Grain storage bag loader apparatus

A bag loader apparatus for filling an elongated bag to rest upon a ground surface on which the apparatus rests, the bag loader apparatus comprising:

• a base assembly having a front and a rear;
• a bag interface assembly for removably mounting the bag thereon, the bag interface assembly forming a tunnel with a rear opening for placing in fluid communication with a fill opening of the bag, the bag interface assembly including a bulkhead wall and a bag flange extending generally rearwardly from the bulkhead wall;
• and
• a primary auger assembly having a first end and a second end with an output opening in communication with the tunnel of the bag interface assembly;
• wherein the bag interface assembly includes a bag lifting assembly configured to lift the bag into a position for loading the bag by the apparatus, the bag lifting assembly including:
• a lid structure positionable in the bag to suspend and maintain the fill opening of the bag in an open condition, the lid structure having an upper surface on which a portion of the bag rests when the lid structure supports the bag;
• and
• a lifting structure configured to move the lid structure between a loading position and an operational position;
• wherein the loading position of the lid structure is characterized by the lid structure being located relatively lower and closer to the ground surface on which the apparatus rests and the operational position of the lid structure being characterized by the lid structure being located relatively higher and further from the ground surface;
• wherein the operational position of the lid structure is further characterized by the lid structure being positioned adjacent to the bulkhead wall and forming a portion of the bag flange;
• and
• wherein the lifting structure comprises a multiple bar linkage to swing the lid structure between the loading position and the operational position while maintaining the upper surface of the lid structure in an orientation parallel to the ground surface in the loading position of the lid structure and in the operational position of the lid structure.