Abstract: A bale accumulator is provided for use with a baler for producing rectangular bales of agricultural crops, the accumulator comprising a hitch for connecting the accumulator to the baler, a platform for receiving bales extruded by the baler, a positioning device for arranging the bales in a selected array on the platform, a pusher mounted for movement longitudinally of the platform, an actuator on the accumulator for moving the pusher rearwardly along the platform to move bales along the platform, a rear bale support rearwardly of the platform for supporting bales as they are moved off of the platform by the pusher, and a forward bale support extending forwardly from the pusher for supporting a bale in front of and above the pusher as it is extruded from the baler. The bale accumulator manipulates bales as desired while allowing uninterrupted operation and dumping at any desired location.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting round bales has two bale support cradles one on each side and pivotal about an axis along the side between a first lifting position in which the cradle extends outwardly and a second transport position in which the cradle is located on the support area for transport on the frame. Each cradle has bale support rails carried on polygonal axially spaced rings defining a cylindrical chamber so that a bale can be lifted by rails on each side from the ground rotated onto the frame for transport and rotated back to its initial position with its flat spot back on the ground. A backstop member can be moved from a first position closing the rear end to allow the bales to be discharged from the rear end by forward movement of the trailer.

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: 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 device and method for one-person loading of a multi-bale hay trailer. A bale flipping frame is temporarily attached to a side rail of the hay trailer where it is guided along the side rail in order to position a bale in each bale holding location on the trailer. The mechanism includes a chassis, wheels, and an engine to power a hydraulic system for squeezing the bale from the ends, lifting the bale, flipping the bale above the bale holding location, and releasing the bale. After loading the trailer, the frame automatically disengages to be left in the field or used by another trailer while the full hay trailer is emptied and brought back to repeat the cycle to load additional bales. The mechanism may be transported by pulling it behind the trailer or a truck.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting round bales has two bale support cradles one on each side and pivotal about an axis along the side between a first lifting position in which the cradle extends outwardly and a second transport position in which the cradle is located on the support area for transport on the frame. Each cradle has bale support rails carried on polygonal axially spaced rings defining a cylindrical chamber so that a bale can be lifted by rails on each side from the ground rotated onto the frame for transport and rotated back to its initial position with its flat spot back on the ground. A backstop member can be moved from a first position closing the rear end to allow the bales to be discharged from the rear end by forward movement of the trailer.

Abstract: A control for an unloader of a cotton module builder or other cotton compactor for controlling unloading and loss of uncompacted or loose cotton from the compactor. The unloader includes an unloading element having a first end, an opposite second end, and an intermediate portion located between the ends. A first cotton driver is positioned and operable for moving cotton over a first portion of the unloading element from the chamber to the intermediate location, and a second cotton driver is positioned and operable for moving the cotton over the unloading element from the intermediate location to the second end. The control includes apparatus for selectably operating the first cotton driver in an unloading direction and apparatus operable during operation of the first cotton driver for detecting passage of a trailing end of the module or mass of compacted cotton.

Abstract: A large bale loading, transporting and unloading method and apparatus including a wheeled vehicle having a flatbed with a longitudinal conveyor and a cross-bed conveyor for unloading bales laterally from the side of the flatbed. A tine carrying frame or bed is movable to a vertical position against a bale stack and bale engaging tines are actuated to hold the bales against the frame. The frame is returned to the horizontal position for either transport or lateral unloading. In one embodiment the longitudinal and cross-bed conveyors and the tine structures are carried on a flatbed beneath the surface thereof. In a second embodiment the longitudinal conveyor and tine structures are mounted on top of the bed. Apparatus is disclosed for selectively cutting off flakes or segments of the bale as it is discharged laterally.

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.

