Large bale handling apparatus

An improved bale loading mechanism for a large bale handling apparatus that comprises an offset wheeled trailer pulled by a tractor, a bale accumulating platform on the trailer, and a bale loading mechanism at the front of the apparatus that picks up and deposits the bales on the accumulating platform as the apparatus is pulled over a field, the bale loading mechanism comprising:

• a loading platform pivotally mounted at an inner end thereof to the front of the accumulating platform for movement between a lowered position, wherein the loading platform extends downwardly toward the ground, and a raised position wherein the loading platform extends forwardly from the front of the bale accumulating platform at an upwardly inclined angle;
• a pair of pick-up arms pivotally mounted on laterally opposite sides of the loading platform and extending outwardly therefrom for movement in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the loading platform, the pick-up arms being pivotal between a gripping position, wherein the arms are pivoted inwardly in position to grip the ends of bales positioned between the arms, and an open position, wherein the arms are pivoted in an outwardly inclined position with respect to the loading platform, such that the arms in their open position serve as inclined alignment members that engage a bale that is out of orientation or alignment with the loading platform in its lowered position and move the bale into orientation and alignment with the loading platform as the apparatus is pushed forwardly against the bale;
• gripping members on outer portions of the pick-up arms and extending from the pick-up arms so as to engage and hold bales securely when they are clamped between the pick-up arms, the pick-up arms and gripping members serving to hold the bales and restrain them from falling off the bale loading mechanism as the loading platform is moved to its raised position, the gripping members comprising sleeves that are directed upwardly from outer ends of the pick-up arms when the loading platform is in its lowered position, the gripping members further comprising elongated foot members slidably mounted for up and down movement in the sleeves between upper and lower movement limiters on the foot members, the slidable foot members permitting the gripping members to grasp a bale in a centered location vertically even if the loading platforms raised somewhat from its lowered position;
• and
• drive means for raising and lowering the loading platform and opening and closing the pick-up arms.