chassis and a platform, a hay clamping assembly (J) positioned at a longitudinal edge of the platform, the clamping assembly is pivotally coupled to the hay bale platform to selectively move between a horizontal bale clamping position and a vertical bale unloading position.

Abstract: An agricultural bale accumulator includes a load bed, a bale transfer module, and a bale discharge module. The load bed includes center, right and left load beds, adapted to receive and accumulate thereon first, second and third bales, respectively, from a bale chamber of an agricultural baler along a bale-receiving axis. The bale transfer module alternately transfers the bales across the load bed from the center load bed to the right load bed or the left load bed along a bale transfer axis, transverse to the bale receiving axis, responsive to a bale transfer signal to accumulate the bales on the center, right, and the left load beds in a side-by-side relationship. The bale discharge module moves between a bale accumulating position and a bale discharging position responsive to a bale discharge signal. The bale discharge module moves to the bale accumulating position to accumulate the bales on the load bed.

Abstract: A tractor comprises a tractor frame, driven ground engaging means, and an electronic tractor controller. A baler comprises a baler frame coupled or connected to the tractor frame, a crop receiving means, a baling chamber, a bale size sensor associated with the baling chamber, and an electronic baler controller. The baler controller is operable to submit a halt signal to the tractor controller when a bale size signal provided by the bale size sensor indicates that a bale has reached a size equal to or exceeding a first predetermined size. A control method includes the baler controller generating a tractor halt signal in response to certain conditions of the baler system and the tractor controller preventing tractor motion in response to the halt signal.

Abstract: A large bale transporter and an accompanying bale wrapper create a system for wrapping plastic around large bales retrieved by the transporter. The transporter has a loading apparatus that deposits large bales onto the load bed of the transporter until filled. The transporter is then manipulated to connect to a bale wrapper physically and operatively so that the bales can be moved into the wrapping apparatus. The frame of the transporter is pivotally connected to the axle to allow the rear end of the frame to be lowered to the ground to engage the bale wrapper and/or retrieve previously wrapped bales. The wrapping apparatus is powered by the drive mechanism of the transporter and is automatically disengaged when a pusher member placed at the end of the bales being discharged engages the drive coupler. An endless chain drive is drivable in opposite directions to move the bales on the transporter.

Abstract: A system for unloading bales from a bale wagon including a mobile trailer frame and a bed frame pivotably movable with respect to the trailer frame between a first position for receiving bales and a second position for unloading bales. A push-off member is provided for pushing bales off of the bed frame when the bed frame is in the second position. A pushing device is connected to the trailer frame. The push-off member is selectably connectable to the pushing device when the bed frame is in the second position. The push-off member is disconnected from the pushing device when the bed frame is not in the second position.

Abstract: A bale accumulator system that includes a bale accumulator that has a platform with a plurality of centrally located rollers that extend from a first end of the platform to a second end of the platform. First and second pivot racks are provided that have L-shaped support members that are used so that once the plurality of rollers are full of bales the first or second pivot racks can be pivoted in order to place the bales at a different storage location on the platform.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a push over arm assembly and retro-fit kit for hay bale accumulators. In one embodiment, the push over arm kit includes a piston arm configured to be movably secured to a push over arm structure, such as that from a Hoelscher™ bale accumulator. An inclined plane is secured to a baler end of the piston arm and extends in a direction away from the piston arm forming an acute angle (?). And, a bias element, e.g., a spring, is configured to cooperate with the piston arm to bias the piston arm along its length. The spring controlled piston arm prevents or minimizes the occasional halting of a hay baling operation caused by jamming of the leading hay bale as it collides with a baler end of the piston arm.

Abstract: Biomass may become an important source of combustible fuel in the future. For biomass, such as switchgrass, to be economically viable as a fuel, the processes required to take the plant material from a green, growing plant in the field to an energy dense package must be efficient. A self-propelled bale picking truck simplifies and speeds bale collecting, stacking, and staging for loading onto a truck for transport over the road.