Abstract: A large bale loading, transporting and unloading method and apparatus including a wheeled vehicle having a flatbed with a longitudinal conveyor and a cross-bed conveyor for unloading bales laterally from the side of the flatbed. A tine carrying frame or bed is movable to a vertical position against a bale stack and bale engaging tines are actuated to hold the bales against the frame. The frame is returned to the horizontal position for either transport or lateral unloading. In one embodiment the longitudinal and cross-bed conveyors and the tine structures are carried on a flatbed beneath the surface thereof. In a second embodiment the longitudinal conveyor and tine structures are mounted on top of the bed. Apparatus is disclosed for selectively cutting off flakes or segments of the bale as it is discharged laterally.

Abstract: The purpose of the Bale Flipper Autoloader is to allow one person to load big bales of hay on a trailer. This machine tows behind the hay trailer to the field where it is detached and rehooked to the side of the trailer. As this machine loads bales it moves from the front to the back of the trailer. This machine totally eliminates the need of a tractor or forklift to load big bales of hay.

Abstract: A bale accumulator is provided for use with a baler for producing rectangular bales of agricultural crops, the accumulator comprising a hitch for connecting the accumulator to the baler, a platform for receiving bales extruded by the baler, positioning means for arranging the bales in a selected array on the platform, a pusher mounted for movement longitudinally of the platform, actuating means on the accumulator for moving the pusher rearwardly along the platform to move bales along the platform, a rear bale support rearwardly of the platform for supporting bales as they are moved off of the platform by the pusher, and a forward bale support extending forwardly from the pusher for supporting a bale in front of and above the pusher as it is extruded from the baler. The bale accumulator manipulates bales as desired while allowing uninterrupted operation and dumping at any desired location.

Abstract: A bale transporting apparatus includes a frame, and ground engaging apparatus mounted on the frame for supporting the frame above a ground surface and permitting movement of the frame across the ground surface. A bed assembly holds collected bales thereon and includes a bed being mounted on the frame. A bale unloading assembly unloads bales from the bed; and a bale loading assembly loads a bale onto the bed. A hitch assembly may be collapsible for permitting a portion of the hitch assembly to lie substantially flat on the ground surface in a collapsed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a transport vehicle having a vehicle support frame for loading, transfering, and unloading bales of hay or straw and the like. The apparatus comprises a tilting frame hingedly supported by the vehicle support frame and a loader hingedly attached to and supported by the tilting frame. The tilting frame has a side member and pivots about a first pivot axis oriented generally horizontally and transverse to the vehicle and at right angles to the side members. The loader pivots about a second pivot axis proximate to and oriented generally parallel to side member of the frame. The loader has a plurality of selectively actuated bale engaging time structures for securing bales to the loader. Each bale engaging time structure has at least one tine movable between a retracted position and a bale engaging position.

Abstract: A bale lifter (5) suitable for lifting bales of hay etc. onto a vehicle (1). The bale lifter (5) includes a bale holder (6,7), the movement of which is prescribed by a transporting mechanism (9,12,15 and 18) so that a bale impaled by prongs (6) may be rotated onto the chassis (2) of a vehicle. When a bale (8) is just above the chassis (2) of a vehicle a release mechanism (16, 17 and 21) is actuated to allow the bale lifter (7) to rotate about a pivot point (11) to facilitate the removal of the prongs (6) from the bale.

Abstract: A bale trailer for transporting round bales comprises an elongate frame having an end which is arranged to be coupled to a towing vehicle. The frame has a wheel assembly, a pair of elongate cradles, a conveying means for sliding a bale along each cradle and a bale loading arrangement on the trailer arranged to load bales onto the cradles. The cradles are parallel on the frame and are positioned side by side thereon arranged to receive at least one round bale on each cradle. The conveying means extends longitudinally on the frame. The bale loading arrangement has a first loading arm arranged to engage a bale for loading the bale onto a respective one of the cradles, a second loading arm arranged to engage a bale for loading the bale onto a respective second one of the cradles beside the bale loaded onto the opposite cradle by the first arm and a raising arm arranged to raise one of the bales on one of the cradles.

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.

Abstract: A hay bale pick-up device having a trailer with a deck, side wall, side bar, front wall, and tail gate; a powered track with a front end terminating in an inclined ground engaging track for transporting hay bales onto the deck; and a means for laterally moving the side bar across the track to laterally move hay bales onto the deck.

