Tractor mounted multiple bale carrier

A multiple bale carrier adapted for mounting on a tractor having a pair of rear drive wheels and a 3-point hitch between the drive wheels, said carrier comprising:

• an elongated frame mounted on the 3-point hitch behind the drive wheels and extending transversely to the forward direction travel of the tractor;
• a plurality of pairs of bale-supporting tines transversely spaced on said frame extending rearwardly for supporting a respective plurality of bales thereon in side-by-side relation;
• means for selectively lowering said frame to a bale pickup position wherein said tines may be inserted under bales when the tractor is moved rearwardly and for selectively raising said frame to a bale transport position;
• a bale carrier subassembly mounted on said frame and including a pair of bale-supporting tines extending forwardly of said frame outboard of one of said drive wheels for carrying a bale alongside the tractor and forwardly of the side-by-side bales, said frame including an elongated tube having a cylindrical end section extending transversely beyond said one of said drive wheels, said subassembly being mounted on said cylindrical end section for pivotal movement about the longitudinal axis of said end section;
• and means powered by said tractor interconnected between said tube and said subassembly for pivoting the subassembly to raise and lower a bale carried thereon outboard of said one drive wheel.