Abstract: A bale sweep having a plate assembly mounted on a rearward side of an upright frame for attaching to a skid steer loader. The bale sweep includes a step mounted to a forward side of the upright frame for easy entry into the skid steer loader. A plurality of spaced apart parallel tines are secured to the upright frame and extend in a forward direction. A brace rod, provided for each tine, has an end secured to an upper portion of the upright frame and extends forwardly and downwardly toward a brace connector secured adjacent a forward end of each tine. The brace connector includes a faceplate facing the brace rod. The faceplate having an opening for slidably receiving a forward end of the brace rod. A tension spring is connected between the brace rod and face plate allowing each tine to move upwardly independent of one another.

Abstract: There is disclosed a feeding device (10) for dispensing bales of material from a vehicle. The feeding device (10) includes a body (12) having a surface for receiving a plurality of said bales thereon. The surface has a first end (12a) and a second end (12b) and is configured such that the plurality of bales are arranged in at least one row extending at least partially between the first and second ends (12a, 12b). A pusher (18) is slidably mounted to the surface and moveable between a first position proximal the first end (12a) and a second position proximal the second end (12b). A driving mechanism is provided and is controllable to move the pusher (18) between the first and second positions. Such movement of the pusher (18) from the first position to the second position applies a pushing force to the bales arranged in at least one row such that the bales in that row are progressively dispensed from said second end (12b) of the surface.

Abstract: A pick-up assembly for moving an object off a surface. The pick-up assembly includes a conveyor subassembly extending between lower and upper ends thereof. The conveyor subassembly includes a conveying means extending between the lower and upper ends, for moving the object to the upper end. The pick-up assembly also includes two or more engagement devices positioned proximal to the lower end of the conveyor subassembly for engaging opposite sides of the object respectively, to move the object onto the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and feeding hay bales including a transport vehicle having a flatbed and a tiltable support frame mounted to the flatbed for carrying a stack of bales. A hoist is used to tilt the support frame from a horizontal hay bale transport position to a vertical position against a bale stack for picking up a bale stack. Squeeze arms are used to secure the bale stack to the support frame. An endless chain on the support frame is used to selectively move the bales forwardly. A flaker is mounted at a forward end of the flatbed for receiving a bale advanced thereon and selectively flaking off portions of the bale. A tipping apparatus is provided for selectively tipping a bale advanced by the endless chain from the support frame onto the flaker.

Abstract: Taught herein is a trailer having a gooseneck that can be engaged with the fifth wheel of a road tractor, rear truck unit, and a detachable cargo deck connecting the gooseneck with the truck unit. The cargo deck may be detached from the gooseneck and rested on the ground to allow heavy equipment to be loaded onto the cargo deck. The cargo deck can be reattached to the gooseneck, and elevated and locked into any one of three positions, each substantially parallel with the road, by an elevating means in the gooseneck and the truck unit. Thus the trailer of the present invention can be configured to accommodate cargo have a wide range of weight and size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved system for collecting and stacking round hay bales on a flat bed trailer, particularly for use in agricultural applications such as farming or the like.

Abstract: A bale handling vehicle includes a wheeled chassis having a cab, a frame, a plurality of wheels, and a bale handling system attached to the frame. The bale handling system includes a base frame, a bale gripper structure at the front of the vehicle for picking up bales, a first platform above the vehicle cab for receiving bales from the bale gripper structure, and a second platform positioned behind the first platform. The second platform includes a movable portion that can be raised to a vertical position for stacking the bales. The first platform is movable between a lowered position for receiving the bales from the bale gripper structure, and a raised position for causing the bales to slide rearwardly onto the second platform. Intermediate stop members are movable to selectively block the bales from sliding onto the movable portion of the second platform.

Abstract: A bale accumulator and method in which a plurality of hay bales can be accumulated and arranged into a cluster of ten bales (a “ten stack”). The accumulator first collects a bale in each of two angled bale receivers at the rear of the accumulator. These remain in position as four columns having two bales each are collected in a more forward collection. The result is two angled bales being dragged to the rear of a conventional “eight stack.” As the device releases all ten bales, gate mechanisms rotate the two rear bales 90 degrees so that they lie transverse to the eight bales comprising the “eight stack.” The two rear bales are pressed against the rear of the eight stack in order to form a ten stack.