Abstract: Bale collector comprising a roller bed with a number of horizontal rollers, which are positioned at right angles to a direction of travel and which are suitable for receiving thereon successive bales from a press outlet of a baling press and for having bales pushed backwards onto each other, whereby the roller bed comprises, viewed in the direction of travel, a front part and a rear part, which can swivel about a horizontal axis under control of control means which are coupled to the roller bed parts for moving a rear end of the rear roller bed part between an upper position at a height which allows conveyance of the rear end of the rear part of a bale over the rear part and from the rear part onto the ground, and a lower position of the rear end of the rear part at a height in which the rear part is inclined downwards with respect to the front part for allowing expedited conveyance of the bale from the rear part onto the ground.

Abstract: A bale handling apparatus is mounted to a trailer and includes a frame, upper and lower bale cradles, cradle actuating hydraulic cylinders and upper and lower bale retaining means. Each bale cradle may be pivoted to eject bales. Each upper bale cradle is disposed directly above a lower bale cradle.

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 to load and transport a bail of hay comprises a towing assembly and a flat bed. The towing assembly selectively attaches to a towing vehicle. The flat bed selectably attaches to the towing assembly. The flat bed has a forked assembly. The forked assembly has at least one prong. The at least one prong is bent at a an angle toward the towing vehicle. The forked assembly is adapted to selectively pivot around an axle attached to a first position of the flat bed, so that the forked assembly is able to lift the bail of hay onto the first position of the flat bed. The flat bed has at least one motorized transport mechanism to transport the bail of hay from the first portion of the flat bed to as second portion of the flat bed. The motorized transport mechanism is a motorized grips and secures the bail of hay. The flat bed has a pair of wheels, at least one wheel on each side of the flat bed. The flat bed has a support wheel positioned between one wheel on one side of the flat bed and the first position.

Abstract: A large bale loading, transporting and unloading method and apparatus including a wheeled vehicle having a flatbed with a longitudinal conveyor and a cross-bed conveyor for unloading bales laterally from the side of the flatbed. A tine carrying frame or bed is movable to a vertical position against a bale stack and bale engaging tines are actuated to hold the bales against the frame. The frame is returned to the horizontal position for either transport or lateral unloading. In one embodiment the longitudinal and cross-bed conveyors and the tine structures are carried on a flatbed beneath the surface thereof. In a second embodiment the longitudinal conveyor and tine structures are mounted on top of the bed. Apparatus is disclosed for selectively cutting off flakes or segments of the bale as it is discharged laterally.

Abstract: A large bale loading, transporting and unloading method and apparatus including a wheeled vehicle having a flatbed with a longitudinal conveyor and a cross-bed conveyor for unloading bales laterally from the side of the flatbed. A tine carrying frame or bed is movable to a vertical position against a bale stack and bale engaging tines are actuated to hold the bales against the frame. The frame is returned to the horizontal position for either transport or lateral unloading. In one embodiment the longitudinal and cross-bed conveyors and the tine structures are carried on a flatbed beneath the surface thereof. In a second embodiment the longitudinal conveyor and tine structures are mounted on top of the bed. Apparatus is disclosed for selectively cutting off flakes or segments of the bale as it is discharged laterally.

Abstract: Apparatus for modifying conventional automatic three table bale wagons handling small bales to load, transport, and stack big bales with dimensions in excess of 3 feet×4 feet ×8 feet. With the apparatus a modified bale wagon picks up and handles big bales during traversal of a field in which big bales of vegetative material have been deposited. The modified bale wagon with its apparatus loads the big bales one at a time and orders them without rotation, two at a time, on a loading table of a conventional three table automatic bale wagon which pivots vertically, placing the two big bales on end on the bale wagon load bed side-by-side in the bale wagon load bed. When the load bed reaches capacity, six to eight big bales, the bale wagon is driven to a storage area where the load bed pivots 90°, allowing the big bales to be pushed off the load bed, forming a compact stack of six to eight big bales.

