Method and apparatus for transporting a cotton module

An apparatus for efficiently transporting a cotton module over a variety of terrain including terrain encountered in a cotton field, said apparatus comprising:

• (a) a frame for receiving and lifting said cotton module wherein said frame is configured for connection to a tractor such that said tractor can provide a power source for said apparatus;
• (b) a bed attached to a lower end of said frame for supporting said cotton module;
• (c) a conveyor mated to said bed for loading said cotton module onto said bed and for unloading said cotton module from said bed wherein said conveyor is configured such that it can be operated in a forward direction to assist in loading said cotton module and can be operated in a reverse direction to assist in unloading said cotton module and wherein said conveyor and said frame are configured such that when connected to said tractor said conveyor can be positioned in close proximity to a ground level during said loading and said unloading;
• and
• (d) a drive mechanism for operating said conveyor wherein said drive mechanism is configured for remote operation from said tractor.

A method for efficiently transporting a cotton module over a variety of terrain including terrain encountered in a cotton field, said method comprising the steps:

• (a) picking up a cotton module with a cotton module transporter connected to a tractor by operating a conveyor on said cotton module transporter in a forward direction while backing cotton module transporter under said cotton module;
• (b) raising said cotton module transporter to a transport position using said tractor;
• (c) transporting said cotton module to a desired location by driving said tractor to said desired location;
• and
• (d) unloading said cotton module by lowering said cotton module transporter to an unloading position and operating said conveyor in a reverse direction while pulling said cotton module transporter out from under said cotton module.