Abstract: An on-board rectangular cotton module builder and transporter and method of operation of the same, wherein the module builder includes a cotton accumulating cavity for receiving harvested cotton, apparatus for distributing and compacting cotton in a module building chamber having a door through which a cotton module is unloaded from the chamber onto the transporter, and apparatus deployable for holding cotton in the accumulating cavity for conveyance and distribution into the module building chamber away from the door when open. As a result, a cotton module is movable from the module building to the transporter on-the-go while harvesting, and while cotton is conveyed and distributed in the module building chamber. The transporter is operable for carrying the module while continuing harvesting and for unloading the module when desired, including in sequence with a second module from the module builder.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a push over arm assembly and retro-fit kit for hay bale accumulators. In one embodiment, the push over arm kit includes a piston arm configured to be movably secured to a push over arm structure, such as that from a. Hoelscher™ bale accumulator. An inclined plane is secured to a baler end of the piston arm and extends in a direction away from the piston arm forming an acute angle (?). And, a bias element, e.g., a spring, is configured to cooperate with the piston arm to bias the piston arm along its length. The spring controlled piston arm prevents or minimizes the occasional halting of a hay baling operation caused by jamming of the leading hay bale as it collides with a baler end of the piston arm.

Abstract: A drag-behind square hay bale accumulator that groups ten (10) bales of hay is claimed. The grouping configuration has the advantage of providing the first two bales of hay turned at right angles to the remaining bales, to provide for improved stacking of the hay bales. The accumulator is comprised of an open framework within which channels for routing the bales are positioned. After a group of ten (10) bales is collected, the accumulator leaves the bales on the field in a grouping that can be mechanically picked up and stacked.

Abstract: A bale accumulation system for receiving, moving, and accumulating bales (3) on a bale support surface. The system may involve moving such bales (3) in linear path specific motions and transversely with respect to a bale accumulation surface (1). The system may further involve receiving such bales (3) onto a bale reception surface (11) and tilting such a bale reception surface (11) to deposit bales (3) onto the ground. Bales (3) may be aligned in various configurations on a bale support surface (1) perhaps without substantially restricting their movements on such a bale support surface (1) perhaps through the use of bale override alignment elements (16). The configuration of the bale support system also may minimize a total path distance through which bales (3) may be moved, perhaps decreasing the amount of time required to accumulate bales (3).

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and feeding hay bales including a transport vehicle having a flatbed and a tiltable support frame mounted to the flatbed for carrying a stack of bales. A hoist is used to tilt the support frame from a horizontal hay bale transport position to a vertical position against a bale stack for picking up a bale stack. Squeeze arms are used to secure the bale stack to the support frame. An endless chain on the support frame is used to selectively move the bales forwardly. A flaker is mounted at a forward end of the flatbed for receiving a bale advanced thereon and selectively flaking off portions of the bale. A tipping apparatus is provided for selectively tipping a bale advanced by the endless chain from the support frame onto the flaker.

Abstract: An unloader for a cotton compacting structure such as a module builder, including loose cotton retaining apparatus configured and operable for retaining loose cotton carried from, and returning the loose cotton to, the compacting structure. Apparatus of the invention can include an array or arrays of individual upstanding filaments, or flaps, located on a cotton conveying surface of a door arrangement or ramp extending from the compacting structure and over which a mass of compacted cotton or module is unloaded. The apparatus is configured to allow passage of a mass or module of compacted cotton thereover, while preventing passage of at least a substantial portion of any loose cotton following the mass or module along the surface. The apparatus is also configured for returning the loose cotton to the compacting structure upon folding or closing of the door or ramp.