Abstract: A round bale feeder is disclosed that includes a series of cylindrical rollers mounted to a support frame and positioned in a V-shape. The rollers are oriented to allow a round bale to rotate thereon and disperse the outer layer of the bale as it rotates. The rollers are operated by a drive mechanism coupled to the ends of the rollers one a common side. The drive mechanism is protected from exposure and environmental factors. The rollers also allow the complete load of the bale to be carried on bearings thereby increasing mechanical efficiency and reliability. Certain embodiments also comprise a bale loader integrated with the feeder apparatus.

Abstract: A large bale loading, transporting and unloading method and apparatus including a wheeled vehicle having a flatbed with a longitudinal conveyor and a cross-bed conveyor for unloading bales laterally from the side of the flatbed. A tine carrying frame or bed is movable to a vertical position against a bale stack and bale engaging tines are actuated to hold the bales against the frame. The frame is returned to the horizontal position for either transport or lateral unloading. In one embodiment the longitudinal and cross-bed conveyors and the tine structures are carried on a flatbed beneath the surface thereof. In a second embodiment the longitudinal conveyor and tine structures are mounted on top of the bed. Apparatus is disclosed for selectively cuffing off flakes or segments of the bale as it is discharged laterally.

Abstract: An adjustable bow lift apparatus for extending the overall height between the bed and bow cover on a cotton module truck during loading or unloading a cotton module, generally including a set of metal tubular frames, one for the top of each side wall, and pivotally attached a first distance from the further most end of each side wall. A set of actuators for each side of the frame for lifting and lowering the bow lift apparatus, each actuator is attached to the last side wall frame member of the truck, with the actuator extension arms pivotally attached at the lower frame on each side of the bow lift apparatus. A plurality of on board power devices may be adapted for rasing and lowering the adjustable bow lift apparatus during loading or unloading a cotton module, such as air, hydraulics or electrical.

Abstract: A bale loading arm for use with a bale carrying vehicle includes a loading frame, a device for pivoting the loading frame, a pivot member, a device for rotating the pivot member, a bale grasper having a grasper arm and a device for rotating the grasper arm. The bale grasper includes a pair of opposed paddles, one of which is movable to receive and grasp a bale. The bale grasper, pivot member and loading frame are movable to grasp a bale lying on the ground and position it above the bale carrying vehicle where it may be released.

Abstract: A bale handling apparatus is mounted to a trailer and includes a frame, upper and lower bale cradles, cradle actuating hydraulic cylinders and upper and lower bale retaining means. Each bale cradle may be pivoted to eject bales. Each upper bale cradle is disposed directly above a lower bale cradle.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle for loading and unloading bales of hay onto and from a transportation bed includes a roller assembly cooperating with a chain drive and push plate to advance each bale or stack of bales rearwardly along the truck bed, and stabilizer arms on opposite sides of the bed have lower ends which are mounted substantially within the profile of the bed for tilting movement between a substantially upright position away from engagement with the bales and a convergent position compressed against the sides of the bales when the bed is tilted to unload the bales onto the ground.

Abstract: A bale loading apparatus, which includes a wheeled undercarriage having front and rear ends; a deck pivotally mounted by a pivot mount to the rear end of the undercarriage for supporting a row of bales thereon; and actuating component driven by a first drive to pivot said deck between a first generally horizontal position and a second generally vertical position. The apparatus also includes forks mounted to the rear of the deck, with the forks preferably composed of tines. The forks are positionable at substantially ground level and in a generally horizontal orientation when the deck is generally vertical. A conveyor is incorporated within the deck to convey a bale from the rear end of the deck to the front end thereof. A drive component is provided to drive the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention is a bale loading arm that is used in combination with a tilt bed wagon or truck. The arm is mounted in front of the wagon bed on the wagon tongue. A bottom boom lift assembly, attached to the base frame on the tongue, pivots vertically by means of a hydraulic cylinder. An L-shaped rotating lift arm assembly is attached to the top of the boom lift, and pivots horizontally by means of a worm drive gearbox at the top of the boom lift. The lift arm extends perpendicularly away from the boom lift, and by means of another hydraulic cylinder, enables the bale lift assembly to reversibly engage bales. The bale arm assembly boom lift pivots down to engage a bale with the clamp assembly, then pivots up to elevate the bale. The lift arm assembly then rotates the bale over the wagon bed and deposits the bale on the bed or atop other bales on the bed. The combined pivoting and rotating of the two assemblies allow the operator a high degree of control in stacking the bales on the wagon bed.