Abstract: A bale accumulation system for receiving, moving, and accumulating bales (3) on a bale support surface. The system may involve moving such bales (3) in linear path specific motions and transversely with respect to a bale accumulation surface (1). The system may further involve receiving such bales (3) onto a bale reception surface (11) and tilting such a bale reception surface (11) to deposit bales (3) onto the ground. Bales (3) may be aligned in various configurations on a bale support surface (1) perhaps without substantially restricting their movements on such a bale support surface (1) perhaps through the use of bale override alignment elements (16). The configuration of the bale support system also may minimize a total path distance through which bales (3) may be moved, perhaps decreasing the amount of time required to accumulate bales (3).

Abstract: A large rectangular bale loading, hauling and stacking vehicle that mounts on a production truck chassis. Loading is accomplished with a bale manipulator that can selectively pick up and rotate bales, depositing them in tiers on a load rack, some in tie tiers. The manipulator works in conjunction with a transverse pivoting mast along the length of which the manipulator is selectively movable. A stack of bales is thus formed on the load rack and later deposited at a storage site.

Abstract: The present invention is a bale flipping device, comprising a first vertical bar, a second vertical bar, a third vertical bar, a fourth vertical bar, a first pivot arm, a second pivot arm, and a third pivot arm, wherein the first pivot arm connects the first vertical bar to the third vertical bar, wherein the second pivot arm connects the second vertical bar to the fourth vertical bar, and wherein the third pivot arm is parallel to the second pivot arm and also connects the second vertical bar to the fourth vertical bar. The pivot arms are pivotally connected to the vertical bars so that the entire device can be folded up when not in use. The device is designed to be installed on the side of a New Holland small bale stacker.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling and loading bales. The apparatus comprises a wheeled base frame for traveling over a ground surface provided with bales, the wheeled base frame having opposite front and rear sections, and opposite side sections, the wheeled base frame including a main platform for receiving bales to be loaded thereon. The apparatus further comprises a manipulating assembly projecting from a side section of the wheeled base frame for individually grabbing bales positioned on the ground surface and individually loading the same onto the main platform so as to form a given row of bales transversally across the main platform, on a front portion thereof. The apparatus further comprises a displacing assembly for displacing the given row of bales longitudinally along the main platform, from the front to a rear portion thereof. A method for handling and loading bales using the above apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A bale handling vehicle includes a wheeled chassis having a cab, a frame, a plurality of wheels, and a bale handling system attached to the frame. The bale handling system includes a base frame, a bale gripper structure at the front of the vehicle for picking up bales, a first platform above the vehicle cab for receiving bales from the bale gripper structure, and a second platform positioned behind the first platform. The second platform includes a movable portion that can be raised to a vertical position for stacking the bales. The first platform is movable between a lowered position for receiving the bales from the bale gripper structure, and a raised position for causing the bales to slide rearwardly onto the second platform. Intermediate stop members are movable to selectively block the bales from sliding onto the movable portion of the second platform.

Abstract: A cotton packager for mounting on a chassis of a cotton harvester interchangeably with a cotton basket, allowing for pivotal movement of the packager between an operating position and a tilted unloading position. The packager includes a pivotable fluid cylinder which attaches to the chassis in place of a fixed front lift cylinder of the basket, and a rear pivot which attaches to the chassis in place of a rear lift cylinder. As a result, a rear open end of the packager can be lowered closer to a surface onto which cotton is to be unloaded, and drivers for an unloader door of the packager can be subjected to less damaging loads.

Abstract: A bale wagon is disclosed having rolling rack tines that pivot, by only a few degrees, so as to reduce the angle between said rolling rack tines and the bale wagons loading bed surface at several preset positions, allows improved control over the lean angle of the unloaded bales.

Abstract: A bale accumulator is utilized to deposit bales in groups in a field. The bale accumulator includes a chute along which bales move to an upper end portion of an accumulator ramp assembly. The accumulator ramp assembly slopes downward away from the chute. The chute may rotate the bales through a quarter turn. The accumulator ramp assembly includes a plurality of guides which form compartments in which bales are accumulated. A plurality of diverter gates are operable to direct bales into each of the compartments as the bales slide along an upper side of the ramp. An exit gate is operable to an open condition to enable bales accumulated in the compartments to move along an upper side of the exit gate and be deposited in a group in the field.