Abstract: The invention is a self-propelled hay bale retriever and stacker ("retriever/stacker") for loading, transporting, and unloading bales of hay. The retriever/stacker has a tiltable bed for receiving the bales, and has movable side railings mounted to the bed, with each side railing carrying pivotal upper racks. The retriever/stacker also has a pair of spreadable forks mounted to the aft end of the bed. Attached to the front end of the retriever/stacker is a loader for lifting bales off the ground and moving them onto the bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and transporting bales of hay or straw. The apparatus includes a chassis, at least one bale receiving table, a bale loader pivotally mounted to the chassis and having an inwardly disposed longitudinal arm and an outwardly disposed longitudinal arm spaced apart by a cross member with at least one of the arms pivotally connected to the cross member. The inwardly or outwardly disposed longitudinal arms are pivotal about the cross member to increase or decrease the distance between the arms so as to grasp or release a bale of hay or straw therebetween. The bale loader is piovotal about the chassis to enable the lifting of a bale of hay or straw onto the bale receiving table. The chassis has a plurality of wheels to permit it to be moved along the surface of the ground.

Abstract: Apparatus for modifying conventional automatic three table bale wagons handling small bales to load, transport, and stack big bales with dimensions in excess of 3 feet.times.4 feet.times.8 feet. With the apparatus a modified bale wagon picks up and handles big bales during traversal of a field in which big bales of vegetative material have been deposited. The modified bale wagon with its apparatus loads the big bales one at a time and orders them without rotation, two at a time, on a loading table of a conventional three table automatic bale wagon which pivots vertically, placing the two big bales on end on the bale wagon load bed side-by-side in the bale wagon load bed. When the load bed reaches capacity, six to eight big bales, the bale wagon is driven to a storage area where the load bed pivots 90.degree., allowing the big bales to be pushed off the load bed, forming a compact stack of six to eight big bales.

Abstract: A bale loading system comprising a bale carrier and a method for loading, transporting, and unloading large bales of agricultural material. The bales can be either round or rectangular bales. The bale carrier is towed to a bale in a field. The bale is positioned in a bale loading mechanism and securely clamped. The bale is lifted, rotated, and placed on the bale carrier such that a flat surface of the bale rests on the bale carrier. A plurality of bales can be loaded onto the bale carrier. After the bale carrier is loaded, the bale loader is transported to a bale storage location where the bales are unloaded. The bales are unloaded such that a bound surface of an unloaded bale faces skyward, and such that an unbound surface of a bale faces an unbound surface of a previously unloaded bale.

Abstract: A hauler for manipulating and transporting a bale of material is disclosed. The hauler includes a support frame comprising a pair of elongated, parallel, spaced apart members conjoined at a first end. A manipulating frame comprises a pair of parallel, elongated members spaced apart at a distance not greater than a diameter of the bale, and is disposed between the support frame. A transverse member connects the pair of elongated manipulating frame members. A linkage having first and second pivot points is disposed near the first end of the support frame and is pivotally coupled to the manipulating frame at the first pivot point and pivotally coupled to the support frame at the second pivot point. An actuator is coupled between the support frame and the transverse member and is configured to raise or lower the manipulating frame with respect to the support frame such that the bale may be loaded onto or unloaded from the manipulating frame, and transported when the manipulating frame is in a raised position.