Abstract: A drag-behind square hay bale accumulator that groups ten (10) bales of hay is claimed. The grouping configuration has the advantage of providing the first two bales of hay turned at right angles to the remaining bales, to provide for improved stacking of the hay bales. The accumulator is comprised of an open framework within which channels for routing the bales are positioned. After a group of ten (10) bales is collected, the accumulator leaves the bales on the field in a grouping that can be mechanically picked up and stacked.

Abstract: A load transport device includes a deck suitable for supporting large square agricultural bales thereon. Side portions extending along opposing longitudinal sides of the deck are supported for movement relative to one another in a lateral direction so that a horizontal spacing therebetween is adjustable to accommodate various load sizes. A clamping force can be applied to the side portions for urging the side portions towards one another to clamp a load between the side portions for safe highway transport.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for loading, transporting, and unloading hay bales. This apparatus comprises a trailer frame including a first side and length, a conveyor device attached to the trailer frame, a loading system attached to the first side of the trailer frame, and a hay bale retrieving device pivotally attached to the loading system. The loading system includes a movement deck and a movement arm positioned to move the hay bales across the movement deck and to the trailer frame. The hay bale retrieving device is positioned to transport the hay bales to the movement deck. The loading system, including the movement deck, movement arm and hay bale retrieving device, can be supported by a storable wheeled support that is preferably rotatable 360 degrees. Additionally, the weight of the loading system and hay bales can be offset by a storable counter weight system.

Abstract: An apparatus to load, transport, stack, retrieve and feed bales of hay can be run by a single operator. A vehicle frame supports an operator cab forward of a tiltable bed. A track begins near the ground in front of the cab and proceeds back toward to bed to above the cab. Bales are picked up at the front of the cab and transported to above the cab along the track. Loaded bales are then released onto the bed which is inclined to meet the end of the track. Loaded bales are stacked on the ground by tilting the bed to a near vertical position and driving the apparatus away from the stack.

Abstract: A manually operated mechanism for locking the first table of a bale wagon in the raised position. The mechanism uses gravity to both engage and disengage the lock to permit an operator to safely service the components of the wagon below the first table.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for loading, transporting, and unloading hay bales. This apparatus comprises a trailer frame including a first side and length, a conveyor device attached to the trailer frame, a loading system attached to the first side of the trailer frame, and a hay bale retrieving device pivotally attached to the loading system. The conveyor device is positioned to transport the hay bales the majority of the length of the trailer frame, while the loading system includes a movement deck and a movement arm positioned to move the hay bales across the movement deck and to the trailer frame. The hay bale retrieving device is positioned to transport the hay bales to the movement deck and includes a first spike and a second spike positioned to oppose the first spike. A first position is attached to the first spike and a second position is attached to the second spike. The first and second pistons are positioned to removably impale the first and second spikes onto the hay bales.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for loading, unloading, and handling bales. A powered apparatus is configured to load bales, slide the bales from a loading mechanism to a rearward position on a platform, and unload the bales from the apparatus comprises a variety of mechanisms and control systems. Such mechanisms include a bale accumulating platform, a bale loading mechanism to pick up and deposit bales on the accumulating platform, a bale sliding mechanism, and a push-off or sliding mechanism to unload bales from the apparatus. The apparatus may be positioned in a variety of configurations and a chain tensioner mechanism is used to keep chains taut. The apparatus further comprises a control system that includes a computer device or controller, sensors and switches. The sensors and switches are configured to selectively provide input to the computer device or may be used independent of the computer device to control one or more mechanisms of the apparatus.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting cylindrical bales comprises a pair of rails and a conveyor chain located between and below the rails such that a bale is maintained in position on the conveyor chain by the rails. The load engaging face of the conveyor chain comprises a plurality of resilient pads having a roughened surface to increase friction between the pads and the bale without protruding into the bale. The load engaging face can slide with respect to the bale. First and second loading arms are operative to raise first and second bales onto corresponding conveyors. A third loading arm raises the first bale from the first conveyor to allow the first loading arm to raise a third bale from the ground and position it on the first conveyor, and then lowers the first bale to rest on the second and third bales.