Abstract: A bale transporting and stacking method and apparatus are disclosed. The bales are picked up from the field and placed bottom side down on the bed of the bale transporter. When the transporter is full, the bed, or part of the bed, is tipped upright to form a stack of bales. The process is repeated with the bales being located adjacent one another. With this system, the outer side of each column of bales is the original bottom side of the bale. This side is denser and structurally less prone to collapse than the less dense top side of the bale. Consequently, the stack is more stable than prior art stacks with the reverse arrangement. The apparatus includes a lift arm for lifting the bales, a pivoting bale clamp for rotating the bales over the bale bed and a pusher mechanism for advancing the bales along the bed towards the back end.

Abstract: A transport apparatus to load and transport at least one bail of hay comprises a goose-neck assembly and a trailer. The goose-neck assembly is attachable to a towing vehicle. The trailer is attached to the goose-neck assembly and able to pivot about at least one axis, so that one portion of the trailer can be lowered to a first position. The first position is that at least one bail of hay can be loaded onto at least one portion of the trailer. A motor, which is controllable by an operator in the towing vehicle, can be used that automatically raises and lowers the at least one portion of the trailer into the first position. The goose-neck assembly is also motorized with a motor, so that the goose-neck assembly can orient the trailer into a position horizontal to the towing vehicle. A motor can also be used to raise and lower prongs, which are used to secure a bail of hay and transport a bail of hay to the trailer.

Abstract: A front-end big bale loader is shown and described. A tined pick-up mechanism is pivotally connected to near the front end of a transporting vehicle frame. The tines of the pick-up mechanism are first inserted into the front side of a large bale, and then, the hydraulic system for the pick-up mechanism is actuated to rotate and lift the mechanism up and over the front of the transporting vehicle, to a bed that receives the bale. After the first big bale is rotated and lifted all the way back to the bed, the bale is removed from the tines by a backward shift mechanism that shifts the bale backwards on the bed, away from the temporarily stationary tines. Then, the pick-up mechanism is rotated forward and down in front of the vehicle to be ready to pick up a second big bale. At about the same time, a forward shift mechanism moves the first big hay bale forward again so that the second bale, when it is lifted up and back by the pick-up mechanism, comes to rest on top of the first bale.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for lifting a large parallelepiped bale of hay or straw from the ground and then loading the bale on a transport vehicle such as a flat bed trailer or truck. The apparatus includes a transport frame pivotally connected to one side of the vehicle for movement between a lower working position, an intermediate transition position and a vertical transport position. A lifting frame is pivotally connected to the distal end of the transport frame for pivotal movement about an axis that is angled relative to the transport frame. The axis is generally parallel to a line that extends diagonally of a bale from one lower inside corner to the opposite upper outside corner. A roller frame fixedly mounted to the lifting frame carries a pair of rollers, a stop member to properly locate a bale relative to the roller frame, and a pivotable clamp for clamping a bale against the roller frame.

Abstract: A bale-accumulating trailer is connectable to a baler for forming round bales of agricultural crop material. The trailer includes a fixed frame having a set of ground-engaging wheels, and a dumping frame pivotably mounted to the fixed frame for movement between a bale accumulating position and a bale dumping position in response to operation of a dumping cylinder assembly. A bale transfer mechanism functions to receive bales discharged from the baler and to place the formed bales onto the dumping frame. The bale transfer mechanism includes a carriage movable between a forward position and a rearward position in response to operation of a cylinder assembly. A bale receiver is mounted to the carriage, and is movable between a bale receiving position and an upright position in response to operation of a pair of cylinder assemblies.

Abstract: A hay bale accumulator is disclosed. This accumulator is made up of a bale platform on pivotal wheels. This platform is attached to a solid hitch at the back of a baler. The attachment point of the platform to the hitch contains a hydraulicly operated system that allows the platform to move from side to side in reference to the hitch. This hydraulic system is also used to lower and raise the platform. The platform is designed to hold two large rectangular bales at a distance off of the ground. The accumulator works by catching a large rectangular bale as it is ejected out of a baler. A sensor on the platform will then activate the hydraulics causing the platform to shift to the side. This shifting places an open space on the platform behind the baler. When a second bale is ejected it will be placed on the platform by the first and a second sensor will be activated. This sensor will cause the hydraulic system to lower the platform and allow the bales to drag on the ground.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for safely and efficiently loading, transporting and unloading bales, such as bales of hay. The invention includes a wheeled frame upon which a cab and bed are mounted for self-propelled locomotion across fields, lots, and roads. A bale carriage includes a pair of bale grabber arms which pivot to securely grab or clamp, and release, a bale. The bale carriage is powered for movement along an immobile carriage track overarching the cab, so that the bale may be grabbed and safely and reliably lifted along the carriage track from a position in front of the cab and deposited upon the bed in back of the cab. A push pan pushes successively deposited bales from the front of the bed toward the back of the bed to allow room for later-loaded bales. The entire bed is pivotal from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

Abstract: A bale handling apparatus having a rigid mobile frame includes a spaced pair of longitudinal bale pickup and bale-carrying members extending substantially from front to rear of the frame forming a chute for picking-up, transporting and discharging a series of hay bales. A pulling tongue is pivotally attached to the frame at a position juxtaposed to a central portion of a frame cross member in a central portion of the frame. An arcuate rail is connected to the frame and extends over an arc angle having a bisector on the frame central longitudinal axis to an arc termini offset from axis, representative of corresponding offset positions of the frame in bale pick-up positions. A rail follower is attached to the tongue and is in moving engagement relative to the frame along the arc such that the frame is movable relative to a towing vehicle to either left-side towing or right-side towing, bale pick-up and bale-carrying positions.

Abstract: The invention is a simple and efficient system for picking up bales of hay, straw, or other agricultural material in the field and transporting these in stacks (four bales high) to a remote location. The first step in the process is attaching to the baler a cart with a turn table. The baler bales the hay, straw, or other agricultural material into a rectangular bale that is delivered lengthwise to the cart. The turn table on the cart rotates the bale ninety degrees and discharges the bale. Then a bale is picked up by a self propelled bale wagon that consists of: a cab with an engine, a flat bed, and the appropriate machinery for picking up the bale. A boom is mounted on the front of the bale wagon. The boom includes a plurality of tines designed to penetrate the bale as it rests in the field after coming off the turn table cart.

Abstract: A bale handling and transporting apparatus has a bale handler on a trailer or body which can be positioned to pick up bales located on either side of the body. The bale handler may have an upright boom, a boom arm, and a bale gripper. The boom is pivoted to move the boom arm and the bale gripper to either side of the body. The boom may be adjusted in length and lowered to place a bale within jaws of the bale gripper. A stabilizer supports the body during the bale lifting operation. The boom and boom arm are operated to lift the bale onto the trailer or body. A conveyor belt shifts bales along the length of the trailer in either direction. The belt is keyed to the trailer to prevent sideways shifting of the belt relative to the trailer body, such as when the trailer is on a hillside. The body may be articulated with first and second bed sections. When empty, one of the bed sections may be pivoted or otherwise positioned to overlie the other bed section to reduce the overall length of the trailer.

Abstract: The invention concerns an agricultural device able to be moved by a tractor and provided with a hydraulic apparatus for collecting and transporting manufactured bales with the aid of a baling press and for continuously feeding a banding machine with the bales collected, wherein it includes a trailer fitted with a loading device, at least one ramp for receiving the bales, and an arrangement for moving the bales on the ramp.

Abstract: A method for picking up rectangular big bales of hay, straw, or the like; placing the bales on a turntable for proper selective orientation of the bales relative to a stacker bed; and for pivoting the turntable, with bales, about a horizontal axis for depositing the bales on a stacker bed. Sideways displacement of a first bale on the turntable permits a second bale to be placed in a side by side, parallel relationship with a first bale and also permits tying of tiers of bales on the stacker bed. A novel pick-up member, which rotates one hundred eighty degrees, allows pick up of bales from a horizontal location on the ground and placement of the bales in an upside down, lengthwise and horizontal position on the turntable.